Kolkata: The West Bengal government has described the Prime Minister Skilling and Employability Transformation (PM-SETU) scheme as a significant step toward enhancing skill development and employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
State minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay said the initiative will modernize Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and help align youth training with industry requirements, ultimately improving job prospects across sectors.
Focus on Modernization of ITIs Under PM-SETU
The PM-SETU initiative, announced in the Union Budget 2024–25 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aims to upgrade thousands of ITIs across India with an investment of around ₹60,000 crore.
According to the minister, the scheme is designed to modernize training infrastructure, introduce industry-relevant courses, and improve employability among youth by bridging the gap between education and industry demand.
Political Remarks on Earlier Implementation Delay
Jagannath Chattopadhyay alleged that the project was not actively pursued earlier by the state due to the inclusion of “Prime Minister” in the scheme’s name.
He further stated that with a change in approach, the state has now decided to actively participate in implementing the scheme to benefit young job seekers.
₹5,000–6,000 Crore Investment Planned in West Bengal
The minister highlighted that over the next five years, West Bengal is expected to receive an investment of approximately ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 crore under the PM-SETU program.
This funding will be used to upgrade ITI infrastructure, introduce advanced training technologies, and develop industry-oriented courses to enhance skill training quality in the state.
Better Industry Linkages and Employment Opportunities
The PM-SETU scheme is expected to strengthen coordination between the central government, state governments, and industry partners.
Officials believe this collaboration will ensure structured skill training, internships, and direct employment opportunities for trained youth, significantly improving employability outcomes.
The West Bengal government has welcomed the PM-SETU initiative as a transformative step for vocational education and youth employment. With large-scale investment and ITI modernization, the scheme is expected to create a stronger skill ecosystem and open up better job opportunities for thousands of young people in the state.
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