Tripura explores Odisha's World Skill Centre model for upcoming employability hub in Agartala
Agartala, June 21
In a major push to strengthen skill development and employment opportunities for youth, a high-level delegation from Tripura led by Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma visited the World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Saturday to study its successful model and explore collaboration for establishing the proposed World Skills Centre and Employability Hub at Hapania in Agartala.
The visit marks a significant step in the Tripura government's efforts to create a world-class skill development ecosystem to equip the state's youth with industry-relevant skills and enhance their employability in emerging sectors.
The proposed World Skills Centre and Employability Hub at Hapania is envisioned as a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence offering advanced skill training, industry-oriented education, employability enhancement programmes, career counselling, placement support and entrepreneurship development initiatives. The centre is expected to bridge the gap between industry requirements and workforce capabilities by providing training in emerging technologies and high-growth sectors that align with national and global employment trends.
Recognising the achievements of Odisha's World Skill Centre in workforce development, the Government of Tripura has engaged WSC Odisha as a Knowledge Partner for the proposed initiative. Under the partnership, WSC Odisha will provide technical guidance in infrastructure planning, laboratory design, equipment specifications, curriculum development, assessment and certification frameworks, faculty development, industry linkage mechanisms and operational strategies.
During the visit, the delegation examined advanced training laboratories, smart classrooms, simulation facilities and assessment systems at the Bhubaneswar-based institution. Officials also reviewed industry collaboration models, international partnerships, placement mechanisms and student support services that have contributed to the success of the Odisha centre.
The delegation interacted with faculty members, technical experts, trainees and industry representatives to gain first-hand insights into best practices in skill development and workforce preparation. Officials said the learnings from the exposure visit would play a crucial role in shaping the proposed centre in Tripura, adapting successful elements of the Odisha model to the state's socio-economic and industrial requirements.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Santana Chakma underscored the importance of creating a future-ready workforce and reiterated the government's commitment to providing quality skill training and employment opportunities to the youth of the state.
"The initiative reflects the Government of Tripura's vision of building a robust skill development ecosystem capable of meeting the aspirations of young people while supporting industrial growth and economic development," officials said.
The delegation included the Director and Deputy Director of the Directorate of Skill Development, along with other senior government officials. The team also held extensive discussions with officials of the Skill Development and Technical Education Department of Odisha and the management of the World Skill Centre.
The proposed World Skills Centre and Employability Hub at Hapania is expected to emerge as a landmark institution for Tripura and the North Eastern Region, fostering innovation, enhancing employability, promoting entrepreneurship and creating new pathways for sustainable economic growth.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, a step in the right direction! Too many of our youth end up in unskilled jobs or have to leave the state for work. This centre in Hapania needs to focus on sectors relevant to Tripura - like tourism, tea, and bamboo products, not just generic IT skills.
As someone from Agartala, I'm cautiously optimistic. The visit and knowledge partnership are good, but we've seen many government schemes that start with a bang and fizzle out. Hope proper follow-through happens. Also, what about the existing ITI in the state?
Impressive that a small state like Tripura is looking at best practices from another state. In many parts of the world, such inter-state learning is rare. Hope this partnership delivers real results for the youth there.
Why do we always have to copy Odisha or others? Every state should have its own unique model tailored to local industries. Tripura needs skills in agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and small manufacturing - not just a generic "world skills centre" approach.
Great initiative! The emphasis on industry collaboration and international partnerships is key. Tripura's demographic dividend means we have a young population ready to work - they just need the right skills and pathways to employment. Let's hope this is executed well 🤞
M < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.