Bhubaneswar: The Economic Survey praised Odisha’s skilling initiatives as a replicable model for other states while also highlighting the state’s institutionalised climate adaptation through water governance and its innovative alumni engagement in higher education.The survey noted that Odisha began its skill transformation with the establishment of Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) in 2016. Guided by the mission “Skill in Odisha”, the state adopted a three-pronged strategy — fix, accelerate, scale. This involved revitalising Industrial Training Institutes (ITI)s, expanding short-term training programmes and setting up advanced training institutes. The approach converged skill initiatives across departments, ensured quality standards, and promoted inclusivity and scalability.Odisha addressed challenges such as underutilised ITIs and poor infrastructure by reshaping perceptions of vocational education. Campaigns showcasing alumni success stories, including women and entrepreneurs, built confidence, while ITI fests, new uniforms, and global exposure further enhanced the appeal of vocational training.The state also collaborated with Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education – Education Services (ITEES) to establish world-class training institutes. The Odisha World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar, inaugurated in 2021, offers scholarships and advanced training in engineering and services, alongside teacher training.On climate adaptation, the survey highlighted Odisha’s water governance through more than 39,000 pani panchayats, which empower communities and ensure the inclusion of women and marginalised groups. The Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture upgraded 538 minor irrigation systems across 15 districts, benefiting 1,25,000 households. By integrating modern irrigation with sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, the project achieved a 28.8% increase in water productivity, a 67.8% rise in agricultural output, a 105% growth in high-value vegetable farming, and a 27% boost in household incomes.Urban waste management was also lauded, with the 2023 mission “Garbage-Free Urban Odisha” combining advanced bio-mining technologies, institutional planning, and community participation to tackle legacy waste.The survey further praised Odisha’s Mo College initiative for deepening alumni engagement, its tribal farming programmes that significantly raised rural incomes, and its semiconductor manufacturing and fabless policy, which is expected to strengthen domestic capabilities and position India as a global player in the semiconductor sector. Odisha’s sustainable growth taken note of: CMCM Mohan Charan Majhi said the Economic Survey reaffirmed the steady progress Odisha is making towards inclusive and sustainable growth. “I am pleased to note that Odisha’s Net State Domestic Product increased from Rs 6.99 lakh crore in 2023-24 to an estimated Rs 7.90 lakh crore in 2024-25, with growth accelerating to 13.04 per cent. Per capita NSDP reached Rs 1,68,966, reflecting rising incomes and improved living standards for our people,” Majhi posted on X.He emphasised that agriculture remains a cornerstone of the state’s development strategy, with Odisha ranking among the top-three sunflower-producing states in the country. Financial inclusion is also deepening, as bank deposits rose to Rs 5.83 lakh crore, strengthening savings and investment across the state.“Our govt remains firmly committed to translating this growth into higher incomes, quality employment, and improved opportunities for every Odia,” the CM added.
