Bhubaneswar, 13 March (H.S.): Nearly 30 percent of seats in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Odisha remain vacant for the 2025–26 academic session, according to Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain.

The minister informed the Assembly that out of a total capacity of 53,812 seats in 72 government and 395 private ITIs in the state, only 37,175 students have enrolled so far. As a result, more than 16,600 seats remain unfilled.

In a written reply to a question raised by Padma Lochan Panda, MLA from Simulia, in the State Assembly on Friday, Swain expressed concern over the low enrollment figures and outlined steps being taken to boost student participation in skill training programmes.

The minister said several industry-linked training initiatives have been introduced to improve employability among ITI students. These include the Mini Tool Room (MTR) programme conducted by Central Tool Room and Training Centre in Bhubaneswar, as well as specialised courses such as Solar Technician, Electrician Installation and Electrical Housing Automation in collaboration with Schneider Electric. An XR Lab for Advanced Virtual Welding has also been introduced in partnership with Skillveri.

Swain further informed the House that the state government is planning to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratories in several ITIs and set up Centres of Excellence under the PM-SETU and Utkarsh ITI initiatives.

These measures, he said, are aimed at providing advanced skill development and industry-standard training to enhance students’ employability and better prepare them for emerging job opportunities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda