The School and Mass Education Department and the Wadhwani Foundation's Skills Development Network (SDN) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to make Odisha a 'Smart State' through talent development.
Department Secretary Ranjana Chopra and SDN Director Austin Thomas inked the MoU in the presence of Chief Ministser Naveen Patnaik and other Ministers of the State.
The MoU suggests providing four years of skill training to students in vocational subjects. The other phase of the programme is to introduce a Diploma in Vocational Education from Class XI.
While the SDN would provide effective programme management (design, planning and quality), the technology platform, eIJcontent and knowledge management expertise to operationalise the Programme Management Unit, the State Government would set up and run such units.
Wadhwani Foundation president and CEO Dr Ajay Kela said, "Odisha's Smart State initiative will focus on job creation and job fulfillment through building and supporting the full life-cycle of the skilling, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems. This collaboration is the first step towards high-quality job creation and job fulfilment in the State."
The MoU would help make Odisha a leader in job creation and talent development through industry linkages with local industry associations and Sector Skills Councils (SSC's).