Inauguration of the first Skill India Centre in Sambalpur, Odisha

The historic city of Sambalpur carved a new milestone on 22nd February 2024 when Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan spearheaded the inauguration of the maiden Skill India Centre (SIC) in Odisha. This pivotal development promises a transformative impact on the regional skilling landscape.

Catalysing Youth Empowerment Through Skills

In his address, Shri Pradhan emphasized the SIC’s role in enabling India’s demographic dividend by equipping over 1200 youth with industry-relevant skills to unlock abundant job opportunities, thus setting them on pathways for productive careers.

He highlighted skill development's central role in driving India’s Amrit Kaal growth phase over the next 25 years to fulfill the aspiration of becoming a leading global power.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure to Facilitate Experiential Learning

Sprawled across 5000 sq. ft, the Sambalpur SIC boasts best-in-class infrastructure featuring:

• Modern classrooms equipped with digital boards
• Advanced VR labs with 3D printing and AI capabilities
• Industry-grade workshops aligned to NOS curriculum
• Robust internet connectivity enabling digital learning
• Recreation zone for extra-curricular activities

This cutting-edge facility promises an enriching combination of theoretical coursework and practical training to attune youth skills as per market needs in a stimulating environment.

Pivotal Role of NSDC in Implementation

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will play a pivotal role in the SIC project right from training to assessments to certification and delivering employment linkages through its network of 500+ partners.

NSDC officials and designated centre managers will closely monitor implementation efficacy across each stage - from mobilization to placement while ensuring strict adherence to mandated quality standards.

Phased Expansion Plans Across Odisha

Alongside the Sambalpur inauguration, 5 more SICs have been slated for launch in Angul, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Talcher and Deogarh over coming months to catalyse an equitable skilling ecosystem across Odisha.

Each SIC will align training programs to address specific skill gaps across focus sectors like construction, capital goods, textiles etc. critical for fuelling economic growth and generating local employment.

Transforming India's Skill Development Landscape

SIC Sambalpur’s inauguration augurs the beginning of a new era which can revolutionize skill development in India through greater geographical penetration. By boosting accessibility along with personalized guidance mechanisms, the SIC model promises to open up abundant opportunities for youth in small towns to chart rewarding careers.

Over time, the centres can serve as hubs for innovation, entrepreneurship and social leadership thus maximizing demographic dividends essential for realization of India’s civilizational and developmental goals.

References

[1] Ministry of Skill Development [2] Hindustan Times [3] BusinessLine [4] NSDC Website [5] Odisha TV