Report by OD bureau; Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government has signed deal with 9 agencies to impart skill training programs. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was presented during the signing ceremony at Secretariat on Wednsday.

CM Patnaik said to the media that, " I am glad that the training providers have come forward to partner with the State Employment Mission  for undertaking Skill Development Programmes in the state for the benefit of the unemployed youth. The State Mission will be providing opportunities for school dropouts, especially to tribal communities."

He further added that, "I do hope that these MoUs which are being signed today bring a sea change in the Skill Development and Employment scenario of the state.The Employment Mission has a vision to provide training to One Million Youth in the iz" Five-Year Plan period and place 75% of the trained candidates through Placement Linked Training Programmes. During the current Financial Year i.e. 2012-13 it is targeted to impart training to 1.7 lakh youth of the State. Some of the major sectors which have scope for training and employment are Construction, Driving, Textile & Apparel, Manufacturing and Service Industry, etc. With the professional expertise of the training partners, we will not only ensure quality training but also provide gainful employment opportunities to a good number of candidates in different sectors. The private partners can adopt the best practices to achieve the desired goals."

It should be noted that keeping in view the burning problem of unemployment, State Government has taken a major initiative in setting up of a High Power State Employment Mission under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister. State Employment Mission has been conducting various Skill Development Training Programmes with a view to create Employment j Self Employment opportunities for the youth of the State.

In association with various Development Departments like Industries, Textile & Handloom, Fisheries & Animal Resource Development, Agriculture, Women & Child Development, Tourism and other Agencies. Around 1.5 lakh youth have been trained over the years in various demand driven sectors.