Bhubaneswar: Odisha is rapidly emerging as a major skill development hub in the country, Industry, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said while participating in the regional Skill Ministers’ Conference ‘Kaushal Manthan’ in Kolkata.
The conference, held under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, brought together skill development ministers and senior officials from several states and Union Territories to deliberate on strengthening the skill ecosystem and creating better employment opportunities for the youth.
Swain said Odisha is committed to contributing to the realisation of the vision of a developed India by 2047. He said the state government is undertaking wide-ranging reforms in the skilling ecosystem, including modernisation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), expansion of World Skill Centres, establishment of industry-linked Centres of Excellence focusing on future skills and creation of pathways for international employment.
“Skill development is the new currency,” Swain said, adding that empowering the youth with future-ready skills remains a top priority of the state government.
The minister said Odisha is working to ensure that skill development translates into meaningful employment opportunities. He also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between governments and industry to equip young people with skills suited to the rapidly changing workplace.
The conference discussed initiatives including PM SETU, strengthening of ITIs, deepening industry linkages and preparing the country’s workforce for future employment requirements.
Swain said coordinated efforts among states, industry and other stakeholders can help create stronger skill ecosystems, expand opportunities and build a future-ready workforce.
Skill Development Ministers and senior officials from Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat participated in the conference.
