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Skills Trump Degrees: Pradhan Cites PM Modi's Vision for Youth & New Economy

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on skills being more critical than formal degrees for youth empowerment. He cited the Union Budget 2026-27's focus on youth power, manufacturing, and the new-age economy as evidence of this policy direction. Pradhan noted the opening of a CII skill development centre in Sambalpur, which aims to enhance local skills and attract large-scale companies to the region. Concurrently, Pradhan and Odisha's Sports Minister flagged off the Hirakud International Half Marathon, a large sporting event held at the iconic dam.

Key Points: Skills Over Degrees: Pradhan on Modi's Youth & Budget Focus

  • PM Modi prioritizes skills over formal degrees
  • Budget 2026-27 focuses on youth and new-age economy
  • CII opens first state skill centre in Sambalpur
  • Skill development to attract companies and create jobs
  • Hirakud International Half Marathon flagged off
2 min read

"Skills more important than degrees": Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cites PM Modi's emphasis on skill development for youth

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasizes PM Modi's skill-over-degree vision, citing budget focus on youth, manufacturing, and new economy.

"The Prime Minister says that skills are more important than degrees in the life of youth. - Dharmendra Pradhan"

Sambalpur, February 15

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi accords greater importance to skills than formal degrees, citing the Union Budget 2026-27 to highlight the government's focus on youth power, manufacturing, the new-age economy and MSMEs.

Speaking to the media in Sambalpur, Pradhan said, "The Prime Minister says that skills are more important than degrees in the life of youth... The budget has emphasised youth power, manufacturing, new age economy and MSME."

Referring to industry participation in skill development, Pradhan noted that the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India's largest business organisations, has opened the state's first skill development centre in Sambalpur.

"India's largest business organisation, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), opened the state's first skill development centre in Sambalpur. CII will build many centres here. Due to all this, the skills of the youth of Sambalpur will get recognition," he said.

He added that the establishment of such centres would help attract large-scale companies to the region, generating better employment opportunities for the youth.

Thanking the Prime Minister for what he termed progressive policies, along with CII and other stakeholders, Pradhan said, "The youth of Sambalpur will go to Japan, Denmark, and Delhi. Such a big plan was made today."

Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj flagged off the Hirakud International Half Marathon in Sambalpur on Sunday. The event was organised by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) under the Fit India campaign in collaboration with the Sambalpur District Administration.

Around 15,000 elite and amateur runners from across the country, along with participants from several other nations, took part in the marathon.

The marathon featured multiple race categories to encourage broad participation, including the flagship 21 km half-marathon, a 10 km competitive run, a 5 km run, and a 1.5 km fun run designed especially for families and children.

The diverse race formats aimed to attract a wide demographic, from professional international athletes to local fitness enthusiasts.

The marathon was held at the iconic Hirakud Dam, known as the largest earthen dam in Asia, offering a scenic and historic backdrop to the sporting event.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While skill development is important, we cannot completely devalue formal degrees. A degree provides foundational knowledge and critical thinking. The ideal is a combination of both – a good education *and* practical skills. Balance is key.
R
Rohit P
Sambalpur getting a CII skill centre is big news for Odisha! If this leads to companies setting up shops here, it can stop the brain drain to Bangalore and Hyderabad. Local youth getting global opportunities from their hometown is the dream. 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the marathon tied into this. Fit India and Skill India together make sense – a healthy population is a productive one. The Hirakud Dam as a venue must have been spectacular for the runners!
V
Vikram M
The proof will be in the pudding. We've heard about skill development for years. Need to see if these centres actually lead to quality jobs with good pay, not just low-wage contract work. Hope the implementation is strong.
K
Kavya N
As a parent, I welcome this. The pressure on children to get just a degree is immense. If there are respected alternative paths to success through skills, it will reduce so much stress. More power to the youth of Sambalpur! 👏

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