Polytechnic centres in each sub-division of Odisha: Patnaik

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said efforts are being made to set up at least one government polytechnic centre in each sub-division of Odisha.
"Priority should be given to those sub-divisional headquarters which are now not covered by any diploma level institution-government or private. It is also planned to increase intake capacity of government polytechnics to 12,000 during 12th five year plan period," he told a workshop here.
The state has 32 government polytechnic centres with an annual intake capacity of 8,425. Three more government polytechinic cenres are being set up at Bhadrak, Deogarh and Jagatsinghpur districts. Besides, there are 89 private poltechnics with an annual intake capacity of 37,740 operating in the state.

Patnaik said the state government has been laying special thrust on development of laboratories, library, infrastructure, communication skill and finishing skill training.
The faculty and students are being sent on exposure visits to different industries on short-term training course to leverage their knowledge.
However, the present diploma course curriculum is not responsive to the needs of industries, he said, adding that it should include skill with practical training. Besides, the skill development department must have tie ups with industries to ensure that students are given work as apprentices during the course period.
"The department must also structure their course befitting the requirement of potential employers, both inside and outside the state. Unless this is done, the students who pass will not be industry-ready," the Chief Minister said.

Patnaik also handed over appointment letters to 88 newly recruited lecturers to work in different state-run polytechnics.