Bhubaneswar: Around 4.2 lakh youths in Odisha are set to benefit from a major skill development drive, Dakshyata Vikas Yojana, that aims to make the state a hub for future-ready talent.
The approval for the scheme came at a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday.
With an outlay of Rs 450 crore and a two-year implementation window, the flagship scheme aims to strengthen employability and prepare young people for opportunities in India and abroad, Chief secretary Anu Garg told the media after the meeting.
The scheme envisages industry-aligned training for 1.17 lakh youth through placement-linked short-term courses, Garg informed.
As part of digital skilling, three lakh youth will be given training in emerging fields such as AI, cloud computing, data analytics and cyber security.
The chief secretary informed that Dakshyata Vikas Yojana will incorporate inclusive projects with special programmes for persons with disabilities, jail inmates, transgender persons and particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
Also, higher education institutions in the state will host National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)-aligned courses alongside academic programmes, Garg said.
To boost global opportunities, youths will be trained in foreign languages like German and Japanese, plus cultural orientation, certification support, visa assistance, travel aid and post-placement services under the new scheme.
