Bhubaneswar: Continuing the push for skill development, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated the Skill India Centre (SIC) in Dhenkanal on Friday. The centre is poised to strengthen the skill development landscape in the region, providing access to 21st-century skills and empowering local youth for a future-ready workforce.
In his address, Pradhan highlighted the significance of the Skill India Centre in aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a Global Skill Capital. He emphasized that initiatives like SIC draw inspiration from renowned institutions like IIMC, aiming to provide high-quality education to unleash the potential of youth and prepare them for the dynamic and competitive job market.
The launch of Skill India Centre in Dhenkanal is a strategic step towards establishing the region as a hub for future skills. Pradhan expressed confidence that the centre would instill confidence in local youth, enabling them to enter the job market with lucrative career prospects. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC, and MD, NSDC International, also addressed the event.
The Minister stated, “Under the Skill India Mission, the centre will train aspirants and young women in new-age skills like graphics designing, hospitality, technology services, and the leather industry.” He further connected the Skill India Centre with IIMC Dhenkanal, envisioning it as a futuristic center for modern communication in the days to come.
Aligned with the vision of a developed India by 2047, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is introducing initiatives like the Skill India Centre to catalyze the potential of young talent in Odisha. The centre will provide specialized training in new techniques, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and tools to prepare students for the evolving job landscape.
The centre’s industry-centric and outcome-driven approach will offer students rich experience in emerging trends and teach them how to apply these skills in today’s job market. It will not only provide future skills courses at affordable prices but also contribute to preserving traditional crafts’ cultural heritage and promoting them in contemporary contexts.
Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and modern facilities, the Skill India Centre in Dhenkanal aims to mold the future of youth, opening avenues for placement in both domestic and global markets. Sector Skill Councils (SSC) will collaborate to design training programs and address skill gaps in specific industries, ensuring the skilled workforce meets industry demands.
This initiative builds on the success of the Kaushal Rath initiative, launched earlier this year, which provided skill training and certification to candidates across Sambalpur, Angul & Deogarh districts. The Skill India Centre in Dhenkanal is another step towards fostering digital literacy, retail and entrepreneurial skills, and inclusive growth in the region.