The Economic Survey lauds Odisha’s skilling reforms, climate-resilient water governance, urban waste management and strong economic growth trajectory
OdshaPlus Bureau
The Economic Survey praised Odisha’s skilling initiatives as a replicable model for other states while also highlighting the state’s institutionalised climate adaptation through water governance and its innovative alumni engagement in higher education.The survey noted that Odisha began its skill transformation with the establishment of Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) in 2016. Guided by the mission “Skill in Odisha”, the state adopted a three-pronged strategy — fix, accelerate, scale. This involved revitalising Industrial Training Institutes (ITI)s, expanding short-term training programmes, and setting up advanced training institutes. The approach converged skill initiatives across departments, ensured quality standards, and promoted inclusivity and scalability.
Odisha addressed challenges such as underutilised ITIs and poor infrastructure by reshaping perceptions of vocational education. Campaigns showcasing alumni success stories, including women and entrepreneurs, built confidence, while ITI fests, new uniforms, and global exposure further enhanced the appeal of vocational training. The state also collaborated with Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education – Education Services (ITEES) to establish world-class training institutes.
The Odisha World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar, inaugurated in 2021, offers scholarships and advanced training in engineering and services, alongside teacher training. On climate adaptation, the survey highlighted Odisha’s water governance through more than 39,000 pani panchayats, which empower communities and ensure the inclusion of women and marginalised groups. The Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture upgraded 538 minor irrigation systems across 15 districts, benefiting 1,25,000 households.
By merging contemporary irrigation techniques with sustainable agricultural practices and aquaculture, the initiative realized a 28.8% enhancement in water productivity, a 67.8% increase in agricultural yield, a 105% expansion in high-value vegetable cultivation, and a 27% uplift in household earnings.
Urban waste management received commendation as well, with the 2023 initiative “Garbage-Free Urban Odisha” integrating cutting-edge bio-mining technologies, strategic institutional planning, and community involvement to address historical waste issues.
The assessment further commended Odisha’s Mo College initiative for fostering stronger alumni connections, its tribal farming programs that have notably elevated rural incomes, and its semiconductor manufacturing and fabless policy, which is anticipated to bolster domestic capabilities and establish India as a significant player in the global semiconductor arena.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi remarked that the Economic Survey confirmed the consistent advancement Odisha is achieving towards inclusive and sustainable development. “I am delighted to observe that Odisha’s Net State Domestic Product rose from Rs 6.99 lakh crore in 2023-24 to an estimated Rs 7.90 lakh crore in 2024-25, with growth accelerating to 13.04 percent. Per capita NSDP reached Rs 1,68,966, indicating increasing incomes and enhanced living standards for our citizens,” Majhi shared on X.
He underscored that agriculture continues to be a fundamental element of the state’s development strategy, with Odisha positioned among the top three sunflower-producing states in the nation. Financial inclusion is also advancing, as bank deposits climbed to Rs 5.83 lakh crore, reinforcing savings and investment throughout the state. “Our government remains steadfastly dedicated to converting this growth into elevated incomes, quality employment, and enhanced opportunities for every Odia,” the Chief Minister concluded.