Odisha CM Stresses Skill Development and Technology at BMS Conference
Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi underscored the importance of technology adoption and skill development for worker welfare while addressing the 21st Triennial Conference of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) in Puri.
Drawing inspiration from Lord Jagannath’s philosophy of equality and dignity of labour, Majhi highlighted the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, automation, and quantum computing.
He urged workers and unions to embrace reskilling and upskilling to remain relevant in the evolving job market.
The Chief Minister noted that Odisha has attracted projects worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the past 20 months and expects investments of Rs 20 lakh crore in the coming years.
He emphasised that a skilled workforce is essential to support this industrial expansion.
Majhi praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s internship initiative, which aims to place one crore youth in top companies over five years, and pointed to the four new labour codes that enhance social security, health benefits, and overtime provisions.
Highlighting Odisha’s welfare measures, he said 5.1 million workers are covered under the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, receiving benefits such as education and marriage assistance, scholarships, housing support, and up to Rs 6 lakh compensation in case of accidental death.
He also noted that many districts now provide 200 days of employment annually, reducing migration.
Majhi expressed confidence that Odisha will become prosperous by 2036 and India will achieve developed nation status by 2047, with workers playing a decisive role in this transformation.
