Odisha plans polytechnics in each sub-division

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Monday the state government is planning to set up at least one polytechnic in each sub-division to make technical education more accessible to rural students.

"Priority should be given to those sub-divisional headquarters which are now uncovered by any diploma level institution - government or private," Patnaik said while addressing a workshop to identify major challenges faced by diploma level education.

He said there is another plan to increase intake capacity of government polytechnics to 12,000 during the 12th Five Year Plan.

The state has 32 government polytechnics with an annual intake capacity of 8,425. Besides, there are 89 private polytechnics, with an annual intake capacity of 37,740 operating in the state.

The chief minister said three more government polytechnics were being established in Bhadrak, Deogarh and Jagatsinghpur districts.

Informing that the present diploma course curriculum is not responsive to the need of industries, he said these courses should inculcate skill with practical training.

"The Skill Development department must have tie ups with industries to see that students are given work as apprentices during their course period. The department must also structure their course befitting the requirement of potential employers, both inside and outside the state," Patnaik added.