First Skill India Centre in Sambalpur

On February 20, 2024, Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first Skill India Centre (SIC) in Sambalpur, Odisha — marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s skilling journey. Spanning 5,000 sq ft, the centre features:

• Digital classrooms with interactive boards

• VR labs equipped with 3D-printing and AI tools

• Industry-grade workshops aligned with national occupational standards (NOS)

• High-speed internet access

• A recreation zone for extracurricular activities

These facilities are designed to blend theory and hands-on training, preparing over 1,200 students for future careers. The SIC will play a central role in expanding Skill development courses in Odisha.

Aiming for Youth Empowerment

In his address, Shri Pradhan highlighted the centre’s role in harnessing India’s demographic dividend by providing young people with industry-relevant, affordable training. Aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for an “Amrit Peedhi”, the SIC aims to build a skilled workforce for India’s “Amrit Kaal” growth phase.

The centre focuses on Skill development courses in Odisha across sectors such as:

• Media & Entertainment

• Leather

• Tourism & Hospitality

• IT-ITeS (Information Technology – IT Enabled Services)

These focus areas reflect Odisha’s economic priorities and the growing demand for Skill development courses in Odisha to create local employment.

Role of NSDC & Quality Assurance

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), oversees the SIC’s entire lifecycle — from curriculum design, training, assessment, and certification, to job placement.

• A Centre Manager has been appointed to ensure high standards across all phases.

• The curriculum is co-developed with industry experts to maintain relevance.

Through this initiative, NSDC is ensuring that Skill development courses in Odisha remain industry-aligned, practical, and job-oriented.

Expansion Across Odisha

The Sambalpur SIC is Phase 1 of a larger plan. Five additional centres are scheduled for Angul, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Talcher, and Deogarh in the coming months. Each centre will focus on Skill development courses in Odisha tailored to sectors like construction, textiles, and capital goods — creating a robust skill ecosystem.

Linking Mobility & Rural Reach

Earlier in 2024, the MSDE launched the Kaushal Rath initiative, a fleet of mobile training buses operating across Sambalpur, Angul, and Deogarh. So far, these buses have trained around 4,000 candidates in retail, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. These mobile units complement fixed centres, ensuring that Skill development courses in Odisha reach rural youth effectively.

What It Means for the Region

• For Youth: Opens access to affordable and Skill development courses in Odisha.

• For Industry: Creates a workforce trained through Skill development courses in Odisha and certified by NSDC.

• For Odisha: Builds a foundation for equitable economic growth by enhancing skilling opportunities.

• For Nation: Strengthens India’s ambition to lead in the global skilled workforce.

Looking Ahead

The SIC network in Odisha offers a cutting-edge model that combines digital classrooms, VR-based experiential learning, and industry-aligned training. With the continuous expansion of Skill development courses in Odisha, the region is poised to become a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and skilled employment.

Final Thoughts

The inauguration of the Skill India Centre (SIC) in Sambalpur marks a turning point in Odisha’s journey toward empowering its youth through industry-focused training.

By introducing advanced infrastructure like digital classrooms, VR labs, and AI-driven learning, the centre bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world skills. With its commitment to Skill development courses in Odisha, the SIC not only enhances employability but also encourages entrepreneurship and innovation among young professionals.

The phased expansion to other districts like Angul, Bhadrak, and Deogarh ensures that these opportunities are accessible to rural and semi-urban communities as well. This holistic approach, driven by NSDC and MSDE, aligns with India’s broader vision of creating a self-reliant and skilled workforce for the future.