In a significant push towards skill enhancement and youth empowerment, Minister for Industries, Skill Development, and Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, inaugurated the Odisha Skills 2025-26 competition at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar today.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasised that a skilled young generation forms the bedrock of a developed Odisha, highlighting the event’s role in fostering social and economic transformation across the state.
“Skill development is a cornerstone of our state’s progress,” said Minister Swain. He described Odisha Skills not merely as a competition but as a vital platform that instils discipline, self-confidence, creativity, and a pursuit of excellence among young participants. “A developed Odisha can only be realised through a youth force that is skilled, confident, and equipped with a global competitive mindset. This competition reflects that vision,” he added.
The event has brought together over 500 young competitors from across Odisha, who are vying in 49 diverse skill categories aligned with industry demands and cutting-edge technologies. Winners at the state level will represent Odisha in national competitions, with the potential to advance to the prestigious World Skills Competition—often dubbed the “Skills Olympics”—which occurs every two years.
This year’s Odisha Skills is being hosted at 10 key locations throughout the state, ensuring widespread participation and accessibility. Under the Chief Minister’s Aspire Scheme, victors in each category will receive the Chief Minister’s Skill Award, recognising their excellence and motivating others to strive for higher standards in vocational training.
Minister Swain urged students to view the competition as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. He advised participants, institutions, and trainers to draw lessons from the outcomes and develop action plans to elevate their performance and institutional quality.
Bhupendra Singh Punia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development and Technical Education Department, echoed these sentiments, encouraging the use of the platform to identify best practices and align skills with international industry benchmarks. The inauguration was attended by key dignitaries, including the CEO of the World Skill Center, Principal, Deputy Principal, industry partners, experts, jury members, and senior departmental officials.
The three-day competition will culminate in an award ceremony on January 9, where winners will be honoured for their achievements.
This initiative underscores Odisha’s commitment to building a robust, skilled workforce, poised to contribute to the state’s growth and compete on the global stage.
