Bhubaneswar: Odisha Cabinet has approved introduction of the Utkarsh ITI Yojana, a strategic initiative aimed at upgrading five existing Industrial Training Institutes into specialized Zonal ITIs.
Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja briefed Media after the Cabinet Meet. He said that this scheme is designed to ensure that Technical and Vocational Education and Training systems remain competitive and capable of delivering future-ready skills that align with emerging industry needs.
The five institutions selected for this transformation include Government ITI Puri, Government ITI Bolangir, Government ITI Ambaguda in Koraput, Government ITI Rajkanika in Kendrapada, and Government ITI Rourkela in Sundargarh. These locations were strategically chosen for their proximity to key industrial and educational hubs, ensuring better access for trainees and alignment with regional labor demands.
Under the upgrade plan, these institutes will be equipped with industry-ready infrastructure, including modern laboratories, smart classrooms, and digital learning spaces. Beyond standard training, these Utkarsh ITIs will function as zonal hubs responsible for advanced training, faculty development, assessments, and innovation. Additionally, the scheme focuses on improving entrepreneurship promotion and placement cells to better support students in securing both self-employment and traditional job placements.
The State Cabinet has officially approved a proposal to promulgate the Odisha State Public Universities (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Ordinance, 2025. This new legislative measure is designed to establish a uniform reservation framework for the direct recruitment of teachers across all state public universities in Odisha.
A significant shift introduced by this Ordinance is the decision to treat each university as a single unit for implementing reservations during the recruitment of Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors. This change will replace the existing department-wise reservation system to ensure the process is more consistent and equitable. To maintain clarity and guarantee the uniform application of these policies, a post-based roster will be maintained for every faculty cadre.
This reform aims to enhance the representation of SC, ST, SEBC, and other eligible groups within higher education faculty. Additionally, it is expected to simplify administrative procedures and align the recruitment practices of Odisha’s universities with nationally accepted standards. By introducing these changes, the state government underscores its commitment to promoting fairness, transparency, and social justice throughout the higher education sector.