New Delhi, June 3 (IANS) The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Wednesday organised an industry interaction on the PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability through upgraded ITIs) for the Rajasthan cluster to strengthen industry participation in skilling initiatives.

The programme comprised a detailed presentation on the PM-SETU Scheme, followed by industry deliberations and consultations to identify actionable pathways for its effective implementation in the Bhiwadi industrial Hub of Rajasthan, the statement noted.

The cluster is among North India’s fastest-growing manufacturing regions, with strong presence in automotive, engineering, electronics, logistics and emerging green industries.

The interaction brought together key industry stakeholders, policymakers, and leaders from the skill development ecosystem to strengthen industry participation in skilling initiatives, align training with workforce requirements, and create sustainable employment opportunities for local youth.

Bhupendra Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change underscored the importance of integrating skill development with sustainable industrial growth, the statement from Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said.

Yadav highlighted opportunities emerging in the different sectors and emphasised that skill development in these sectors will play a critical role in job creation.

Jayant Chaudhary, MoS Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said that PM-SETU aims to reduce recruitment and training costs for industry while improving employment outcomes for youth, adding that the program will directly benefit CSR beneficiaries and promote inclusive growth.

The minister mentioned that Sector Skill Councils can act as Anchor industry partners (AIPs), and that industries could collaborate with universities as knowledge partners to strengthen training frameworks.

Chaudhary stressed the need to transform Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into centres of experiential learning, equipped with modern infrastructure, including sports facilities. Such centres will function as holistic ‘finishing schools’ for youth, ensuring both quality education and strong placement outcomes.

—IANS

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