Five National Centers of Excellence for Skilling and the National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Improvement have been approved

The program, which was announced in Budget 2024–2025, will be run as a centrally sponsored program.

Concerning the Scheme Goal: Establish current ITIs as industry-managed, government-owned, and aspirational skill-building institutions in cooperation with state governments and business. Over five years, the total expenditure came to ₹60,000 crore (Rs. 30,000 crore for the central share, Rs. 20,000 crore for the state share, and Rs. 10,000 crore for the industry share).

It will be equally funded by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank up to 50% of the central share. The main goal is to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs in hub and spoke arrangements with industry-aligned, redesigned trades (courses).

Capacity Five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) will be expanded, and five National Centers of Excellence for Skilling will be established inside these institutions.

Use an outcome-driven implementation strategy by implementing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model that is led by the industry.

About the Structure of ITIs: Since the 1950s, ITIs, which are run by state governments, have served as the foundation for Vocational Education and Training (VET) in India.

The Accreditation of ITIs: entrusted to the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship's Directorate General of Training (DGT), the highest VET authority.

Status: Approximately 15,034 ITIs are now in operation, with 78% of them being privately held.

Programs include Model ITI, Enhancing Skill Development Infrastructure in Northeast States (ESDI), and Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE).