In a significant push to modernize vocational training, the Odisha government has unveiled an ambitious plan to overhaul its industrial training infrastructure. The state will transform 47 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into advanced Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and establish dedicated artificial intelligence laboratories in 9 of these institutes.
Chief Minister's Vision for a Skilled Odisha
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement while addressing skilled students and youth at the closing ceremony of Odisha Skills 2025-26. The event was held at the World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
Highlighting the state's industrial growth, CM Majhi urged the youth to equip themselves with relevant skills. "A widespread industrialisation process began in Odisha. Equip yourself with skills in any field, and you will find employment right here in Odisha because achieving excellence at all levels of skill is our goal," he stated.
Blueprint for the Transformation
The dual-pronged strategy focuses on both broad-based and niche skill development. The conversion of 47 ITIs into CoEs will involve a comprehensive upgrade, including:
- Providing training aligned with advanced industry skills.
- Substantially improving physical and technical infrastructure.
- Ensuring the curriculum meets global standards.
Simultaneously, the establishment of AI laboratories in 9 select ITIs is a forward-looking move to build proficiency in one of the most transformative technologies of the modern era. This initiative aims to create a pipeline of talent proficient in artificial intelligence, ready for the jobs of the future.
Driving Employment Through Local Skill Development
The government's clear objective is to align the state's workforce with its industrial ambitions. By creating high-quality training hubs within Odisha, the plan seeks to curb the need for skilled workers to migrate. The CM's message emphasized that employment opportunities will be available locally for those with the right expertise.
This massive skill development drive, announced at the Odisha Skills 2025-26 conclave, signals the state's commitment to making its youth the primary beneficiaries of its economic growth. The focus on cutting-edge domains like AI indicates a strategic vision to position Odisha as a competitive player in the new economy.
