₹475.41 crore approved to upgrade 10 J&K ITIs under PM-SETU

Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, has welcomed the approval of investment plans worth ₹475.41 crore for the upgradation of 10 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Jammu and Kashmir under the PM-SETU scheme.

The approval was given by the National Steering Committee. Sunil Sharma expressed his gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary for approving the investment plans.

The decision is aimed at strengthening the skill development ecosystem in the Union Territory. It will focus on improving vocational training infrastructure and creating better employment opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

Under the approved plan, the Jammu cluster will receive an investment of ₹240 crore. ITI Jammu has been designated as the hub institute for this cluster. ITIs at R.S. Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua will function as linked institutes.

The Srinagar cluster will receive ₹235.41 crore. ITI Srinagar will serve as the hub institute, while ITIs at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief will work as linked institutes.

The proposed upgradation will include modern workshops, advanced machinery and equipment, improved instructor training and industry-aligned courses. The focus will be on ensuring that young people acquire skills relevant to the changing requirements of the job market.

Expressing his appreciation, Sunil Sharma said, “I sincerely thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary for this landmark approval. The investment of ₹475.41 crore will give a major boost to skill development in Jammu and Kashmir and open new avenues of opportunity for our youth. By strengthening our ITIs and aligning vocational training with industry requirements, this initiative will help our young people become more skilled, employable and self-reliant.”

He further stated, “The equal focus on the Jammu and Srinagar clusters reflects a commitment to ensuring balanced development across the Union Territory. Whether it is a young people from R.S. Pura or a young people from Budgam, our youth must have access to quality vocational education and skills that can translate into meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.”

Sunil Sharma also highlighted the expansion of skill development infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the number of ITIs in the Union Territory had increased from 35 in 2014 to 56 at present.

He said the seating capacity of these institutions had also risen from approximately 3,800 to over 12,400. According to him, the increase reflects the growing emphasis on skill development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The expansion of ITIs and the substantial increase in training capacity reflect the growing emphasis on skill development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The focus must now remain on quality training, industry participation and ensuring that these institutions become effective gateways to employment and economic empowerment,” he added.

Sunil Sharma also expressed his gratitude to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for his continued support and efforts towards strengthening skill development and vocational education in Jammu and Kashmir.

At the same time, the Leader of the Opposition urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to ensure the timely release of the UT’s matching share, wherever applicable. He also called for the completion of all requisite administrative and procedural formalities without delay.

“The Centre has taken an important step by approving this major investment. The UT administration must now act with urgency and ensure that no young person is deprived of these opportunities because of administrative delays. Timely implementation is essential to translate this approval into modern training facilities, industry-ready skills and sustainable employment for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” Sunil Sharma said.