Odisha Government Unveils Ambitious Utkarsh ITI Yojana with Rs 500 Crore Investment
In a significant move to revolutionize technical education, the Skill Development and Technical Education Department of Odisha announced on Thursday the launch of the 'Utkarsh ITI Yojana'. This transformative scheme will see five existing government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) upgraded into centers of advanced technical and vocational training, equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Modern Infrastructure and Future-Ready Curriculum
The upgraded institutions, to be designated as Utkarsh ITIs, will undergo comprehensive modernization. This includes enhanced physical infrastructure, state-of-the-art training equipment, smart classrooms, and integrated digital learning systems. The curriculum will be realigned with emerging skill requirements, focusing on industry-relevant trades that prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department, Bhupendra Singh Poonia, emphasized the scheme's core objectives. "The Utkarsh ITI Yojana aims to ensure equitable access to quality vocational education across all regions of Odisha," he stated. "By strengthening industry alignment, we are creating a skilled workforce capable of responding to rapid technological changes and evolving labor market demands. This is a strategic investment in our state's human capital."
Five Historic ITIs Selected for Transformation
The five ITIs selected for this ambitious upgrade represent a mix of historic institutions and strategic locations:
- Govt ITI Ambaguda (Koraput)
- Govt ITI Rourkela
- Govt ITI Rajkanika (Kendrapara)
- Govt ITI Balangir
- Govt ITI Puri
Notably, the ITIs at Rourkela, Balangir, Puri, and Ambaguda are among the oldest technical training institutions in the state, giving this modernization effort a special significance in preserving legacy while embracing innovation.
Substantial Financial Commitment and Implementation Timeline
The state government has earmarked a substantial total outlay of Rs 500 crore for the Utkarsh ITI Yojana. This funding will be deployed over a three-year period, spanning the financial years 2025-26 to 2027-28. The initiative is scheduled to be rolled out from the upcoming academic session, marking a swift transition from planning to implementation.
Introduction of Cutting-Edge, New-Age Trades
A key highlight of the scheme is the introduction of future-ready trades aligned with global trends like Industry 4.0, the green economy, and the digital workforce. Officials confirmed that the upgraded ITIs will offer specialized programs in high-demand fields, including:
- Additive Manufacturing Technician (3D Printing)
- Advanced CNC Machining Technician
- Semiconductor Technician
- Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing
These courses are designed to bridge the skill gap in emerging sectors and enhance the employability of graduates in a competitive job market.
Expanded Capacity and Holistic Development
Beyond infrastructure modernization, the Utkarsh ITI Yojana includes plans to increase the annual intake capacity of all five selected institutes. This expansion will allow more students to benefit from high-quality vocational training, thereby amplifying the scheme's impact on Odisha's skilled workforce development.
The comprehensive approach of the Utkarsh ITI Yojana—combining infrastructure upgrades, curriculum innovation, and capacity expansion—positions it as a cornerstone of Odisha's strategy to foster technical excellence and economic growth through education.
