More ITIs, polytechnics for skill upgrade

With a view to meet the skilled manpower requirement of the industries setting up their units in the state, the Orissa government plans to go for skill upgradation through setting up of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Polytechnics in the state.

As the state is emerging as the hub for metallurgy and energy in the country, there is a huge demand for skilled manpower. While 138 blocks in Orissa don’t have ITIs, 18 more polytechnics are required for the state to be at par with the national average.

As a measure in this direction, the Orissa government has written demi-official letters to about 50 industries in the state for setting up of ITIs in their respective areas of operations.

About 20 industries participated and agreed to set up ITIs at a high level meeting chaired by T K Misra, the development commissioner. Another round of meeting is slated to be held immediately after elections, sources said.

The state government has also submitted a proposal of Rs 828 crore to the 13th Finance Commission for setting up 138 ITIs in the state. Besides, it has sought Rs 486 crore for the establishment of 18 new polytechnics in the state. Both ITIs and the polytechnics aim to develop the manpower skills.

Sources said, to provide new infrastructure and upgradation of existing infrastructure for imparting quality education in the government colleges and the universities, the state has also sought Rs 250 crore from the Finance Commission.