Bhubaneswar, Jan 9: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday presented the ‘Mukhyamantri Dakshata Puraskar’ to winners of the Odisha Skills Competition 2025–26 at its valedictory ceremony, underscoring the state’s commitment to empowering youth through skill excellence, officials said.

The Chief Minister expressed delight at interacting with students and young achievers, noting that the present era belongs to Generation Z and Artificial Intelligence, where technology evolves rapidly. He emphasized that in this dynamic world, traditional academic learning alone is insufficient, and skill development is the true differentiator that will enable Odisha’s youth to compete globally.

Majhi highlighted the government’s transformative initiatives such as the Utkars ITI scheme and the establishment of AI laboratories, designed to make every young man and woman “industry-ready.” He reiterated that skill development is not just about employment but about building confidence, shaping bright futures, and contributing to Odisha’s vision of prosperity by 2036 and India’s development by 2047.

The Odisha Skills Competition showcased outstanding talent, with winners receiving recognition and awards from the Chief Minister. He stressed that the government’s focus on Centres of Excellence in ITIs and advanced training facilities will ensure that students are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and practical expertise.

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Officials noted that the initiative reflects Odisha’s broader industrialisation drive, which rests on three pillars: infrastructure, a conducive environment for industries, and skill development. By strengthening these areas, the state aims to create a robust industrial ecosystem capable of generating large-scale employment opportunities.

The ceremony, attended by senior officials and education leaders, reinforced the message that skill development is central to Odisha’s long-term growth. The government’s efforts to integrate AI and advanced technologies into training are expected to open new avenues for youth, aligning education with industry needs and global standards.