MSDE and Rajasthan Accelerate PM-SETU and International Skilling Plans

18 Feb 2026 CW Team

Rajasthan was described as a key partner, with one of the largest Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) networks comprising 1,537 ITIs, including 182 government and 1,355 private institutions. Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 more than 0.314 mn candidates have been trained or oriented, with over 0.25 mn certified. Apprenticeship engagement under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has crossed 0.104 mn apprentices across 1,211 establishments, with Rs249.8 mn disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer till 31 January 2026. Jan Shikshan Sansthans in nine districts have enrolled nearly 12,000 candidates and over 0.251 mn artisans have been assessed under PM Vishwakarma.

Key discussions included establishing two Skill India International Centres (SIIC) in the State and implementing Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU). Rajasthan has identified ITI clusters in districts such as Bharatpur, Jaipur, Kota and Jodhpur to adopt a hub-and-spoke model that aligns training with regional industrial demand. At the national level PM-SETU carries a total outlay of Rs600 bn over five years and aims to upgrade 1,000 ITIs and five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI), with the objective of skilling two mn youth in modern and emerging trades including electronics, EV servicing and digital technologies.

Rajasthan reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate reforms by expediting infrastructure development, facilitating land allocation where required and ensuring robust monitoring under PMKVY 4.0 and PM-SETU. Both governments agreed to fast-track pending approvals, strengthen governance frameworks and deepen industry engagement to improve placement-linked outcomes. The review concluded with a shared pledge to build a future-ready, inclusive and globally competitive workforce with Rajasthan playing a pivotal role in the national skilling mission.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship held a high-level review with the Government of Rajasthan to assess skilling initiatives and chart a roadmap to strengthen employability. The meeting was chaired by Jayant Chaudhary and attended by Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore. Discussions focused on deepening Centre–State collaboration across flagship programmes. Rajasthan was described as a key partner, with one of the largest Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) networks comprising 1,537 ITIs, including 182 government and 1,355 private institutions. Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 more than 0.314 mn candidates have been trained or oriented, with over 0.25 mn certified. Apprenticeship engagement under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has crossed 0.104 mn apprentices across 1,211 establishments, with Rs249.8 mn disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer till 31 January 2026. Jan Shikshan Sansthans in nine districts have enrolled nearly 12,000 candidates and over 0.251 mn artisans have been assessed under PM Vishwakarma. Key discussions included establishing two Skill India International Centres (SIIC) in the State and implementing Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU). Rajasthan has identified ITI clusters in districts such as Bharatpur, Jaipur, Kota and Jodhpur to adopt a hub-and-spoke model that aligns training with regional industrial demand. At the national level PM-SETU carries a total outlay of Rs600 bn over five years and aims to upgrade 1,000 ITIs and five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI), with the objective of skilling two mn youth in modern and emerging trades including electronics, EV servicing and digital technologies. Rajasthan reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate reforms by expediting infrastructure development, facilitating land allocation where required and ensuring robust monitoring under PMKVY 4.0 and PM-SETU. Both governments agreed to fast-track pending approvals, strengthen governance frameworks and deepen industry engagement to improve placement-linked outcomes. The review concluded with a shared pledge to build a future-ready, inclusive and globally competitive workforce with Rajasthan playing a pivotal role in the national skilling mission.

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..