Bhubaneswar: Skill development and technical education minister Sampad Chandra Swain on Tuesday asked industrial training institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics to play a more proactive role in addressing the state’s growing demand for skilled manpower, with strong focus on improving enrolment, reducing dropouts and strengthening industry linkages.Reviewing performance of all 72 govt ITIs and 35 govt polytechnics at a meeting held at the State Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (SCTE&VT) here, Swain said the institutions must evolve into centres of excellence capable of producing industry-ready professionals.Addressing principals of the institutions, the minister said technical education institutions are the backbone of Odisha‘s industrial growth and economic transformation. While acknowledging that the state’s ITIs and polytechnics have earned recognition over the years, he said rapid technological changes and evolving industry requirements demand continuous modernisation, innovation and closer collaboration with industries.The day-long review meeting also deliberated on improving the quality of training, enhancing industry partnerships, effective utilisation of infrastructure, adoption of best practices and improving placement outcomes.Skill development and technical education commissioner-cum-secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia, director of technical education and training Chakravarti Singh Rathore and other senior department officials attended the meeting.
