Odisha Moves Swiftly on World Skill Center in Berhampur with Land Identification
In a significant development for skill development in Odisha, the Ganjam administration has taken immediate action to identify land for the proposed World Skill Center (WSC) in Berhampur. This follows Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's announcement just a day earlier regarding the establishment of two campuses in Berhampur and Sambalpur.
Land Sites Identified for the Proposed Center
Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan stated that the administration has pinpointed approximately 20 acres of land each near two key locations: Parala Maharaja Engineering College in Chandipadar and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Laudigaon. The details of these identified sites will be submitted to the government shortly for final selection.
"An expert team from the government is expected to visit the sites and choose one after a thorough review of various aspects," Vasan added, highlighting the procedural steps ahead.
Chief Minister's Vision and Budget Allocation
During his budget address, Chief Minister Majhi outlined an ambitious plan to establish seven campuses of the World Skill Center by 2047, with at least five targeted by 2036. The proposed campuses in Berhampur and Sambalpur are part of this initiative, with a total investment of Rs 278 crore.
These campuses are designed to offer advanced, industry-oriented training, preparing youth with globally competitive skills across emerging sectors. Each campus will have an annual intake capacity of about 2,000 students, drawing from ITIs, polytechnics, and other interested youth.
To kickstart the process, the government has allocated Rs 10 crore under the "Odisha Skill Development Project Phase-II," as mentioned in the chief minister's budget speech.
Positive Reactions from Academics and Politicians
The government's proposal has been warmly welcomed by several academicians. LN Panda, a retired professor, noted that this move will significantly boost technical education in southern Odisha.
"Aspirants will get the opportunity to receive training in emerging sectors and compete on a global scale," Panda emphasized.
Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy hailed the decision and urged the Ganjam district administration to expedite necessary steps, such as land identification and departmental clearances, on a war footing.
"Earlier, I proposed the establishment of a WSC in Berhampur to curb distress migration," Panigrahy said. "We hope that skilled individuals from the district will receive training at the center and become self-employed, rather than migrating to other states for work."
This initiative marks a pivotal step towards enhancing skill development and employment opportunities in Odisha, aligning with broader goals of economic growth and youth empowerment.
