THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
MARCH 9, 2026
In a significant step
toward strengthening women’s economic empowerment, the Skill Development &
Technical Education Department of the Government of Odisha, in collaboration
with the Udaiti Foundation, organized a consultation on “Unlocking Women’s Participation
in Formal Jobs in Odisha” at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
The consultation
brought together policymakers, industry leaders, skilling institutions, and
subject experts to deliberate on strategies to enhance women’s participation in
formal and high-growth sectors of the economy.
The event was
inaugurated by Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Skill Development
& Technical Education and Industries, Odisha. Addressing the gathering, he
highlighted that Odisha’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) stands
at 48.7 per cent, significantly higher than the national average of 40.3 per
cent. He also noted that 17 per cent of women workers in the state are engaged
in the industrial sector, compared to the national average of 15 per cent.
While acknowledging
these encouraging figures, the Minister emphasized that higher participation
alone does not necessarily translate into quality employment opportunities.
He said, “Many women
still encounter barriers in entering structured, high-growth, and well-paying
sectors. The Government of Odisha is committed to building an ecosystem that
supports every woman’s aspirations, whether she comes from a village or a
city.”
The consultation
aligns with the state government’s broader vision of expanding women’s participation
in the workforce and accelerating their economic empowerment. The half-day
session focused on engaging diverse stakeholders — particularly industry
partners — to understand their requirements, challenges, and recommendations
for strengthening women’s representation in the formal employment ecosystem.
Speaking on the
occasion, Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill
Development & Technical Education Department, underscored the importance of
targeted skill development initiatives. He noted that government programmes
such as Sudakshya are playing a pivotal role in creating an enabling
environment for girls to acquire skills in manufacturing and emerging sectors.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to supporting young women
in their journey of skilling and empowerment.
The consultation also witnessed the participation of Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra, Pinaki Patnaik, and Neetu Singh, along with panellists and senior representatives from leading industries and organizations across the country.
The dialogue provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, identifying policy gaps, and strengthening collaboration between government and industry stakeholders. Officials noted that such consultations will play a crucial role in ensuring that Odisha’s rapidly expanding skilling ecosystem translates into meaningful, sustainable, and formal employment opportunities for women across the state.
