In the Budget Speech 2007-08 Union Finance Minister announced a scheme for upgradation of 1396 Government ITIs into centres of excellence in specific trades and skills through Public Private Partnership. In pursuance of this announcement wide/ranging discussions were held with State Governments, Industry Associations and other stakeholders and a Scheme named “Upgradation of 1396 Government ITIs through Public Private Partnership” was formulated. The Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs (CCEA) of the Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 25/10/2007