New Delhi: Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, launched the inaugural Skill India Centre (SIC) in Sambalpur, Odisha today. The event saw the presence of dignitaries including Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, among others.

During the inauguration, Pradhan emphasized the importance of upgrading the skill sets of the youth, particularly in high-demand industries, aiming to empower over 1200 students through this centre. He stressed the necessity of a skilled workforce for India’s development in the 21st century, highlighting the need to democratize access to quality education and make it affordable for all aspiring youth.

Pradhan also outlined the centre’s goal to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering youth with new-age skills, thus creating an industry-ready workforce, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening the skilling ecosystem. The SIC focuses on trades such as Media & Entertainment, Leather, Tourism & Hospitality, and IT-ITeS, offering a blend of classroom and work-based learning.

Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern facilities, the centre aims to catalyze demand for formal skills and enable youth to succeed in their chosen fields. Collaboration efforts are underway to leverage demographic dividends for rural development, local entrepreneurship, and socio-economic growth.

The SIC will play a vital role in curriculum design alongside industry experts, ensuring alignment with industry needs, promoting standardization, and creating employment opportunities. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) will appoint a Centre Manager to oversee program implementation and ensure adherence to quality standards.

Following this inauguration, similar Skill India Centres are planned in Angul, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Talcher, and Deogarh, targeting high-growth sectors to address specific skill needs and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Earlier this year, Pradhan launched the Kaushal Rath initiative, providing skill training and certification across Odisha’s Sambalpur, Angul, and Deogarh districts. This initiative has already trained 4000 candidates, fostering digital literacy, retail skills, and entrepreneurial growth.

The youth of Sambalpur are expected to benefit significantly from these skill development initiatives, enhancing their placement and employability prospects both domestically and internationally. This strategic approach aims to revolutionize India’s skilling landscape, offering enhanced accessibility, personalized learning experiences, and improved career guidance.

This story has been sourced form PIB.