The Chandigarh Administration has started the process to upgrade two industrial training institutes (ITIs) in the city. The estimated cost of this upgrade is Rs 121 crore, and it will happen under the PM-SETU scheme.
Chandigarh ITI Upgrade Plan Under PPP Model
The Directorate of Technical Education has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to select an anchor industry partner (AIP). This partner will develop and manage the institutes under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The two institutions will be developed as a specialised "hub-and-spoke" ITI cluster through a special purpose vehicle (SPV).
Under the proposed arrangement, the Government Industrial Training Institute (GITI), Sector 28-C, will serve as the hub. The Government Industrial Training Institute for Women (GITIW), Sector 11-C, will function as the spoke. The Sector 28-C institute currently offers 25 trades under the Craftsmen Training Scheme.
What the Hub-and-Spoke ITI Cluster Means
The hub-and-spoke model is a key part of this upgrade plan. In this structure, the main institute (hub) will likely provide the core training facilities and resources. The secondary institute (spoke) will connect to the hub for shared services and specialised training.
This approach aims to make better use of existing infrastructure. By linking the two institutes, the administration can avoid duplicating expensive equipment and facilities. The special purpose vehicle (SPV) will manage the overall operations and development of both institutes.
Role of Anchor Industry Partner in ITI Development
The request for proposal (RFP) is a formal call for companies or industry groups to apply for the role of anchor industry partner. This partner will bring industry expertise and investment to the institutes. The PPP model means the private partner will work alongside the government to run and upgrade the ITIs.
Industry involvement in ITI management often helps align training with real job market needs. Students can benefit from updated courses and better placement opportunities when industry partners are directly involved in institute operations.
Our Take: A Step Toward Modern Skill Training
In our view, this Rs 121-crore upgrade plan shows that the Chandigarh Administration is taking skill development seriously. The PPP model is a practical approach because it brings private sector efficiency into government-run training institutes.
The hub-and-spoke structure is also a smart move. Instead of spending money to build everything twice, the administration can concentrate resources in one place and share them across both institutes. This should lead to better equipment and training quality for students at both locations.
The key question now is which anchor industry partner will be selected and how quickly the upgrade will move forward. For students and employers in Chandigarh, this project has the potential to make local ITI graduates more skilled and more employable.