Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Calls For Industry-Led Skill Development 1,000-Acre Industrial Hub For Western Odisha At CII Event In Sambalpur

Sambalpur (Odisha Tazanew) :- The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has launched a series of transformative initiatives in Sambalpur aimed at strengthening education, skilling, entrepreneurship and market-led agricultural development in Western Odisha. The initiatives were inaugurated by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of India, at Eco Retreat Resort,

Hirakud.Addressing industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and youth, Mr Pradhan underscored the importance of industry-led skill development and innovation in realising the vision of Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat. He highlighted that strengthening the linkage between education and employment would empower the youth of Western Odisha and accelerate regional economic growth.

“Our government has given focused attention to the development of tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Sambalpur stands to benefit significantly from multiple development initiatives,” said Mr Pradhan.He further announced proposals to rebuild the Rourkela-Ranchi Road corridor and discussions with the district administration to prepare 1,000 acres of industrial land for future industries.

The key initiatives launched at the event include CII Education to Employment (E2E) Career Lounge at the Central Library, CII Model Career Centre, CII National Kaushal Kendra, Sambalpur, CII CEL Odisha Entrepreneurs Development Forum and CII CEL Micro & ‘Small Entrepreneurs Project in Odisha. Notably, an MoU was also exchanged between the District Collector’s Office, Sambalpur; Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT);

and the CII Food & Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE) for market-led transformation of crop, fisheries and dairy livelihood systems. Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, emphasised the need to connect large industries withMSMEs to strengthen the regional industrial ecosystem.

“To realise the vision of Viksit Bharat, industry must actively participate in education, healthcare, and skill development,” he said. Highlighting Odisha-Japan collaboration, he noted that nearly 1,000 students from Odisha have secured employment in Japan and called for expanding such global opportunities with the support of the State education department. Earlier, Mr Anil Kumar Singh,

Chairman, CII West Odisha Zonal Council and President & Whole-time Director, JSW Steel Limited, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Appointment letters were distributed to 50 beneficiaries during the programme.Shri Jayanarayan Mishra, Hon’ble MLA, Sambalpur, and Shri Rabi Narayan Naik, Hon’ble Minister for Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water,

Government of Odisha, were also present at the event. The event concluded with an interactive session moderated by Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, during which he engaged with micro-entrepreneurs associated with the CII CEL Sambalpur Entrepreneurs Development Forum. CII Model Career Centre,

Sambalpur was officially launched by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan at the District Employment Exchange, Sambalpur. Total 120 candidates received offer letter under various job opportunities across India. 17 Candidates were also selected for job openings in Japan and 5 candidates were selected for Denmark.