Pune: The Maharashtra government has announced a major initiative to integrate 419 government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with the private sector for modernization and capacity enhancement. This will be done without privatization, ensuring that ownership remains with the government, while private industries and NGOs will contribute to infrastructure and training upgrades.
The announcement was made by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, during the inauguration of the "Train the Teachers" program at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Government ITI and Savitribai Phule Government ITI in Pune.
Long-Term MoUs with Industries for ITI Enhancement
Under this initiative, ITIs will sign long-term agreements (MoUs) with industry groups and institutions for periods of five, ten, or thirty years. Existing ITI teachers and laboratories will remain in place, but private sector partners will provide expertise, training facilities, and modern laboratories to enhance skill development programs.
Minister Lodha emphasized, "This initiative is not privatization but a collaborative effort to improve training quality and employment prospects for students. ITIs will remain government-owned while benefitting from private sector expertise."
Additionally, all ITIs in Maharashtra will begin implementing the New National Education Policy (NEP) from June 2025 to align with modern skill requirements.
Industry Partnerships to Enhance ITI Training
According to Madhavi Sardeshmukh, Director of Vocational Education and Training, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between ITI training and industry requirements. On-the-job training and apprenticeships will be introduced in collaboration with major companies. Furthermore, a database of successful ITI graduates will be compiled to track employment outcomes.
During the event, industry partners supporting ITI development were felicitated. The event was also attended virtually by representatives from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Government ITI, Amravati Government ITI, National Skill Training Institute (Mumbai), and Indo-German Tool Room.
₹500 Crore Special Allocation for ITIs, World Bank Sanctions ₹1,300 Crore for Modernization
Highlighting the financial push for ITI development, Minister Lodha announced that the World Bank has sanctioned ₹1,300 crore for ITI renovation and modernization. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted 100 ITIs in Maharashtra under a central scheme.
To further boost ITI infrastructure and training programs, Lodha has also requested a ₹500 crore special allocation in the state budget from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.