Four strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged today in the presence of Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister of Industries and Skill Development & Technical Education, Odisha, at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar.
This marks a significant step forward in the State’s efforts to transform its skilling ecosystem and align it more closely with industry needs.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Swain emphasised that making Odisha’s youth industry-ready remains a central priority for the Government. He remarked that while infrastructure is essential for building industries, it is skills that develop the human capital necessary for sustaining and growing them.
“Skill Development is not a peripheral welfare measure; it is a core economic strategy that will drive inclusive growth and global competitiveness,” he stated, adding that empowering youth with relevant and future-ready skills is crucial to achieving the State’s long-term development goals.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the partnership with Tata Technologies to upgrade 22 Government ITIs across Odisha into Centres of Excellence (CoEs) at a total project cost of Rs 779.00 crore.
According to the Memorandum of Agreement, the Government of Odisha will cover 14 per cent of the project cost, while Tata Technologies will contribute approximately 86 percent. The upgraded ITIs will feature state-of-the-art laboratories and industry-grade equipment, bringing the training infrastructure in line with modern industrial standards.
The Centres of Excellence will focus on high-growth and emerging sectors, including automobiles (with a focus on electric vehicles), design and verification tools, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and advanced manufacturing, advanced CNC and VMC machining, advanced plumbing technology, and process control and automation technology.
Additionally, Tata Technologies will provide comprehensive support for five years, including trainer deployment, equipment maintenance, and placement facilitation to ensure strong industry linkages and sustainable outcomes.
During the event, three other MoUs were also signed. The first is a collaboration with UNICEF to leverage the YouthHub platform for facilitating the placement of over 2,000 girls through digital skilling and an outcome-based funding model.
The second partnership, between the World Skill Center and Kawasaki Robotics India Pvt. Ltd., aims to strengthen capabilities in robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies, preparing youth for advanced manufacturing sectors.
Lastly, an MoU between the World Skill Center and Atreya Global Pvt. Limited will create structured overseas employment pathways in Germany and other European countries, integrating skilling, language training, placement facilitation, and post-placement support.
Among those present at the ceremony were Bhupendra Singh Poonia, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development & Technical Education Department; Chakravarti Singh Rathore, Director of Technical Education & Training; Rashmi Mohapatra, Chief Executive Officer of the World Skill Center; Hiroshi Miyake, Managing Director of Kawasaki Robotics India Pvt. Ltd.; Prasanta Dash, Chief of the Field Office for UNICEF Odisha; Pradipta Kumar Das, Chief Operating Officer of Atreya Global Pvt. Limited, and Yatendra Kumar, Head of Global Delivery at Tata Technologies.
