Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today felicitated the participants of the World Skills Competition at Lok Seva Bhawan here.
Chief Minister gave a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh to Amresh Sahu, who won a bronze medal in the world-class competition, and Rs 5 lakh to Gedela Akhil, who won the Medallion for Excellence.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the skills of the children of Odisha have now come to the notice of the world. Skill development in Odisha will be turned into a movement in the coming days.
He said that with an eye on 2036 and 2047, our programme is being prepared to build a developed Odisha. This skilled youth power of ours will be the real charioteer of our developed Odisha. Our youth power is our identity. They are the basis of unwavering faith for us.
The Chief Minister said that the skill of youth power is our strength and pride. Our skill development programme has to be turned into a movement. Our efforts for skill development in every field, at every level will continue.
It is to be noted that 60 participants from across the country participated in the World Skills Competition held in Lyon, France from September 10 to 15, out of which 15 from Odisha alone participated. Among them, Amresh Sahu of Deogarh district won a bronze medal in the renewable energy field while Gedela Akhil of Gajapati district got medallion for excellence in water technology.
Addressing the children on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that out of 60 contestants from all over the country, it is a great achievement that only 15 from Odisha have participated. This is a shining testimony to the faith of the children of Odisha in their skills. This is the new benchmark of our skills,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister said that the skills of the children of Odisha have now come to the notice of the whole world. Stating that it has become a routine for odisha children to get awards at the global stage, he said, “These students are our pride. Only such skilled youth can build a beautiful future for Odisha. It is on the shoulders of such skilled young women that the responsibility of building a new Odisha is on their shoulders.
The Chief Minister said that we have prepared a road map for skill development in Odisha. We don’t just believe in dreaming, but we shape reality. In this year’s budget, a provision of Rs 1050 crore has been made for program implementation only in the field of skill development and technical education.
Referring to the CM Aspire scheme in the skill sector, the Chief Minister said that its aim is to make children employable in the industrial sector. To develop the skills of children according to the demands of modern industry. We have recently approved setting up of 26 industries worth Rs 45,000 crore. It will create 36,000 jobs.
Therefore, children need proper skills to employ in these different fields. That is why the highest emphasis is being given to children in the industry. Along with this, skill development programs are being decentralized and a new Odisha District Skill Center is being opened at the district level. He said that this will help the youth of the local area to acquire skills as well as meet the demands of the local industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain said that only 25 per cent of all the participants in the country were from Odisha. The children of Odisha have skills.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja said that Odisha’s skill development programme has a unique standard. The skills of Odisha children have been recognised globally.
Therefore, if proper training is given to our children as per the demand of the industry, they will be eligible for employment globally, he said.
Principal Secretary, Skill Development and Technical Education, N.B.S. Rajput delivered the welcome address and Rashmita Panda, Director of the department, proposed the vote of thanks.