Visakhapatnam, Oct 12 – The Andhra Pradesh government, the central government and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India signed a shareholders’ agreement to upgrade four industrial training institutes (ITIs) in the Visakhapatnam cluster with a total investment of Rs 200 crore.
A special purpose vehicle will be created to manage the upgrades and operations. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India will hold a 51 per cent stake in the vehicle, while the Andhra Pradesh government and the Centre will each hold 24.5 per cent.
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh said the partnership would equip students at the four government ITIs with industry‑relevant practical skills, improving employability and supporting the state’s industrial growth. Ashutosh Telang, director and vice‑president of HR and Administration at AM/NS India, added that the company’s manufacturing experience and NAMTECH’s technical education expertise would be brought to the institutes.
The upgrades will include modern training facilities, industry‑relevant equipment, updated courses, new trades, hands‑on practical training and enhanced instructor training. The initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM‑SETU) scheme, the first strategic investment plan approved by the National Steering Committee. PM‑SETU, with an outlay of Rs 60,000 crore, aims to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs and strengthen five National Skill Training Institutes across the country.
