Sambalpur: Future of Hirakud ITI Students in Darkness; Despite Proving Their Skills, They Fail to Secure Local Employment, Youth Frustration on the Rise
Talented Youth Remain Jobless or Work Outside Odisha
Sambalpur: Despite having many skilled and capable students, Hirakud continues to face a serious local unemployment issue. While some students remain jobless, many others are forced to move to other states in search of work. However, local industries in Hirakud rarely offer employment opportunities to these qualified students. As a result, local talent remains unutilized.
Oldest Government ITI Fails to Secure Local Jobs for Students
Since the construction of the Hirakud Dam, the government established the state’s first Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in the area. This institute aimed to train the youth and provide them with job opportunities. Over the years, many students from this ITI have worked in leading positions across various industries. Moreover, some students have even ranked among the top 10 in national competitions a proud achievement.
Yet, in recent years, local industries in Hirakud have stopped hiring these skilled ITI graduates. Consequently, the importance and reputation of Hirakud ITI are gradually declining.
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Students Forced into Menial Jobs, Locals Protest Without Results
Due to the lack of local job opportunities, many ITI graduates are now selling vegetables or working in small shops. Locals have staged protests multiple times demanding local recruitment in nearby factories. Unfortunately, authorities have not taken any concrete steps to address the issue.
Outsiders Get Direct Jobs in Local Factories
Meanwhile, factories in Hirakud continue to hire youth from other states directly, bypassing the local workforce. This repeated pattern has led to growing resentment among the local people.
On April 27, residents appealed through posters, requesting industries to prioritize local recruitment. According to regulations, companies must contribute to the development of surrounding areas. Since the factories are failing to do so, discontent among locals is increasing.
Growing Tensions May Lead to Major Unrest
If authorities and factory management do not take timely action, the situation may escalate. Locals warn that the issue could soon turn explosive. Therefore, they strongly demand that both the administration and industries give top priority to local recruitment.
