**Agartala, June 20:** In a significant move to strengthen Tripura’s skill development ecosystem and enhance employment opportunities for youth, Industries and Commerce Minister Shantana Chakma on Saturday visited the prestigious World Skill Center (WSC) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to study its operational model and explore avenues for collaboration.
The visit, undertaken along with senior officials from the Directorate of Skill Development, forms part of the state government’s efforts to develop a world-class **World Skill Center and Employability Hub** at Hapania in Agartala. The delegation examined various aspects of the Bhubaneswar facility, including its training infrastructure, industry partnerships, curriculum design, and placement mechanisms.
Officials said the exposure visit was aimed at identifying best practices and successful strategies that could be adapted to Tripura’s upcoming skill development project. The insights gained from the World Skill Center are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the planning, execution, and management of the proposed hub in Hapania.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Chakma said the project is envisioned as a landmark initiative under the **Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM DevINE)** scheme. The proposed facility will feature a modern G+11 building spanning over three lakh square feet and equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced training laboratories, digital learning systems, and industry-oriented skill development facilities.
“This will be one of the largest and most transformative skill development projects ever undertaken in Tripura. Our objective is to provide world-class training opportunities and prepare the youth of the state to compete in both national and international job markets,” Chakma said.
The Minister reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, the state government is committed to creating a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting evolving industry demands. She noted that the centre will promote global employability, attract investments and industry partnerships, and position Tripura as a hub for talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Officials added that the Employability Hub will bridge the gap between education and employment by offering industry-aligned training and career support services. With groundwork and planning already progressing, the Hapania project is expected to redefine Tripura’s skill development landscape and open new avenues of opportunity for thousands of young people across the state.
