Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) possess the transformative potential to generate employment on a massive scale and radically improve livelihoods across India, asserted Odisha Governor Subroto Bagchi during his keynote address at the Bengaluru Skill Summit.
The former business leader turned policymaker delivered a powerful vision for skill-based education, positioning ITIs as crucial institutions that can bridge the gap between industry requirements and workforce capabilities. "We need to change the narrative around skills and vocational training," Bagchi emphasized, challenging the conventional preference for academic degrees over practical competencies.
The ITI Advantage: Building India's Backbone
Bagchi highlighted how ITIs serve as accessible pathways to economic empowerment, particularly for youth from semi-urban and rural backgrounds. "These institutions don't just create job seekers; they create job creators and skilled professionals who form the backbone of our manufacturing and service sectors," he noted.
The session revealed compelling insights about ITI's role in:
- Generating sustainable employment opportunities at scale
- Transforming rural and semi-urban economic landscapes
- Meeting industry's growing demand for skilled technicians
- Providing viable alternatives to traditional degree programs
A Call for Mindset Shift
Bagchi made a passionate appeal to parents, educators, and policymakers to recognize the dignity and economic potential of skill-based professions. "The white-collar versus blue-collar dichotomy is outdated. We need to celebrate skilled professionals as nation-builders," he asserted.
The Bengaluru Skill Summit, which brought together industry leaders, educators, and government representatives, served as a platform to reinforce Karnataka's commitment to creating a future-ready workforce through vocational training initiatives.
As India continues its journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, Bagchi's endorsement of ITIs underscores the critical role of skill development in achieving sustainable growth and equitable prosperity.
