THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 13, 2026

The Odisha Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs 450-crore skill development scheme aimed at training 4.20 lakh youths over three years, with a focus on industry-linked employment, digital skills and overseas job opportunities.

The Dakshyata Vikas Yojana, approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, will be implemented during 2026-27 to 2028-29 to strengthen the state's skilled workforce and improve employment prospects for young people.

Under the scheme, 1.17 lakh youths will receive placement-linked short-term training, while another three lakh will be trained in emerging digital fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity.

The initiative seeks to align skill development with evolving industry requirements and expand access to employment-oriented training across the state. It will also integrate vocational education with higher education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Skill Hubs will be established in higher education institutions to offer placement-linked courses aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), enabling students to acquire industry-relevant skills alongside their academic programmes.

With demand for skilled workers in international labour markets offering opportunities for overseas employment, the scheme will strengthen support for candidates seeking jobs abroad. The initiative will include German and Japanese language training, cultural orientation, certification assistance, visa support, travel assistance and post-placement services.

The scheme will also extend skill development opportunities to vulnerable and disadvantaged sections, including persons with disabilities, jail inmates, transgender persons and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), according to the proposal.

In another decision aimed at strengthening implementation, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the Chief Minister Skill Development Fellowship. Under the programme, 40 fellows will be deployed across districts to assess employment demand, analyse skill gaps and facilitate partnerships with industries.

The government will also establish a Skilled-in-Odisha Digital Hub to enable end-to-end tracking of candidates and monitor training outcomes, placements and other performance indicators.

The Dakshyata Vikas Yojana is envisaged as an outcome-driven initiative to create a skilled, future-ready and globally competitive workforce, in keeping with the state's long-term vision of Viksit Odisha 2036.