Odisha's Kataka ITI Cluster Gets ₹240.5 Cr Skill Boost with Tata Steel Foundation
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The Kataka Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Cluster in Odisha is set for a monumental upgrade, securing a ₹240.5 crore investment under the Union government's flagship PM-SETU scheme. This significant facelift, approved by the National Steering Committee on October 16, 2026, marks a crucial partnership with the Tata Steel Foundation, aiming to transform vocational training and youth employability in the region. This project is a key part of the larger Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) initiative, a ₹60,000 crore centrally sponsored scheme launched in October 2025 to modernize 1,000 government ITIs nationwide via a 'Government-owned, Industry-managed' hub-and-spoke model. The Kataka cluster, with Government ITI Kataka as its hub and four other ITIs as spokes, will focus on Industry 4.0-aligned courses, enhanced workshop infrastructure, and upskilling trainers to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial demands. This latest approval brings the cumulative investment under PM-SETU to ₹3,687 crore, underscoring a national drive towards a future-ready workforce. The transformation promises to equip Odisha's youth with cutting-edge skills, aligning them with global industry benchmarks and paving the way for lucrative career opportunities both within the state and abroad. With Odisha actively expanding its skill development programs, including initiatives like OdishaSkills 2026-27, this investment is expected to significantly boost the employability of graduates and foster economic growth, contributing directly to India's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision by empowering a skilled and adaptable workforce.