512 Professors and Officers Join State Government in Landmark Induction Program

Bhubaneswar: A total of 512 newly recruited professionals, including Assistant Professors, Assistant Training Officers, and Junior Assistants, marked their entry into the State Government today. The induction ceremony, held at the Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan, was attended by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who congratulated the recruits for choosing the noble profession of shaping and skilling young minds.

In his address, Chief Minister Patnaik highlighted the crucial role of educators, stating, “You are not merely teachers; you are catalysts of change, contributing to the intellectual and social growth of our state. Together, let us build a legacy of knowledge and empowerment that transcends generations.”

Addressing the new professors in the Higher Education Department, he emphasized the pivotal role of higher education in shaping the future of Odisha. Acknowledging the youth as the state’s greatest asset, he urged the professors to equip students with academic knowledge, critical thinking skills, creativity, and a global perspective. The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to higher education, citing the recruitment of close to 5,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in recent years.

Furthermore, he announced plans to open Government Degree colleges in the arts stream in the 18 uncovered blocks of Odisha to ensure equitable access to higher education across the state.

Highlighting the significance of skill development, Chief Minister Patnaik addressed the newly appointed personnel in the Skill Development & Technical Education Department. He emphasized the transformative journey toward a skilled and empowered Odisha and the commitment under the 5T framework. This recruitment, he stated, represents a significant stride toward realizing the vision for a technologically advanced and adaptive workforce.

The Higher Education Minister, Atanu Sabyasachi, noted the expansion of higher education in the state through the application of the 5T initiative. He highlighted the increased state budget for higher education, reaching Rs. 4000 crore, and the expedited recruitment process.

Pritiranjan Ghadai, Minister of Skill Development and Technical Education, lauded the impact of the Skilled-in-Odisha initiative, stating that it has strengthened the skill ecosystem and gained recognition across the country.

Three newly appointed professionals—Assistant Professor Dr. Abhipsa Bal, Assistant Training Officer Pankajini Behera, and Assistant Training Officer Sweety Das—shared their experiences and appreciated the fair, efficient, and transparent recruitment process under the 5T initiative. Pankajini Behera, sharing her moving story, expressed gratitude for the skilling program that transformed her from a poor girl in Mayurbhanj, running a sewing shop, to an Assistant Training Officer.