Bhubaneswar to Host National Skilling Hub Under ₹60,000-Crore ITI Upgrade Scheme

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar has been selected as one of five major hubs for the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) for Skilling under the Union Government’s ambitious ₹60,000-crore Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation Scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The centrally sponsored scheme, announced in Union Budgets 2024–25 and 2025–26, aims to modernise 1,000 government ITIs across the country using a hub-and-spoke model. The financial outlay includes ₹30,000 crore from the Centre, ₹20,000 crore from states, and ₹10,000 crore from industry stakeholders. Half of the Centre’s share will be jointly financed by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

Bhubaneswar’s National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) will be transformed into a leading Training of Trainers (ToT) facility, positioning the city as a national leader in vocational education reform. Alongside Bhubaneswar, NSTIs in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana will also be upgraded.

The scheme seeks to skill 20 lakh youth over five years by aligning vocational training with industry requirements, particularly in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It introduces a new industry-led Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model for managing ITI upgrades, replacing earlier schemes that lacked sufficient funding and flexibility.

Additionally, the programme will train 50,000 instructors through structured pre-service and in-service programs, significantly boosting the quality of vocational education.

By addressing issues such as outdated infrastructure and limited course relevance, the initiative aims to transform ITIs into aspirational, industry-managed institutions. It also supports India’s broader vision to become a global leader in manufacturing, electronics, automotive, and renewable energy sectors.

Odisha’s inclusion in this transformative scheme highlights the state’s rising prominence in India’s skilling ecosystem. The upgraded NSTI in Bhubaneswar is expected to play a central role in developing a future-ready workforce, contributing to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

Despite a 47% increase in ITIs since 2014—reaching over 14,600 institutes with 14.4 lakh enrollments—vocational education has struggled due to lack of modern facilities and limited industry appeal. The new scheme is set to change that narrative with a bold, reform-driven approach.