Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said, “NSTI will emerge as a modern gurukul to equip candidates as well as trainers with industry and future-ready skills. I am confident that the upcoming state-of-the-art integrated campus of NSTI will empower the youth of New India by providing them cutting-edge skills and knowledge. It will encourage entrepreneurship, equip master trainers with expertise aligned with current and future industry demands and help realise the vision of Viksit Bharat.”

NSTI Plus, under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), apex organisation of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), will train 500 instructors in first phase under the Craftsmen Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) and incorporate another 500 instructors for upskilling and reskilling.

Constructed on 7.8-acre campus, NSTI Plus will not only accommodate institutions like National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Skill India International Centre (SIIC), but also emerge as a potential hub for diverse skill development activities. It will have courses in conjunction with IGNOU, NIOS, SIIC and NIOS.

The NSTI Plus will also serve as a nucleus for emerging start-ups, an incubation centre and a versatile hub for cultivating various skills. It has the potential to serve as a prototype training facility for other states.

Currently, there are 524 ITIs in the region with seating capacity of 1,04,134, and institutions with flexible learning models like NSTI Plus will advance the vocational training framework to be more accessible and inclusive.

Pritiranjan Gharai, Minister of Rural Development, Skill Development & Technical Education; Aparajita Sarangi, Bhubaneswar MP; Muzibulla Khan, MP, Rajya Sabha; Suresh Kumar Routray, MLA; TG Sitharam, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE); Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE; and Trishaljit Sethi, Director General, DGT were present on the occasion.

A presentation of Odisha Crafts Museum, this e-audio tour is available in three languages – Odia, Hindi, and English. The audio guide serves as a personal companion, guiding guests through captivating narratives and providing insights into the artefacts on display. It creates an immersive experience that connects visitors with the heart and soul of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.

This innovative offering introduces visitors to a seamless blend of technology and cultural exploration, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching museum experience.

The CM also unveiled the museum’s revamped website, showcasing avant-garde features like an enthralling 360 Virtual tour, an E-ticketing system, and a curated collection of mementoes from the souvenir shop designed to elevate the user experience.

The Chief Minister also released a captivating Coffee Table Book, an artistic marvel created by the renowned maestro of contemporary art Mr. Trotsky Marudu. The Coffee Table Book captures the essence of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, paying tribute to the skilled artisans who have enriched the state’s heritage with their masterful creations.

Handloom, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Smt. Rita Sahoo, Chief Adviser CMO R. Balakrishnan, Chief Secretary P.K. Jena, Development Commissioner Smt. Anu Garg, Principal Secretary Arabinda Padhee and other senior officers were present.

The E-Audio Guided Tour is a milestone achievement in Odisha’s cultural landscape. It is set to transform the way visitors engage with the museum’s treasure trove of art and heritage.

This initiative reflects the State’s commitment to preserving and promoting Odisha’s artistic legacy while embracing the advancements of modern technology. The tour promises to create a deeper and more meaningful connection between visitors and our cultural heritage.