In a major move towards restructuring technical education, West Bengal Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay announced that 51 state-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) will be handed over to private business groups for rapid modernisation and infrastructure development. The announcement was made at a special event organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata to mark the fifth World MSME Day, during which the Minister outlined an ambitious vision for advancing the state’s education system.
Emphasising the government’s focus on skill development, he highlighted the importance of aligning education with employment opportunities and referred to the Centre’s ‘Setu Yojana’ as a key driver in enhancing youth skills and employability.
Chattopadhyay stated that the decision to involve private players aims to attract substantial investment and accelerate the pace of technical education. He noted that the ITIs would be managed through joint ventures with leading corporate entities, following models adopted in other states, with companies such as Tata expected to play a role in upgrading infrastructure and training standards.
At the same time, the Minister made it clear that the government’s approach to industrial growth would not be limited to offering subsidies or incentives. Stressing the need for a collaborative effort, he said the administration is committed to removing bureaucratic hurdles and artificial barriers that have long hindered business expansion in the state.
“The government will fully discharge its responsibilities. However, we urge the Bengal Chamber, other trade bodies, and industrialists to step forward and invest more in the state. Together, we will build a healthy business environment — an ecosystem — in this state,” he said.
“Our government is currently like a baby in the womb that has just begun to move its limbs. We have only just started working, but very soon we will be able to take decisive steps,” he added.
“For the past 49 years, this state has operated under a completely different mindset. Throughout this long period, our higher education system has suffered from extreme neglect and deprivation, which has led to its current condition,” he said.
Criticising what he termed “slogan-based politics” of earlier regimes, Chattopadhyay said that while one government focused on a rhetoric of struggle, the subsequent administration reduced its messaging to basic survival needs. He also expressed concern that central initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s ‘Vishwakarma Yojana’ were not implemented effectively in the state in the past, adding that the current government would not repeat those mistakes.
Drawing a parallel with small businesses, the Minister illustrated how even local enterprises could thrive with proper upgrades and investment. He lamented that such opportunities were not provided over the past decades, but expressed optimism that the state is now on the path to change. According to him, a renewed focus on education and skill development will enable West Bengal to carve out a stronger future in commerce and industry.
Follow us
