Bhubaneswar/Mathili: Students and trainees in Malkangiri are set to get access to specialised training in electric vehicle technology, with the Odisha government initiating the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Electric Vehicle Technology at Government ITI, Mathili.
Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain laid the foundation stone for the facility on Thursday. The centre will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.8 crore and is aimed at strengthening technical education while creating a skilled workforce for the emerging electric mobility sector.
The initiative comes amid growing demand for specialised skills in electric vehicles, charging systems and related technologies. The proposed centre is expected to provide students with industry-oriented training and improve their employment prospects in the rapidly evolving automotive and mobility sector.
Swain also inaugurated an Engineering Drawing Laboratory, online classroom and conference hall at Government ITI, Mathili during his visit. The facilities are intended to improve the institute’s academic infrastructure and provide students and trainees with better learning and training facilities.
The Minister later reviewed the academic and training activities of Government ITI Mathili, Government ITI Malkangiri and Malkangiri Government Polytechnic. The principals of the three institutions briefed him on their academic programmes, skill training initiatives and infrastructure requirements.
The District Skill Development and Employment Officer presented details of the skill development programmes being implemented in the district. Swain reviewed the initiatives and stressed the need to strengthen the local skill ecosystem so that young people can access training aligned with emerging employment opportunities.
The Minister also held a separate review meeting on industrial activities in Malkangiri. Officials from the District Industries Centre, Malkangiri DIPA team and IDCO attended the meeting and apprised him of industrial development-related activities in the district.
Swain directed officials to take coordinated measures to strengthen both the skill development network and industrial ecosystem of Malkangiri. He emphasised the importance of linking local skill development initiatives with industry requirements and creating greater opportunities for the district’s youth.
The proposed EV Centre of Excellence is expected to add a new dimension to technical education in the district by introducing specialised training in a technology that is increasingly shaping the future of transportation.
