Chief Minister Mohan Majhi presented the Odisha Budget 2026–2027 on Friday, outlining a detailed plan to boost entrepreneurship, improve skill development, and fortify the state's educational system. In order to establish Odisha as a center for innovation and globally competitive capabilities across a range of industries, especially in technical education, entrepreneurship, and industry-specific training, a number of significant initiatives were unveiled.
World Skill Centers: Giving Young People Advanced Skills
One of the most notable suggestions was to create seven World Skill Center campuses by 2047, with at least five of them expected to be operational by 2036. The Odisha government intends to invest a total of Rs. 278 crore in the establishment of two new campuses in Sambalpur and Berhampur in the near future.

These campuses will provide young people with cutting-edge, industry-focused training, equipping them with the abilities needed to compete globally in developing industries.
About 2,000 students, including those from ITIs, polytechnics, and other interested young people, can be admitted to each site each year. The goal of this program is to close the skills gap in developing industries and give young people the resources they need to thrive in a labor market that is changing quickly.
The Chief Minister authorized Rs. 10 crore for this ambitious endeavor under the "Odisha Skill Development Project Phase II," which marked the start of this life-changing experience for the state's youth.

"Udyami" Plan: Encouraging Nano-Business Owners
CM Mohan Majhi unveiled the "Udyami" plan, a new initiative designed to support 6,000 nano-entrepreneurs in Odisha with a total investment of Rs. 40 crore over the next two years, in an effort to empower local business owners. To guarantee the establishment of sustainable businesses, the initiative will offer mentorship assistance, formal finance access, and organized entrepreneurship development programs.
The Udyami program will focus on starting small enterprises across a range of industries in order to create a network of independent business owners. The initiative seeks to improve Odisha's entrepreneurial culture and generate employment in both rural and urban regions by offering vital financial and technical help.

Center of Mining and Metallurgy Excellence
The state government of Odisha suggested creating a Center of Excellence in Mining and Metallurgy at the Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar, since the state is one of India's major centers for mining and metallurgy. The goal of this program is to address the growing need for qualified workers in Odisha's quickly growing mining and metals industry.
In addition to raising the standard of education in this important area, this will help meet the demand for skilled workers who can support the expansion of Odisha's mining sector. The center would assist establish Odisha as a leader in the mining industry by offering top-notch training and research facilities.

Constructing Technical College and Engineering University Infrastructure
The budget also recommended spending Rs. 235 crore for the infrastructure development of engineering colleges and technological universities for the fiscal year 2026–2027. This fund will be utilized to upgrade the facilities of current technical institutions and engineering colleges in order to meet the state's growing need for high-quality technical education.
Creating International Organizations from Odisha's Technical Universities
A crucial element of the plan for Odisha's higher education system is the conversion of institutions such as Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, and Odisha University of Technology and Research, Bhubaneswar, into prestigious technical universities. These advancements will significantly boost the standard for research and education, resulting in individuals who can compete globally in a variety of sectors.

The plan to create two new government engineering colleges in Paradeep and Balangir also intends to increase access to technical education in order to meet the state's need for qualified engineers.
Enhancing ITIs for Up-and-Coming Trades with Utkarsh ITIs Yojana
The "Utkarsh ITIs Yojana," which will cost Rs. 500 crore over three years (2025–2026 to 2027–2028), was also approved by the chief minister. With an expenditure of roughly Rs. 100 crore each ITI, this program seeks to transform five current government ITIs into flagship Utkarsh ITIs. Enhancing intake capacity, creating Centers of Excellence, and fortifying industry alliances will be the main goals of these updated ITIs.
The government has set out Rs. 100 crore for this program for FY 2026–2027.The modernization of current ITIs, which would feature upgraded workshops, cutting-edge training facilities, and digital learning infrastructure, has also been allocated Rs. 260 crore.
In conclusion, a vision for entrepreneurship and skill development
The state's dedication to becoming a center for business and skill development is shown in the Odisha Budget 2026–2027. The government wants to develop a workforce that is prepared for the future and can compete on a worldwide scale by funding education, technical training, and industry-specific skill centers. With programs like the Utkarsh ITIs Yojana, the World Skill Centers, and Udyami, Odisha is well on its path to developing an innovative, independent, and prosperous culture.

By implementing these programs, the state is bolstering its educational system and guaranteeing that its young people possess the abilities required to propel the economy.