Sambalpur: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), operating under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), orchestrated the Kaushal Mahotsav at Dhankauda Field in Sambalpur, creating a platform to offer diverse employment and apprenticeship opportunities to the youth.
Addressing the gathering at Kaushal Mahotsav, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the government’s commitment to job creation and skill development. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he highlighted a significant decrease in the unemployment rate, underscoring the success of initiatives like Skill India Digital (SID), which has provided job assistance to 22,000 state beneficiaries.
Pradhan affirmed that skill development is integral to national missions and transformative growth in Odisha. He cited ongoing projects and recent announcements aimed at fortifying the foundation for a skilled workforce, poised to contribute to the state’s progress.
Approximately 8,000 candidates registered for Kaushal Mahotsav, with 4,000 participating in the employment drive. Out of these, 1,095 candidates, including five differently-abled individuals, received letters of intent, securing positions with an average salary ranging from INR 1.4 lakhs to INR 5 lakhs per annum.
The mega job fair demonstrated a successful public-private partnership, attracting leading organizations such as Shahi Exports, L&T Finance, Reliance Jio, Beck & Pollitzer, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, and Health Care at Home. Notably, 50% of the vacancies were filled by local industries, indicating a heightened demand for skilled talent.
Candidates expressed their excitement, acknowledging that job offers received at Kaushal Mahotsav would accelerate their professional growth, provide hands-on experience, and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed for a thriving career. Roles offered included registered nurse, student apprentice, care giver, general duty assistant, assembly line operator, and sales executive.
Beyond job placements, candidates availed opportunities for free psychometric tests and group counseling to gain a better understanding of shaping their careers. Registrations for fresh skilling and reskilling under MSDE and NSDC schemes were highlighted, with Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) participating to raise awareness about the evolving job landscape.
NSDC has successfully generated a network of 450+ employers, aggregated over 188,000 job vacancies, and registered over 100,000 candidates across the country through job fairs organized in various locations. The Kaushal Mahotsav aims to bridge the skill gap, connect job seekers with employers, and facilitate a smooth transition from education to employment for the youth.