The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will adopt 15 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to convert them into centres of excellence.

The ITIs which are being adopted include Women Jaipur, Women Ajmer, Nagaur, Balotara, Jhalawar, Bhilwara, Banswara, Bundi, Sikar, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Khetri, Lakheri, Sanganer and Bhiwadi.

"Under the Union Government's new scheme for adoption of ITIs by industry in the current year's budget, CII has agreed to take up 15 ITIs of Rajasthan to convert them into centres of excellence," RK Poddar, Chairman, CII Rajasthan state council said.

Of the 300 ITIs all over India, 18 ITIs were allotted to Rajasthan. The state government requested various organisations and associations to come forward. CII Rajasthan took this as a challenge and submitted a list of 15 industry members along with 15 ITIs to be adopted.

Their respective MoUs will be signed shortly and then these ITIs will be functional under the new guidance, he added.

"Basic literacy is a must, skills development of the youth is important for the holistic growth of the country," Poddar said.

It is for these reasons that the CII took upon itself the task of "Making India the Skills Capital of the World".

He said that the motive behind adoption of ITIs by CII members is working on a model to bridge the gap between the educational institute output and industry requirements.