The Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) in Bhubaneswar welcomed a high-profile delegation led by Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, on April 11, 2024.
Accompanying him was Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, along with the Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals and senior officials.
The visit spotlighted CIPET’s contributions to innovation, research, and skill development, aligning with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.
The dignitaries toured CIPET’s state-of-the-art facilities, including processing units, toolrooms, research laboratories, and the School for Advanced Research in Petrochemicals (SARP). Engaging with faculty and students, Nadda lauded CIPET’s efforts in fostering industry-ready professionals and driving cutting-edge research in petrochemicals and allied fields. “CIPET is at the forefront of preparing India for future challenges,” he remarked. “To achieve Viksit Bharat, the institute must anticipate emerging needs, collaborate with industry and academia, and continuously update its curriculum and standards.”
He emphasized the importance of addressing immediate industry challenges alongside long-term innovation, urging CIPET to establish mechanisms for regular feedback from stakeholders. Nadda also stressed disseminating CIPET’s work to a broader audience, ensuring its benefits reach aspiring professionals and industries nationwide.
CM Majhi echoed these sentiments, highlighting Odisha’s ambition to become an industrial hub. “The state is working to attract investment and boost industrial growth,” he said. “CIPET’s role in skilling a future-ready workforce is critical to supporting Odisha’s expanding chemical industry.” He praised the institute’s academic and training programs, which have empowered thousands of students to contribute to the state’s economy.
CIPET Bhubaneswar: A Hub of Excellence
CIPET’s Bhubaneswar centres—comprising the Institute of Petrochemicals Technology (IPT), Centre for Skilling and Technical Support (CSTS), and SARP—offer a robust ecosystem for education, skill development, and research. The IPT centre, affiliated with Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT), Rourkela, provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including B.Tech, M.Tech, and M.Sc. degrees, with 2,368 graduates to date. CSTS Bhubaneswar delivers diploma and ITI courses in fields like plastics mould technology, electrical, and welding, benefiting 1,079 students over the past five years.
Through placement-linked skill development programs supported by central and state governments and public sector units, CIPET Bhubaneswar has trained and placed over 20,000 students in the last five years. These initiatives, backed by organizations like the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), underscore CIPET’s commitment to inclusive growth. The centres also feature advanced facilities for design, tooling, processing, and NABL-accredited testing and calibration services, reinforcing their role as industry leaders.
Balasore and Beyond: Expanding Impact
CIPET’s CSTS centre in Balasore complements these efforts, offering diploma and postgraduate programs in plastics technology and processing. Over the past five years, it has trained 3,206 students through placement-linked initiatives, contributing to Odisha’s skilled workforce.
The SARP-Laboratory for Advanced Research in Polymeric Materials (LARPM) in Bhubaneswar stands out as a pioneer in R&D. Focusing on novel polymeric materials, biodegradable polymers, energy storage, waste management, and micro-plastics analysis, LARPM hosts Centres of Excellence in bio-engineered polymeric systems, next-generation biomedical devices, and additive manufacturing. These efforts position CIPET as a global leader in sustainable and innovative petrochemical solutions.
A Vision for the Future
The visit reaffirmed CIPET’s strategic importance in India’s industrial landscape. By blending academic rigor, skill development, and cutting-edge research, the institute is equipping the youth with tools to drive economic progress. As Nadda and Majhi emphasized, CIPET’s ability to adapt to changing industry needs and foster collaboration will be key to realizing India’s ambitions.
With Odisha emerging as an industrial powerhouse and India aiming for global leadership in petrochemicals, CIPET’s role has never been more vital. The institute’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence ensures it will continue shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.
