Odisha has kept a budgetary provision of Rs 100 crore for this year for the new scheme Nua Odisha to train one lakh youths in future technologies like cloud computing, artificial technology, data sciences, and other futuristic knowledge, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said here on Thursday.

While inaugurating the Odisha Skill Conclave 2023, Naveen said: “Rapid technological advancements and changing job markets havemade it imperative for us to invest in our human capital and equip our young generation with the skills they need to succeed in the 21stcentury.”

Stating that the brand “Skilled in Odisha” is ready to shine across the globe, Naveen said the state has launched initiatives such as Mission Shakti for transforming the lives of 70 lakh women and supporting them become entrepreneurs.

On the occasion, skill development & technical education minister Pritiranjan Gharai said: “The state government has always been keen to partner with industries with modern and future technologies and make them affirmative in the process.”

Chairman of Odisha Skill Development Authority Subroto Bagchi said: “In line with the chief minster’s vision of making Odisha a sandbox of innovation, today’s event is a testimony to that vision and to build a reputation of the state’s capital to become a global benchmark with transformational technology, literature, culture, sports events, and medication as well as skilling.”

Chief secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena said: “This mega Skill Conclave will be a great platform for deliberation, convergence and collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, academicians and students.”

In her welcome address, principal secretary of skill development & technical education Usha Padhee said: “This event intends to bring all the stakeholders of the skilling ecosystem under one roof for churning out ideas and giving a direction to the skilling community.”