Odisha Launches Mini Tool Rooms to Boost Advanced Manufacturing Skills

Bhubaneswar: To enhance technical education and skill development in Odisha, Reghu G, IAS, Director of Technical Education and Training (DTET), Odisha, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with L. Rajasekhar, General Manager of Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar. The agreement, finalized at the official chamber of the Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Skill Development, and Technical Education at Lok Seva Bhawan, marks the beginning of an ambitious project to set up Mini Tool Rooms at Government Polytechnic Jajpur and Government ITI Barkote.

The Mini Tool Rooms (MTRs) will be established using funds from the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBDC). This initiative aims to bolster the state’s advanced manufacturing sector by upgrading existing workshop infrastructure, re-skilling and up-skilling trainers, and enhancing training modules. The project will leverage state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure to improve the skills of youth in high-end technological areas.

Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar, a registered society under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has committed to setting up the two MTRs and providing comprehensive training to trainers and trainees. These centers will be accredited by CTTC and will offer training modules developed by the Development Commissioner, MSME, focusing on CNC Milling and CNC Turning.

Manufacturing remains a critical driver for economic growth, and the MSME sector contributes significantly to industrial production. However, there is an increasing demand for skilled manpower to keep pace with this growth. The establishment of these Mini Tool Rooms is a strategic effort by the Government of Odisha to address this gap and ensure that local industries have access to a skilled workforce.

The MTRs will not only serve the immediate needs of nearby industries but will also provide valuable training to students from ITIs, diploma colleges, and engineering institutions. They will be equipped with advanced technology and will offer short-term training programs conducted by CTTC’s technical experts. This initiative is expected to enhance the employability of trainees and open up new job opportunities in the field of manufacturing and automation.

On this occasion, Minister Sri Sampad Chandra Swain emphasized the importance of developing Koushal Bhawan within existing ITIs and polytechnics. He highlighted that training and manufacturing are crucial for employment generation and economic growth. The Minister stressed that employment-linked incentives should be prioritized and focused on areas where job creation is most feasible, including through initiatives like Nijukti Mela.

Principal Secretary Smt. Usha Padhi echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing that skill development and employment are closely intertwined. She underscored the need for advanced training to ensure better job prospects and contribute to Odisha’s overall development.

The establishment of these Mini Tool Rooms represents a significant step towards bridging the skill gap in industrial automation and precision engineering, aligning with the state’s broader goals of fostering economic growth and creating employment opportunities.