PM-SETU: Skilling for Defence Indigenisation

Syllabus: Indigenization of Technology and Defense

Ministry of Defence

Why in news?

The Defence Secretary highlighted the 'PM-SETU' (Skilling and Employment through Technology Upgradation) programme during the Defence Skilling Conclave.

⚛️Static Concepts

Aatmanirbhar BharatDefence Acquisition ProcedureOffsets Policy

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Prelims-Oriented Points

Full Form: Skilling and Employment through Technology Upgradation (PM-SETU).
Outlay: ₹60,000 crore over 5 years (50% GoI funding).
Objective: Bridge gaps among academia, industry, and defence R&D; establish Centres of Excellence.
Agniveers: Integration into structured skilling pathways is a key component.
Defence Exports: Crossed ₹23,162 crore in 2025.

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Examiner's Trap: PM-SETU is NOT limited to the IT sector; it covers broad technology upgradation including defence.

Quick Data Points

₹60,000 crore outlay

₹23,162 crore defence exports (2025)

Mains Value Addition

GS-3: Defence Production; Employment.

Strategic Autonomy: Moving from 'buyer' to 'maker' requires skilled human capital, not just technology transfer.
Civil-Military Fusion: Integrating Agniveers into the defence industrial base utilizes trained discipline.
Manufacturing Hub: States like Punjab identified as potential hubs via MSME linkages.

Source

Press Information Bureau (PIB)

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