Chandigarh: More than Rs 120 crore will be invested to transform two Govt Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Chandigarh into industry-driven centres of excellence, with a focus on training youth in emerging technologies, improving employability and aligning vocational education with industry requirements. The Chandigarh administration has initiated the process by inviting industry participation for the upgradation of the ITI, Sector 28-C, and ITI for Women, Sector 11-C, under a flagship Centre-sponsored skill development programme.The project is part of a national initiative of the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE) aimed at modernising Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven economy. The administration has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to select an anchor industry partner (AIP) that will lead the development of the Chandigarh ITI cluster.Officials said the programme seeks to address longstanding gaps in infrastructure, training equipment, governance, faculty capacity, industry engagement and employment outcomes through a comprehensive public-private partnership (PPP) model.Under the scheme, the two Chandigarh ITIs will be upgraded under a hub-and-spoke model with modern infrastructure, digital learning facilities, industry-grade equipment, revamped curricula and enhanced faculty training. The broader national programme also includes the transformation of selected National Skill Training Institutes into model training centres.A key feature of the initiative is the creation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to manage the ITI cluster. The SPV, to be incorporated as a Section 8 company, will be jointly owned by the Anchor Industry Partner (51%), the Central Government (24.5%) and the Chandigarh Administration (24.5%). It will oversee planning, implementation and day-to-day operations of the upgraded institutions.The selected industry partner will be required to prepare a five-year strategic investment plan and remain associated with the project for at least five years. The plan will cover infrastructure expansion, introduction of new courses, staffing requirements and performance targets.The scheme aims to strengthen the linkage between training and labour market demand by introducing courses in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced manufacturing. It also envisages competency-based training, apprenticeships, workplace learning and greater industry exposure for trainees.Besides upgrading classrooms, laboratories, workshops, hostels and IT infrastructure, the industry partner will facilitate placements, internships, apprenticeships and career counselling services. Performance indicators such as enrolment, pass rates and placement outcomes will be closely monitored under standards prescribed by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).The scheme will be overseen by a National Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary, MSDE, with representation from the Directorate General of Training, States and Union Territories, industry bodies, academia and other ministries.BOX: Chandigarh ITI Modernisation ProjectPROJECT COSTMore than Rs 120 croreINSTITUTES TO BE UPGRADEDGovernment Industrial Training Institute, Sector 28-CGovernment Industrial Training Institute for Women, Sector 11-COBJECTIVETransform ITIs into industry-aligned centres of excellenceImprove employability and apprenticeship opportunitiesBridge the gap between training and industry demandIntroduce training in emerging technologies and future-ready skillsKEY UPGRADATIONSModern classrooms, laboratories and workshopsIndustry-grade machinery and equipmentDigital learning and IT infrastructureFaculty training and skill enhancementCurriculum modernisation and competency-based trainingNEW-AGE SECTORS TO BE COVEREDElectric Vehicles (EVs)Renewable EnergyArtificial Intelligence (AI)Machine Learning (ML)Advanced ManufacturingIMPLEMENTATION MODELPublic-Private Partnership (PPP)Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to manage the ITI clusterOwnership: Anchor Industry Partner (51%), Centre (24.5%), Chandigarh Administration (24.5%)TIMELINERFP issued for selection of Anchor Industry PartnerSelected partner to prepare a Five-Year Strategic Investment PlanIndustry partner to remain associated with the project for a minimum of five yearsUpgradation and operational reforms to be implemented during the five-year project periodEXPECTED OUTCOMESHigher enrolment and training qualityIncreased apprenticeships and placementsStronger industry-academia linkagesSustainable, industry-driven vocational training ecosystem
