Odisha brings industry leaders together for ITI facelift roadmap

Bhubaneswar, Aug 12 (UNI) The World Skill Centre-Bhubaneswar today hosted a high-level Consultative Workshop on the National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation, bringing together top policymakers, industry leaders, and training experts to shape the future of technical education in the State.

Jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the State’s Skill Development & Technical Education (SD & TE) Department, the workshop deliberated on strategies to implement Centre’s ambitious plan to upgrade 1,000 ITIs through a Hub-and-Spoke model.

Industry is the cornerstone of the scheme, which aims to make skilling aspirational, industry-aligned, and outcome-driven, Rajit Punhani, Secretary, MSDE said on the occasion.

Sonal Mishra, Additional Secretary, MSDE, outlined the scheme’s vision and called for strong government–industry–academia collaboration to meet the demands of emerging sectors.

Highlighting Odisha’s readiness, Rashmita Panda, Director, Skill Development-cum-Employment and Chief Executive Officer, World Skill Center, presented the State’s roadmap for modernizing ITIs, integrating advanced technologies, and expanding industry partnerships in hub and spoke models.

Chakravarthi Singh Rathore, Director, Technical Education & Training along with other senior officials, were also present.

The workshop saw active participation from leading corporates, Public Sector Undertakings, and training institutions, Principals and Faculties of ITIs, District Skill Development-cum-Employment Officers, with discussions focusing on infrastructure modernization, industry-aligned curriculum to make the ITIs industry-ready.