Odisha Signs MoUs for Global, Research-Driven, and Sectoral Skilling

Bhubaneswar: Odisha took another decisive step towards becoming a hub of skilled talent as the Skill Development & Technical Education (SDTE) Department today signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three leading organizations in the presence of Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister, Skill Development & Technical Education.

The agreements, signed with the Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation, JustJobs Network, and the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), Hyderabad Campus, mark a significant milestone in expanding global mobility, strengthening research-based policy, and skilling youth in sunrise sectors.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said, “Under the leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister, skill development has been placed at the heart of our journey towards Viksit Odisha. Our youth must be equipped not only for opportunities in our state and country but also to succeed on the global stage.”

He further added, “These MoUs are more than partnerships, they are investments in the future of Odisha’s young people. We are not just creating jobs, we are shaping futures and building the confident, future-ready Odisha of tomorrow.”

The collaboration with GATI Foundation will prepare young talent for international markets, enabling Odisha to emerge as a hub of highly skilled global professionals. The partnership with JustJobs Network will focus on evidence-based, inclusive skilling policies that align aspirations with employment opportunities. Meanwhile, the tie-up with FDDI Hyderabad will pioneer non-leather footwear skilling, unlocking new opportunities in a high-growth sector that promises both employment and entrepreneurship pathways.

The MoUs were signed by Arnab Bhattacharya, CEO of GATI Foundation; Sabina Dewan, Founder & Executive Director of JustJobs Network; and Dr. Narasimhugari T. L. Reddy, Executive Director of FDDI Hyderabad Campus.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, SDTE, and Rashmita Panda, Director, Skill Development-cum-Employment & CEO, OSDA & WSC.

With these collaborations, Odisha has once again reaffirmed its commitment to equipping its youth with skills that are globally competitive, future-oriented, and deeply aligned with the state’s vision of sustainable growth and inclusive development.