The focused approach of the State Government has made Odisha a leader in skill training in the country and "Skilled-in-Odisha" is fast emerging as a global brand, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said.
Patnaik said as a part of the initiatives, the skill competitions organised by Odisha Skill Development Authority at the State level and Odisha’s successful participation at national and international skill competitions will further strengthen the skill eco system of the State.
Minister for Skill Development and Technical Education and Planning and Convergence Usha Devi and Chairman Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) Subroto Bagchi were present in the felicitation ceremony.
Secretary, Skill Development and Technical Education, Sanjay Kumar Singh presented details of the programme.
Patnaik said that it will certainly help in attracting industries to the State and give a boost to the economic growth of the State, while felicitating winners of the India Skills competition held recently.
Referring to the recent Make-in-Odisha Conclave, the CM said the initiative has received investment proposals of Rs 4.2 lakh crore that has the potential to create employment opportunities for about six lakh persons.
Congratulating the winners, he said their achievements will inspire the younger generation to reach new heights in the field of skill, technology and professionalism.
The Chief Minister also handed over the appointment letters to Lecturers in 17 disciplines of different Government Engineering Schools and Polytechnics of the State.
“As young teachers, your role is very significant and you can play a vital role in making the youth of the State employable nationally and internationally. “Our motto of technical education and training is Hands on, Hearts on and Minds on Training,” he exhorted.
Notably, for the first time, 33 young men and women from Odisha, selected through state and regional level skill competitions took part in the prestigious national skill championship. Odisha won a total number of 19 medals including 4 gold, 9 silver and 6 bronze. In addition, the State has also got two medallions of excellence.
Odisha ranked second among all Indian States, behind Maharastra whose medal tally was 20.
The winners will undergo training in best possible places in the country and abroad in their trade and they will compete for selection to the WorldSkills Competition in Kazan, Russia in August 2019.
Two of these champions have also won bronze in World Skills Hi-Tech 2018, held in Russia, as a prelude to World Skills 2019.