Odisha: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan marked a significant milestone in India’s skill development journey by inaugurating the inaugural Skill India Centre (SIC) in Sambalpur, Odisha. The ceremony, graced by dignitaries including Secretary Atul Kumar Tiwari and NSDC CEO Ved Mani Tiwari, highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering youth with employable skills in demand-driven industries.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Pradhan emphasized the importance of equipping the ‘Amrit Peedhi’ (youth) with skills relevant to new-age job roles. He articulated a vision to democratize access to quality education, emphasizing the need for affordable skill training programs to bridge the gap between industry demands and workforce capabilities.
Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the SIC aims to create an industry-ready workforce, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen the skilling ecosystem. By offering courses tailored to high-demand sectors like Media & Entertainment, Leather, Tourism & Hospitality, and IT-ITeS, the centre endeavors to nurture Yuva Shakti (youth power) and enhance their employability prospects.
The SIC boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern facilities, ensuring a conducive learning environment for youth to acquire industry-specific skills. Collaborative efforts with industry experts will ensure curriculum alignment with evolving industry needs, promoting standardization and creating employment opportunities across sectors.
Under the auspices of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the SIC will facilitate seamless implementation of training programs, monitored by designated Centre Managers to uphold quality standards and operational efficiency. This transformative initiative is poised to open new avenues for education, skill acquisition, and employment linkages, driving socio-economic growth in the region.
The inauguration of the SIC in Sambalpur marks the beginning of a broader expansion plan, with upcoming centres scheduled for inauguration across Odisha. Through initiatives like the Kaushal Rath, which has already trained thousands of candidates in digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills, the government aims to foster inclusive growth and enhance regional employability.
The youth of Sambalpur, with their promising potential, are set to benefit from these initiatives, which will revolutionize the skilling landscape in India. With enhanced accessibility, personalized learning experiences, and improved career guidance, these efforts are poised to shape a skilled, competitive workforce capable of driving India’s development in the 21st century.
