Odisha Gets INR 240.50-Crore Boost to Modernise Kataka ITI Cluster Under PM-SETU

Kataka, Oct 16: Odisha’s vocational training infrastructure is set for a major upgrade, with the National Steering Committee approving an investment of ₹240.50 crore to modernise the Kataka Industrial Training Institute (ITI) cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) programme.

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The investment aims to strengthen training facilities, introduce courses aligned with emerging technologies and deepen industry partnerships, helping young people acquire skills suited to evolving employment needs.

The approval was granted during the sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee, held on Friday under the chairpersonship of Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Five ITIs to Benefit From the Project

The Kataka cluster will operate through a hub-and-spoke model, with Government ITI Kataka serving as the hub and four other institutes functioning as spokes.

The participating institutes are:

Government ITI Kataka

Madhusudan Government ITI, Choudwar

Government ITI, Paradeep

Government ITI, Jajpur

Government ITI, Dhenkanal

The cluster-based approach is intended to improve coordination among the institutes, strengthen infrastructure and expand access to modern vocational training across the region.

Focus on Modern Skills and Industry Partnerships

Under PM-SETU, the approved project will focus on upgrading institutional infrastructure, introducing industry-aligned training programmes and improving the capabilities of trainers.

Stronger engagement with industry partners is also expected to help align classroom learning and practical training with the skills employers increasingly require.

The initiative aims to improve students’ employability by equipping them with relevant technical competencies and preparing them for changing workplace demands.

The National Steering Committee has also encouraged participating clusters to work towards ISO certification and include at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their approved implementation plans.

PM-SETU Investment Crosses ₹3,600 Crore

Alongside the Kataka cluster, the committee approved additional Strategic Investment Plans across Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the announcement, cumulative investment approvals under PM-SETU have reached ₹3,687 crore. The programme seeks to transform Industrial Training Institutes into modern, industry-oriented institutions capable of delivering high-quality vocational education.

The approved plans will be implemented through partnerships involving state governments, industry partners and participating ITIs.

Thousands of Trainers Already Trained

As of October 2026, a total of 3,744 trainers had received training under the programme through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), according to the information released.

The emphasis on trainer development reflects the programme’s broader objective of improving the quality of vocational education alongside infrastructure modernisation.

With the ₹240.50-crore approval, the Kataka ITI cluster is expected to play a greater role in preparing Odisha’s youth for emerging skill requirements. The impact will ultimately depend on effective implementation, the quality of training delivered and the extent to which the upgraded courses translate into better employment opportunities.