Odisha Budget: Focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and education infrastructure with key initiatives

During the presentation of the Odisha Budget 2026-27, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Friday laid out a comprehensive roadmap to advance skill development, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen the state’s education infrastructure. Several key proposals were announced, aiming to position Odisha as a hub for globally competitive skills and innovation in various sectors, particularly in technical education, entrepreneurship, and industry-specific training.

World Skill Centers: Empowering Youth with Advanced Skills

One of the standout proposals was the establishment of seven campuses of the World Skill Center by 2047, with at least five set to be operational by 2036. In the near term, the Odisha government plans to establish two new campuses in Sambalpur and Berhampur with a total investment of Rs. 278 crore. These campuses will offer advanced, industry-oriented training to youth, preparing them with the skills required to compete in emerging sectors at the global level.

Each campus will have an annual intake capacity of approximately 2,000 students, including those from ITIs, Polytechnics, and other interested youth. This initiative is aimed at addressing the skill gap in emerging industries while providing young people with the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.

To initiate this ambitious project, the Chief Minister allocated Rs. 10 crore under the “Odisha Skill Development Project Phase II”, signaling the beginning of this transformative journey for the youth of the state.

“Udyami” Scheme: Fostering Nano-Entrepreneurs

In a bid to empower local entrepreneurs, CM Mohan Majhi announced the “Udyami” scheme, a new initiative aimed at promoting 6,000 nano-entrepreneurs in Odisha with a total outlay of Rs. 40 crore over the next two years. The scheme will provide structured entrepreneurship development programmes, access to formal credit, and mentoring support to ensure sustainable enterprise creation.

The Udyami scheme will target the establishment of small-scale businesses in diverse sectors, fostering an ecosystem of self-reliant entrepreneurs. By providing crucial financial and technical support, the initiative aims to enhance the entrepreneurial culture in Odisha and create jobs in rural and urban areas alike.

Centre of Excellence in Mining and Metallurgy

With Odisha being one of India’s key mining and metallurgy hubs, the state government proposed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Mining and Metallurgy at the Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar. This initiative aims to meet the rising demand for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding mining and metals sector in Odisha.

This will not only improve the quality of education in this critical field but also address the need for specialized professionals capable of contributing to the growth of Odisha’s mining industry. By providing world-class training and research facilities, the center will help position Odisha as a leader in the mining sector.

Infrastructure Development for Technical Universities and Engineering Colleges

The budget also proposed Rs. 235 crore for the Infrastructure Development of Technological Universities and Engineering Colleges in the fiscal year 2026-27. This fund will be utilized for enhancing the infrastructure of existing technical universities and engineering colleges, enabling them to meet the growing demand for quality technical education in the state.

Transforming Odisha’s Technical Universities into Global Institutions

A major part of the vision for Odisha’s higher education system is the transformation of institutions like Odisha University of Technology and Research, Bhubaneswar and Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, into world-class technical universities. These upgrades will significantly elevate the standard of education and research, creating globally competitive professionals across sectors.

Additionally, the proposal to establish two new government engineering colleges in Paradeep and Balangir aims to make technical education more accessible, addressing the demand for skilled engineers in the state.

Utkarsh ITIs Yojana: Upgrading ITIs for Emerging Trades

The Chief Minister also approved the “Utkarsh ITIs Yojana”, with a total outlay of Rs. 500 crore for three years (2025-26 to 2027-28). This scheme aims to upgrade five existing government ITIs as flagship Utkarsh ITIs, with an investment of about Rs. 100 crore per ITI. These upgraded ITIs will focus on enhancing intake capacity, establishing Centres of Excellence, and strengthening industry partnerships.

For FY 2026-27, the government has allocated Rs. 100 crore under this scheme. Additionally, Rs. 260 crore has been earmarked for the modernization of existing ITIs, which will include updated workshops, modern training facilities, and digital learning infrastructure.

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Conclusion: A Vision for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

The Odisha Budget 2026-27 reflects the state’s commitment to becoming a hub for skills development and entrepreneurship. By investing in education, technical training, and industry-specific skill centers, the government aims to create a future-ready workforce capable of competing on the global stage. With initiatives like Udyami, the World Skill Centers, and the Utkarsh ITIs Yojana, Odisha is well on its way to fostering a culture of innovation, self-reliance, and economic growth.

Through these initiatives, the state is not only strengthening its education infrastructure but also ensuring that its youth are equipped with the skills necessary to drive the economy forward.