Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called Gen-Z the “future of the country” and announced a major skill-development push to help young people benefit from emerging employment opportunities.
Addressing the 80th Independence Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said at least three lakh jobs are expected to be created in the next one to two years, while the figure could reach 20 lakh over five years.
He said the government is focusing on industry-oriented training to prepare youth for modern and future jobs. Skill training is being provided at the World Skill Center in partnership with Singapore, while three more World Skill Center facilities are planned.
Majhi also highlighted the Excellence ITI scheme. Centres of Excellence are being established in 25 ITIs, while AI laboratories are being set up in 13 institutions.
He said Odisha was recognised as the National Skill Champion at India Skills 2025-26. The state’s participants won 57 medals across various categories.
The Chief Minister urged young people to remain alert against attempts to mislead them and stressed that industry-relevant skills would be key to securing the opportunities emerging across Odisha.