Almost a decade after setting up its Nano project in Gujarat, Tata Group has proposed a fresh big-ticket investment in the state - of over £700 million to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). It is expected to bridge the demand-supply gap in terms of trained blue-collar workers in ever expanding industries of Gujarat. Tata Group has proposed the PPP (public-private partnership) model to upgrade the 225 ITIs in the state and has already tied up with the Gujarat government for setting up and operating Indian Institute of Skills (IIS).
Except for the admission process, Tata Group will manage all aspects of the functioning of the ITIs in the state for five years. Ownership rights of the institutes will, however, remain with the state government. Tata Group has proposed an investment of £3.4 million for each ITI and the total upgrade cost will be about £765 million. Tata Group will bear 88% of the cost, while the government will take care of the remainder.
In its proposal to the state government, Tata Group said, “Towards PM Modi’s Skill India programme, we have already contributed for developing IIS in Gujarat.” “During the inaugural address of IIS, Union home minister Amit Shah had suggested that our group examines the possibility for upgradation of the ITIs and it really motivated us to help the ITIs in the state.”
The company added: “Tata Technologies, along with the Gujarat government, would like to upgrade with latest industrial technology tools, hardware, machinery, course and integration. The ITI facility upgradation will be majorly funded by the industries led by Tata Technologies.”
Manoj Das, additional chief secretary at the chief minister’s office and the industries and mines
department, confirmed the development. “The proposal of Tata Technologies for upgrading the ITIs is under active consideration,” Das said. “The state government, under the Skill India mission, has made a series of reforms. Tata Group has significant presence in the state in various sectors and its technical expertise will help the state enhance skills of youth and workforce.”
