The Odisha government has signed four key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Tata Technologies to transform 22 state-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Centres of Excellence, aiming to align skill development with industry demands. The agreements were signed in the presence of Industries and Skill Development Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, who said the initiative will make Odisha’s youth industry-ready and strengthen the state’s economic growth.
Under the ₹779 crore project, Tata Technologies will modernise the 22 ITIs with advanced laboratories and industry-grade equipment. The Odisha government will bear 14 percent of the total project cost, while Tata Technologies will fund the remaining amount. The upgraded institutes will focus on high-growth and emerging sectors such as automobiles (including electric vehicles), design and verification tools, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, advanced manufacturing, and CNC and VMC machining.
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Skill Development as Core Economic Strategy
Swain emphasised that skill development is not merely a welfare initiative but a core economic strategy that drives inclusive growth and global competitiveness. He said equipping youth with future-ready skills is essential to achieving the state’s long-term development goals. Tata Technologies will also provide five years of comprehensive support, including trainer deployment, equipment maintenance, and placement facilitation to ensure strong industry linkage and sustainable outcomes.
In addition, the Odisha government signed three other MoUs:
- A collaboration with UNICEF will use the YouthHub platform to enable digital skilling and placement of over 2,000 girls through an outcome-based funding model.
- The World Skill Centre partnered with Kawasaki Robotics India Private Limited to strengthen capabilities in robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Another agreement between the World Skill Centre and Atreya Global Private Limited will create structured overseas employment pathways in Germany and other European countries by integrating skilling, language training, placement facilitation, and post-placement support.
Through these initiatives, the Odisha government aims to build a future-ready workforce and expand both domestic and international employment opportunities for its youth.
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