With Sustained Efforts on Developing a Skilled Workforce, Odisha to be the Nation’s Growth Engine
OdishaPlus MiO Bureau
In the rapidly evolving global landscape, Odisha is emerging as a key growth engine for the Indian economy. With ambitious goals like Viksit Odisha 2036 in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the state is focused on skill development, industrial growth, and nurturing a future-ready workforce to take on global opportunities.
At a Plenary Session during the Utkarsh Odisha Make In Odisha Conclave 2025, the emphasis was on empowering Odisha’s youth with the skills needed to meet global demands. Through a variety of targeted training initiatives, the state aims to boost innovation, stimulate economic growth, and generate substantial employment.
Odisha, India’s 8th largest state by area has plenty of rich natural resources, a 575-kilometer expansive coastline, modern infrastructure, and a young population to build a modern, sustainable and resilient economy. The state already contributes significantly to India’s GDP, with its industrial sector generating 43% of its economic output.
Recognized for its fiscal health, Odisha is also making strides in skill development. Through the Skilled in Odisha initiative, the state has dramatically increased female participation in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) from just 6% to 36%, reflecting a progressive approach to female inclusion.
A major part of Odisha’s transformation strategy involves aligning education, skill development, and entrepreneurship with global trends. One such initiative, the Nano Unicorn scheme, aims to create job opportunities and ensure that the state’s workforce is equipped to meet the demands of an ever-evolving market.
During the Make In Odisha Conclave 2025, Atul Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, spoke about Odisha’s immense potential to drive India’s economic growth. The state has already attracted over ₹32,000 crore in investments across sectors like chemicals, shipbuilding, and green energy. These investments are expected to create more than 3.5 lakh new jobs, further strengthening Odisha’s position as a key player in India’s industrial future.
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has been pivotal in Odisha’s skill-building efforts, training over 6 lakh individuals, with over 1 lakh successfully placed in jobs. Similarly, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme has provided training to 50,000 artisans, equipping them with tools, equipment, and access to credit, thus enhancing their traditional skills and improving their livelihoods.
Odisha’s approach also includes district-level skill development programs, ensuring that diverse skill training is tailored to the unique needs of each region. Grassroots programs like Jan Shikshan Sansthan have trained 2.5 lakh rural individuals, making skill development accessible to all sections of society.
The Minister of Skill Development & Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, emphasized that Utkarsh Odisha serves as a landmark event to showcase the state’s commitment to industrial growth. By bringing together visionaries, mentors, and stakeholders, Odisha is propelling investment in skill development, a crucial element for the state’s economic and industrial transformation.
The state’s commitment to skill development is also evident in the recent allocation of ₹60,000 crore for the regeneration of 1,000 ITIs across the country. These ITIs will be transformed into hubs of skill development to meet the needs of future industries, supported by both the central and state governments as well as industry stakeholders.
Odisha’s youth has excelled globally, particularly in the WorldSkills Competition, demonstrating the state’s commitment to world-class skill development. The state is also advancing in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, data science, and green energy, including green hydrogen and ammonia. These industries offer vast opportunities for growth and global leadership.
In renewable energy, Odisha is positioning itself as a leader, with a focus on green hydrogen and battery storage solutions. The state’s robust infrastructure, strategic location, and visionary leadership have attracted global interest in renewable energy investments. Odisha aims to become a hub for green hydrogen and ammonia, ensuring a sustainable energy future.
Prashant Choubey, President of Business Development at Avaada Group, emphasized Odisha’s role in India’s renewable energy transformation. With India’s target of achieving 500 GW of energy from solar, wind, and storage solutions, Odisha is poised to play a crucial role in energy security, affordability, and accessibility.
The state’s rapidly growing workforce is also contributing to sectors like aviation and apparel. In aviation, expanded airport operations and ground handling are expected to generate over 5,000 new job opportunities. Odisha’s apparel sector, which accounts for 2-3% of India’s GDP, is poised for substantial growth as India becomes a prominent player in the global apparel market. Odisha’s manufacturing capabilities could attract orders from countries like Bangladesh, reinforcing its place in the global textile supply chain.
Narahari N, CEO of Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd., highlighted that Odisha’s expanding manufacturing sector is essential in meeting the rising demand for apparel. With its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and skilled workforce, the state is positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the global market.
As businesses around the world embrace Industry 4.0 technology, soft skills, networking, and middle-management capabilities are becoming increasingly important. Manish Prasad, President & Managing Director of SAP India noted that companies need not only technical expertise but also strong interpersonal skills and a global perspective to succeed in today’s fast-changing business environment.
In conclusion, Odisha is strategically investing in both traditional and emerging sectors, creating a thriving ecosystem for skill development. By empowering its youth, the state is shaping a prosperous and self-reliant future for India. With continued emphasis on education, innovation, and sustainability, Odisha is set to become a global leader in economic growth and human capital development.
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