Bhubaneswar: Skill Development & Technical Education and Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain on Wednesday directed Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Polytechnics across Odisha to enhance the quality of technical education, strengthen industry linkages, and ensure better employability for students.
Reviewing the performance of Government ITIs and Polytechnics at a State-level meeting held at SCTE&VT, Bhubaneswar, the Minister said technical institutions play a crucial role in driving Odisha’s industrial growth and economic transformation. Principals of all 72 Government ITIs and 35 Government Polytechnics attended the day-long review meeting.
Swain said that while Odisha’s technical institutions have earned recognition over the years, rapid technological advancements and changing industrial requirements demand continuous modernisation, innovation and closer collaboration with industries. He urged the institutions to equip students with industry-relevant skills to bridge emerging skill gaps and improve employment opportunities.
Highlighting the State Government’s focus on strengthening technical education under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the Minister asked principals to take a proactive role in implementing reforms and improving institutional performance.
He also directed the institutions to ensure that no seats remain vacant and to increase enrolment of girls as well as students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Emphasising inclusive growth, he called for reducing dropout rates, improving placement records and creating a conducive learning environment for students from all sections of society.
“The future growth of Odisha’s industries will depend on the availability of skilled human resources. ITIs and Polytechnics must emerge as centres of excellence that produce competent and industry-ready professionals,” the Minister said.
The meeting also discussed measures to improve the quality of training, strengthen industry partnerships, enhance placement outcomes, ensure effective utilisation of infrastructure and adopt best practices across technical institutions.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development & Technical Education Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Director of Technical Education & Training Chakravarti Singh Rathore, and other senior officials of the Department were present at the meeting.
