In a landmark move to bolster skill development and employability among the nation's youth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched several initiatives totaling over ā¹62,000 crore. The flagship program among these is the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU).
PM-SETU Scheme: A Boost for Skill Development
The PM-SETU scheme, a centrally sponsored initiative with an investment of ā¹60,000 crore, is designed to upgrade 1,000 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country. This ambitious project adopts a 'hub-and-spoke' model, wherein 200 hub ITIs will be established, each connected to four spoke ITIs, forming clusters equipped with advanced infrastructure, modern trades, digital learning systems, and incubation facilities.
The objective of PM-SETU is to align ITI courses with current and emerging industry demands, making Indian youth job-ready. The scheme is co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank and will be managed by Anchor Industry Partners, ensuring an outcome-based skilling ecosystem. In its initial phase, ITIs in Patna and Darbhanga will receive special focus.
Broader Youth-Focused Initiatives
Beyond PM-SETU, the Prime Minister also inaugurated 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs across 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools in 34 States and Union Territories. These labs will provide hands-on training in 12 high-demand sectors such as IT, automotive, agriculture, electronics, logistics, and tourism, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020 and CBSE curriculum. The initiative also includes training 1,200 vocational teachers to deliver industry-relevant education.
Furthermore, in Bihar, the revamped Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana was launched, offering a monthly allowance of ā¹1,000 to 5 lakh graduates for two years, alongside free skill training. The Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University in Bihar was also inaugurated to promote industry-oriented courses and vocational education.
New Rules and Policies Effective from October 1st
Several new regulations and policy changes came into effect across India from October 1st, 2025, impacting various aspects of citizens' daily lives. These changes span areas including taxation, consumer rights, digital mandates, and health standards.
- Consumer Rights: Updates include potential expansion of buyer rights in e-commerce, faster refunds, clearer return policies, and strengthened grievance redressal mechanisms, aiming to empower consumers.
- Tax Changes: Adjustments in tax policies, including tweaked rates for certain goods and redefined taxation thresholds, are intended to bring clarity and reduce evasion.
- Digital Mandates: Stricter authentication norms for online transactions, additional verification steps for digital wallets, and more detailed KYC procedures have been mandated to reduce fraud and enhance security.
- Health Standards: Reforms in public health, particularly in urban settings and workplaces, might address air quality, sanitation, medical waste disposal, and workplace health measures.
These policy shifts underscore the government's ongoing efforts to streamline governance, enhance public welfare, and adapt to evolving societal and economic needs.