To revamp technical education and empower the youth of Punjab, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Punjab Government’s Department of Technical Education and Rajya Sabha member Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney, spearheaded by the state Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, to upgrade six Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the State into ‘Centres of Excellence’ with a significant investment of Rs 11 crore.
Under this initiative, ITIs located in Patiala, Ludhiana, Manikpur Sharif in SAS Nagar (Mohali), Sunam (Sangrur), and Lalru will undergo modernization, with a focus on introducing cutting-edge technology, infrastructure, and industry-relevant courses. The move is expected to create job opportunities for around 10,000 youth in Punjab annually.
Speaking about the development, Bains emphasized that the State Government is committed to provide high-quality vocational training to the youth. “We are addressing the issues that had previously hindered the effectiveness of ITIs by ensuring modern education and skills training. This initiative will also assist in curbing unemployment and tackling the drug menace in the state,” he said.
Ludhiana ITI will be the first Centre of Excellence to be launched, slated for November 2024. This will be followed by specialized courses at ITI Mohali for air hostesses, beauty wellness, and junior nursing, aimed at empowering young women. In addition, the ITIs at Lalru and Manikpur Sharif will be transformed into drone academies, making them pioneers in the field of drone technology in India.
Expressing his commitment to transforming these institutes into world-class skill centers, Dr Sahney said: “The goal is to link these ITIs with local industries, ensuring that students gain placements and apprenticeships.”
“I am committed to upgrade these ITIs into Centres of Excellence, which will not only offer top-notch training but will also serve as a bridge between skilled youth and the industries that require their expertise,” he added.
He said that modern machinery like CNC Turners, Robotic Welders, and 3D Printers will be installed, alongside the establishment of Skill Development Labs and the renovation of ITI buildings. This initiative will not only enhance the employability of ITI graduates but also fill the existing skill gap in Punjab’s industries.
Dr Sahney noted that he is in constant touch with local industries to ensure robust industry connect for the benefit of ITI students. The plan also includes establishing three new world-class Skill Centres in Patiala, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana, along with an already operational Multi Skill Development Centre in Amritsar, where free skill training and job placements will be offered to over 5,000 youth annually.
