Odisha to train matric dropouts in CTTC, make them skilled

Following criticism from all quarters over an increased school dropout rate, the Odisha government has decided to train failed class 10 students and dropped-out students in vocational subjects in collaboration with the Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC) in Bhubaneswar.

As per reports, the Higher Secondary Education Director, Raghuram Iyer visited the CTTC on Saturday along with the Mass Education Secretary to discuss the blueprint for the scheme.

Dropped-out students will be provided 3-6 months of training to develop their skills in any trade of their liking.

“I dropped out of school after class 9 due to poor financial condition. Odisha government’s technical education will definitely help me find a job,” said a dropped-out youth, Ajay Mallik.

Raghuram Iyer, Director of Higher Secondary Education, said, “We have identified dropouts in some districts and counselling has been provided to them. This training will definitely help interested students.”

As per the CTTC, they have been training 10th-class dropouts for long. There is a lot of demand for machine operators, AC technicians, and mobile phone repair. Other dropout students can take advantage of this training in CTTC.

CTTCs Training Chief, KM Rajan said, “There is a lot of demand for skilled technicians. We want the dropout students to either become employable or self-sufficient after training.”

The State government has admitted that 9,502 students dropped out of school in 2019. The number rose to 11,645 in 2020 and 44,245 in 2022. Over 14,000 students did not take the Matriculation examination in 2023.