Transforming Employment Landscape with NUA Odisha for Youth Empowerment

Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable initiative to fortify the ‘Skilled-in-Odisha’ brand and advance the state’s skill development landscape, Skill Development and Technical Education Department organized a one-day event titled “Vibrant Skill Ecosystem in Odisha: Collaborative Workshops with Sector Skill Councils” today at Mayfair Waves, Puri.

Setting the landscape of skill development in Odisha with emphasis on employability for the youth, the ‘Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha’ scheme is all set to skill more than 1 lakh youth annually for next three years. This ambitious program is poised to significantly enhance employability across diverse sectors.

Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Pritiranjan Gharai acknowledged the need for adaptability in the face of rapid technological advancements and evolving economic landscapes. He lauded the visionary leadership of CM Naveen Patnaik and highlighted the flagship ‘Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha’ scheme. The program aims to bring about transformation by empowering Odisha’s youth with continuous skilling, reskilling, and upskilling opportunities, with a specific focus on aspirational, tribal, and remote areas.

Principal Secretary Usha Padhee while setting the context underlined Odisha’s commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce, the ‘Skilled-in-Odisha’ brand has garnered global acclaim. The success of this initiative is evidenced by the global reach achieved by the Skilled-in-Odisha youths, securing internships and placements with reputed international companies. This success not only underscores the effectiveness of Odisha’s skill development programs but also solidifies the state’s position as a key player in the global skills landscape.

Skill Development cum Employment Director Shri Reghu G welcomed participants and provided

insights into the success of the ‘Skilled-in-Odisha’ brand.

In a proactive move to fortify the ‘Skilled-in-Odisha’ initiative, a panel discussion was conducted on ‘Making Skill Ecosystem in Odisha Responsive and Vibrant.’ Distinguished panellists, including representative from NCVET, three representatives from Sector Skill Councils, Secretary of SCTE&VT, and Director Skill Development-cum-Employment, engaged in insightful discussions. Dr. Chandra Sekhar Panda, Partner at McKinsey & Company, moderated the discussion, leveraging his expertise to explore possibilities and offerings to strengthen skill development in the state.

The collaborative workshops brought together more than 30 sector skill councils, along with delegates from NCVET and nodal officers from various departments of the Government of Odisha. Recognizing the pivotal role of Sector Skill Councils in bridging the gap between industry requirements and available skill sets, the workshops aimed to encourage dialogue and knowledge exchange among key stakeholders in the skill ecosystem.

The one-day workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from the Additional Secretary, SDTE and was marked by insightful discussions, collaboration opportunities, and the exchange of ideas crucial for aligning skill development with industry demands.