The Nua Odisha Skilling Scheme aims to tackle the shortage of skilled workforce in emerging industries by providing top-tier training, cultivating strong industry connections, and bolstering employability proficiencies. Chief Secretary Pradip Jena highlighted that this initiative is set to bridge the skill gap in traditional sectors such as handicrafts, handloom, and agriculture, enabling them to harness modern technologies. The program will encompass a spectrum of offerings, spanning from fresh skill acquisition for youth, supplementary courses for current students, digital and e-learning modules for higher education attendees, to refining employability skills for students across diverse institutions. This comprehensive approach aims to skill at least 100,000 individuals annually over a span of three years.
On a broader front, the Odisha Cabinet, in its recent session, greenlit 19 proposals, among which is a transformative skilling program designed to bridge the proficiency gap in the application of cutting-edge technologies within conventional sectors. Simultaneously, the Cabinet endorsed a forward-thinking public-private partnership (PPP) policy, establishing an institutional framework to expedite project approvals and ensure equitable participation for all stakeholders.
Underpinning the PPP policy, high-value projects surpassing ₹500 crore investment threshold will secure approval from a High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA). The Empowered Committee on Infrastructure (ECI) will wield the authority to sanction projects ranging from ₹10 crore to ₹500 crore. To facilitate and oversee project implementation at the grassroots level, a District PPP Committee led by the district collector, in collaboration with key administrative bodies and notable industry associations, will orchestrate and support infrastructure projects operating under the PPP paradigm.
The PPP Policy for the year 2023 encompases 21 sectors, with a special emphasis on waste management, energy efficiency measures, as well as the renewable and unconventional energy sectors. To bolster the viability of PPP projects, a suite of government incentives and support mechanisms, including the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and the Odisha Infrastructure Development Fund (OIDF), will be extended. This comprehensive policy framework is poised to invigorate the landscape of public-private partnerships, aligning stakeholders’ interests and propelling the state’s growth trajectory.
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