The Chhattisgarh government has announced plans to upgrade 160 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to model status, with an approved budget of Rs 484.22 crore over three years. The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, aims to align vocational training with local industry demands.

Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma stated that the upgradation would begin with the ITI in Sakri, Baloda Bazar district. A sum of Rs 20.13 crore has been allocated for this institute under the SIDBI scheme.

The Sakri ITI will see improvements across various trades and infrastructure. The budget includes Rs 3.23 crore for machine tools and equipment, with specific allocations for computer hardware and network maintenance (Rs 1.05 crore), electrician (Rs 75 lakh), fitter (Rs 46 lakh), mechanic diesel (Rs 44 lakh), and welder (Rs 53 lakh) trades.

Civil works at the Sakri facility will include the construction of a new ITI building (Rs 3.44 crore), guard room (Rs 7.42 lakh), parking facilities (Rs 1.25 crore), staff quarters (Rs 11.78 crore), and entrance gate with boundary wall (Rs 34.80 lakh).

The government expects this initiative to enhance employment opportunities for the state's youth by providing industry-relevant skills training.