Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday entered into a memorandum of understanding with Tata Technologies to upgrade 22 government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state into Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
As per an official statement, the total investment for the project stands at Rs 779 crore. Under the agreement, the Odisha government will contribute 14 per cent of the project cost, while Tata Technologies will bear approximately 86 per cent.
The initiative aims to modernise training infrastructure and align it with current industry requirements. According to the state government, the upgraded ITIs will feature advanced laboratories and industry-grade equipment designed to match modern industrial standards.
The Centres of Excellence will provide specialised training in high-growth and emerging sectors. These include automobile technology, with a focus on electric vehicles, design and verification tools, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and advanced manufacturing, advanced CNC and VMC machining, advanced plumbing technology, and process control and automation technology.
In addition to infrastructure development, Tata Technologies will offer five years of comprehensive support to ensure effective implementation. This support will include the deployment of trainers, equipment maintenance, and assistance with student placements to strengthen industry linkages and ensure sustainable outcomes.
On the same occasion, three additional memorandums of understanding were exchanged to expand skill development initiatives in the state.
One agreement was signed in collaboration with UNICEF. This partnership will utilise the YouthHub platform to facilitate the placement of more than 2,000 girls through digital skilling programmes and an outcome-based funding model.
Another MoU was formalised between the World Skill Centre and Kawasaki Robotics India Pvt Ltd. The collaboration aims to enhance training capacity in robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies, with the objective of preparing youth for advanced manufacturing environments.
A separate agreement was also signed between the World Skill Centre and Atreya Global Pvt Limited. This partnership is intended to create structured pathways for overseas employment in Germany and other European nations. The initiative will integrate skill training, language instruction, placement facilitation, and post-placement support.
Addressing the gathering at the event, Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain highlighted the state government’s emphasis on preparing youth to meet industry demands. He stated that while infrastructure development plays a key role in industrial growth, skilled human capital is essential for sustaining and expanding such growth.
He further described skill development as a central economic strategy rather than a peripheral welfare measure. According to the minister, equipping young people with relevant and future-ready skills is critical to achieving Odisha’s long-term development objectives and enhancing global competitiveness.
The agreements collectively reflect the state’s approach to strengthening technical education, improving industry alignment, and expanding employment opportunities both within India and abroad. Through infrastructure upgrades, industry partnerships, and targeted training programmes, the initiative seeks to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting evolving technological and industrial demands.
