The Odisha government has come up with a scheme worth Rs 385 crores for a period of three years starting from this fiscal year. The aim of this scheme is to equip the youth with the necessary skills required for modern technologies and emerging industries.

The Skill Development and Technical Education Department has issued a notification stating that the 'Nutana Unnata Abhilasha' (NUA) programme will be implemented in all 30 districts of the state, with a special focus on aspirational, tribal, and remote areas.

The implementation will be carried out by the directorates of employment, technical education and training, along with the World Skill Centre.

According to the notification, the training will be delivered through the utilization of current and future skilling institutions, as well as through partnerships with industries. In the notification, Principal Secretary Usha Padhee of the Skill Development and Technical Education Department expressed that the program aims to tackle the lack of skilled workforce in emerging fields by providing top-notch training, promoting connections with industries, and improving employability skills.

She mentioned that it would also aid in narrowing the skill divide regarding the adoption of modern technologies in conventional industries such as handicrafts, handloom, agriculture, and others.

According to the official, the scheme has been specifically designed to meet the needs of a diverse group of individuals, ranging from school dropouts, engineering graduates, to postgraduates. It offers a variety of options, including "fresh skilling for youths" and "employability skills for students in various institutions".