Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Government of Odisha has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Tata Technologies to transform 22 government ITIs throughout the state into Centres of Excellence (CoEs).

As per an official announcement, the entire project will cost Rs 779.00 crore for the enhancement of the ITIs. The Odisha Government will finance 14 percent of the total project cost, while Tata Technologies will provide around 86 percent, as mentioned in the Memorandum of Agreement.

“The upgraded ITIs will feature cutting-edge laboratories and industry-standard equipment, aligning training infrastructure with contemporary industrial benchmarks. The Centres of Excellence will concentrate on high-growth and emerging sectors such as automobiles, including electric vehicles, design and verification tools, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, advanced manufacturing, CNC and VMC machining, advanced plumbing technology, and process control and automation technology,” the state government revealed.

The private company will also provide extensive support for five years, which includes trainer deployment, equipment maintenance, and job placement facilitation to ensure robust industry connections and sustainable results.

During this event, three additional MoUs were exchanged. A partnership with UNICEF aims to utilize the YouthHub platform to assist in the placement of over 2,000 girls through digital skill development and a performance-based funding model.

A collaboration between the World Skill Centre and Kawasaki Robotics India Pvt Ltd is intended to enhance capabilities in robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies, preparing youth for advanced manufacturing environments.

Another MoU between the World Skill Centre and Atreya Global Pvt Ltd will establish organized overseas employment opportunities in Germany and other European nations by merging skill training, language instruction, job placement, and post-placement assistance.

In his address, Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring Odisha’s youth are prepared for the industry. He noted that while infrastructure supports industries, it is skills that cultivate the human capital necessary for their sustainability and growth.

“Skill development is not merely a welfare initiative; it is a fundamental economic strategy that will promote inclusive growth and global competitiveness,” he stated, asserting that equipping youth with relevant and future-ready skills is crucial for realizing the state’s long-term development objectives.