Odisha Signs Strategic MoUs to Strengthen Skill Ecosystem

Bhubaneswar, September 25 : In a major step towards positioning Odisha as a hub of skilled talent, the state’s Skill Development & Technical Education (SDTE) Department has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading national organizations.

The agreements were signed with the Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation, JustJobs Network, and the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) Hyderabad Campus. These collaborations aim to expand global opportunities for Odisha’s youth, promote evidence-based skilling policies, and create pathways in emerging industries.

Speaking on the occasion, Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said, “These MoUs are more than partnerships; they are investments in the future of Odisha’s youth. We are not just creating jobs; we are shaping futures and building a confident, future-ready Odisha.”

The Minister highlighted the unique focus of each partnership:

• GATI Foundation will prepare Odisha’s youth for international markets, positioning the state as a hub of globally skilled professionals.
• JustJobs Network will strengthen inclusive, research-driven skilling policies to align aspirations with opportunities.
• FDDI Hyderabad Campus will pioneer skilling in non-leather footwear, opening new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship in a fast-growing sector.

The MoUs were signed by Arnab Bhattacharya, CEO of GATI Foundation; Sabina Dewan, Founder & Executive Director of JustJobs Network; and Dr. Narasimhugari T. L. Reddy, Executive Director of FDDI Hyderabad Campus.

The initiative reflects Odisha’s determination to empower its youth by blending global ambition, evidence-based strategies, and innovative sectoral focus, thereby strengthening the state’s skilling ecosystem.