Odisha Government Unveils Ambitious Utkarsh ITI Yojana for Technical Education Overhaul
In a significant move to revolutionize technical and vocational education, the Skill Development and Technical Education Department of Odisha officially announced the launch of the 'Utkarsh ITI Yojana' on Thursday. This comprehensive scheme is designed to transform five existing government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into advanced centers of technical excellence.
Transforming Infrastructure and Curriculum for Modern Demands
The upgraded institutions, now designated as Utkarsh ITIs, will undergo a complete metamorphosis. The initiative includes substantial enhancements to physical infrastructure, installation of state-of-the-art training equipment, implementation of smart classroom technologies, and integration of sophisticated digital learning systems. Most importantly, the curriculum will be realigned with industry-relevant trades that directly address emerging skill requirements in the contemporary job market.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department, Bhupendra Singh Poonia, emphasized that the scheme's primary objectives are to ensure equitable access to quality vocational education across different regions of Odisha, strengthen alignment with industry needs, and cultivate a skilled workforce capable of adapting to rapid technological advancements and evolving labor market demands.
Five Historic ITIs Selected for Transformation
The five government ITIs chosen for this ambitious upgrade represent a mix of historical significance and strategic geographical distribution:
- Government ITI Ambaguda in Koraput district
- Government ITI Rourkela
- Government ITI Rajkanika in Kendrapara district
- Government ITI Balangir
- Government ITI Puri
Notably, the ITIs located in Rourkela, Balangir, Puri, and Ambaguda rank among the oldest technical training institutions in the state, adding historical weight to their modernization under this scheme.
Substantial Financial Commitment and Future-Ready Trades
The Odisha state government has allocated a substantial total outlay of Rs 500 crore for the Utkarsh ITI Yojana. This funding will be distributed across three financial years, from 2025-26 to 2027-28, ensuring systematic implementation and resource allocation.
Officials revealed that the upgraded Utkarsh ITIs will introduce cutting-edge, future-ready trades specifically aligned with Industry 4.0 technologies, the growing green economy, and the expanding digital workforce. Proposed new trades include:
- Additive Manufacturing Technician (specializing in 3D Printing technologies)
- Advanced CNC Machining Technician
- Semiconductor Technician
- Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing specialist
Beyond infrastructure modernization and curriculum enhancement, the annual intake capacity of all five ITIs will be significantly increased, allowing more students to benefit from these improved facilities. The initiative is scheduled to be rolled out from the upcoming academic session, marking a new chapter in Odisha's technical education landscape.
