The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) inaugurated its first International Academy at the Skill Development Institute (SDI), Bhubaneswar, in a major move to enhance employability for youth across Odisha and neighboring states. The academy, launched by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, aims to train young professionals in globally demanded skills and foreign languages, preparing them for international job markets. In a simultaneous launch, the Governor flagged off the innovative ‘Skill on Wheel’ initiative—a mobile training unit designed to bring skill development directly to rural and remote areas, expanding access to industry-aligned programs across the state.
With an investment of Rs. 500 crore, the SDI campus spans 47 acres near Barunei Hill, offering multiple Centres of Excellence and industry collaborations. Odisha’s Minister of State for Industries, Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, hailed SDI as the “BatiGhara” (lighthouse) for Eastern India’s youth, reinforcing Odisha’s vision as the Skill Hub of Purva Bharat.
In Guwahati, the NSDC’s initiatives signal promising spillover effects for Northeast India’s skill ecosystem. As Guwahati evolves as a commercial and educational center, similar models of mobile and international training could bridge skill gaps, boosting employability and attracting investment in Assam’s burgeoning workforce. The launch was attended by key government officials and industry leaders, marking a significant step in regional skill development.
