Bhubaneswar, February 19 – The Odisha Government signed a memorandum of understanding with Tata Technologies on Wednesday to upgrade the 22 government ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) across the state into Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
According to an official statement, the total project cost of ₹779.00 crore will be spent on upgrading the ITIs. The Odisha Government will bear 14 per cent of the project cost, while Tata Technologies will contribute approximately 86 per cent, as stated in the Memorandum of Agreement.
"The upgraded ITIs will be equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and industry-grade equipment, bringing training infrastructure in line with modern industrial standards. The Centres of Excellence will focus on high-growth and emerging sectors such as automobiles, including electric vehicles, design and verification tools, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and advanced manufacturing, as well as advanced CNC and VMC machining, advanced plumbing technology, and process control and automation technology," the state government informed.
The private firm will also provide comprehensive support for five years, including the deployment of trainers, maintenance of equipment, and facilitation of placements, to ensure strong industry linkages and sustainable outcomes.
On this occasion, three other MoUs were also exchanged. A collaboration with UNICEF will leverage the YouthHub platform to facilitate the placement of over 2,000 girls through digital skill development and a results-based funding model.
A partnership between the World Skill Centre and Kawasaki Robotics India Pvt Ltd aims to strengthen capacity in robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies, preparing young people for advanced manufacturing ecosystems.
Another MoU between the World Skill Centre and Atreya Global Pvt Limited will create structured overseas employment pathways in Germany and other European countries by integrating skill development, language training, placement facilitation, and post-placement support.
Addressing the gathering, Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain emphasized that making Odisha's youth industry-ready remains a central priority of the Government. He observed that while infrastructure builds industries, it is skills that build the human capital necessary to sustain and grow them.
"Skill Development is not a peripheral welfare measure; it is a core economic strategy that will drive inclusive growth and global competitiveness," he said, adding that empowering youth with relevant and future-ready skills is essential to achieving the State's long-term development goals.