Delhi unveils ₹170-cr plan to convert 15 ITIs into tech centers with AI, EV, robotics training

The Delhi government on Thursday unveiled a ₹170-crore initiative to modernize 15 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into technology centers with courses in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and robotics, officials said.

Industries minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa asserted the scheme will make students job-ready for new industries. "By including EV, AI, robotics and green energy modules in the curriculum of ITIs, we are developing the launchpad for our young generation to make Delhi and Bharat future-ready. These advanced ITIs will give students 21st-century skills so that they go out as job-creators, not as job-seekers," he added, while also accusing earlier governments of slowing down central welfare schemes.

The nodal agency for implementation will be the Department of Training and Technical Education (DTTE), which is chaired by education minister Ashish Sood. Three ITIs, namely Pusa (Central Delhi), Shahdara (east Delhi) and Mangolpuri (north-west Delhi), will be hub institutes, with each mentoring up to four spoke ITIs in the way forward on infrastructure development, faculty development and industry association. "Blended learning content, smart classrooms and simulation labs will be launched together with compulsory internships and apprenticeship facilitated diploma programs," Sirsa announced.

Officials informed that apprenticeship-associated degree courses would be introduced at Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) and Delhi Technological University (DTU) shortly. "Quarterly apprenticeship melas will be organized, with a special ₹1,000 top-up for women and disabled persons. Mobile skilling vans equipped with solar panel rigs and VR welding simulators would also be introduced. Entrepreneurship and innovation cells would be established in all hub ITIs," said an official.

The government also intends to set up centres of excellence in ITIs at Dheerpur, Mayur Vihar and Pusa where students will be provided training in industrial automation, robotics and advanced welding. "Under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, more than 1,300 artisans have already received verified training in Delhi ITIs, whereas outreach programs like Jan Shikshan Sansthan in Jahangirpuri have impacted over 1,000 women," the official mentioned.

Sirsa said Delhi’s Skill Roadmap 2.0 has been designed as an open-source blueprint. “Any state can adopt, adapt and empower its youth. From integrating skill credits in school curricula to setting up incubation and seed-fund cells in every hub ITI, Delhi is demonstrating the importance of skill development,” he said.