Odisha to bank big on new-age tech skilling says CM Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: The brand ‘Skilled in Odisha’ is ready to shine across the globe, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said while inaugurating the Odisha Skill Conclave 2023.

Stressing cooperation between centre and states to enhance new-age tech skilling in the country, Patnaik said, “Odisha has kept a budgetary provision of Rs. 100 crores for this year for the new scheme Nua Odisha to train the youth in future technologies like cloud computing, artificial technology, data sciences, and other futuristic knowledge.”

“To achieve this, we need a collective, collaborative effort between the central ministries, state government departments, industry, academia and civil society to develop policies and programs to promote skill development, and also ensure those skills are recognised and valued in the job market,” he added.

Stating that Odisha is devoted towards new age transformation, he said, “Country is going through significant transformation, rapid technological advancements and changing job markets have made it imperative for us to invest in our human capital and equip our younger generation with the skill they need to succeed in the 21st century.”

Pradeep Kumar Jena, Chief Secretary & Chief Development Commissioner said, “Skilling has been the buzzword of our times. We have seen a rapid change in technological landscape owing to development in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. This mega Skill Conclave will be a great platform for deliberation, convergence and collaboration among policy makers, industry leaders, academicians and students.”

Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education Department, said, “In Odisha, skilling is not just training, but a mission to transform lives. This event intends to bring all the stakeholders of the skilling ecosystem under one roof for churning out ideas and giving a direction to the skilling community.”

In his special address, Subhrakant Panda, President of, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) said, “The theme skilling for the new world is appropriate because, in the current scenario, it is important to impart skill sets which enhance employability, keeping in mind that the new age skills are important. Traditional skills are equally crucial to invest in people to enjoy demographic dividends. The main idea of Odisha Skill Conclave 2023 is to invest in the people of Odisha and take skilling to a new level.”

The inaugural session also witnessed the exchange of various MoUs between ITE Education Services, Singapore, and Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha; Mission Shakti and World Skill Centre; School and Mass Education Department and ITE Education Services, Singapore; Odisha Computer Application Center (OCAC) and Skill Development and Technical Education,
Government of Odisha; Drone Federation of India and Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha.

Some of the global leaders like Festo, Mitutoyo, Schneider, Coursera, Alterra, Philips Education, and ISB expressed interest in investing in the youth of Odisha and Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha.