MSDE to Convene First Meeting of SARTHI to Drive Holistic Transformation of India’s ITI Ecosystem

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will convene the inaugural meeting of SARTHI (Strategic Advisory and Reforms Taskforce for Holistic ITI Transformation) on 12 June 2026 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Chaired by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, the meeting aims to establish a long-term strategic framework to modernize India’s Industrial Training Institute (ITI) ecosystem. The taskforce will focus on aligning vocational training with evolving industry requirements through policy convergence and coordinated action among central, state, and industry stakeholders. **Key Points / Main Content** **Establishment and Purpose of SARTHI** * Functions as an apex advisory mechanism under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) to drive strategic dialogue and policy convergence. * Aims to provide long-term guidance for reforms in curriculum, assessment, governance, and quality assurance. * Seeks to establish a sustained institutional mechanism for stronger Centre–State coordination and structured industry participation. **Current ITI Landscape** * The CTS framework currently encompasses 13,888 ITIs, comprising 3,326 Government and 10,562 Private institutions. * Training is delivered across 169 National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant trades. **Core Reform Agenda** * **Grading and Competition:** Implementation of the National ITI Grading Framework and the institutionalisation of the Annual All India ITI Skill Competition. * **Technology and Assessment:** Strengthening assessment processes through the introduction of technology-enabled reforms. * **Inclusivity and Standards:** Increasing women’s participation in ITIs and elevating instructor development and qualification standards. * **Operational Improvements:** Expanding access pathways, improving institutional governance, and strengthening industry linkages. **Impact Analysis** **Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)** **Impact** Both government and private ITIs will be subject to new quality assurance measures, a national grading framework, and updated curriculum standards. **Action Required** ITIs must align their operations with the National ITI Grading Framework and adopt technology-enabled assessment processes as guided by the taskforce. **Central and State Governments** **Impact** Government bodies will benefit from a structured platform for informed policymaking and improved Centre–State coordination. **Action Required** Representatives must share implementation experiences and collaborate on approaches to improve outcomes across the vocational training ecosystem. **Industry and Regulatory Institutions** **Impact** Industry stakeholders will have a more structured role in the skilling ecosystem, ensuring training outcomes meet evolving labor market requirements. **Action Required** Participate in strategic dialogues to facilitate industry linkages and provide input on industry-responsive training standards.

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