The Ganjam district administration has moved swiftly to identify suitable land for the proposed World Skill Centre (WSC) campus in Berhampur, following Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s recent budget announcement.
Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan informed that approximately 20 acres of land have been earmarked at two strategic locations — near Parala Maharaja Engineering College in Chandipadar and close to Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) at Laudigaon. The district administration will soon submit detailed reports of both sites to the state government for final selection.
An expert team from the Odisha government is expected to inspect the shortlisted locations and evaluate them based on infrastructure, connectivity, and other technical parameters before finalizing the site for the upcoming world-class skill development institute.
Odisha Government Plans Major Expansion of Skill Education
During his budget speech, the Chief Minister announced plans to establish seven World Skill Centre campuses across Odisha by 2047, with at least five campuses targeted by 2036. New WSC campuses have been proposed in Berhampur and Sambalpur, with a combined investment of ₹278 crore.
The upcoming centres are designed to deliver advanced, industry-focused training programs aimed at equipping youth with globally competitive skills in emerging sectors. Each campus is expected to accommodate around 2,000 students annually, including candidates from ITIs, polytechnics, and other aspiring youth.
To initiate the project, the state government has allocated ₹10 crore under the Odisha Skill Development Project Phase-II.
Positive Response from Academicians and Public Representatives
The announcement has received widespread support from the academic community in southern Odisha. Educationists believe the establishment of a World Skill Centre in Berhampur will significantly strengthen technical and vocational education in the region, opening new avenues for skill enhancement and global employment opportunities.
Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy welcomed the decision and urged the Ganjam district administration to expedite land identification and obtain necessary departmental clearances at the earliest. He stated that the initiative would play a crucial role in reducing distress migration by creating local employment opportunities.
The MP expressed hope that youth from the district would gain industry-relevant training at the centre and become self-reliant, instead of migrating to other states in search of work.
The proposed World Skill Centre in Berhampur is expected to serve as a major boost to Odisha’s skill development ecosystem and contribute to regional economic growth.
