Bhubaneswar, Aug 23: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called the launch of BharatNetra—Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH)—a “moment of great pride,” as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the pioneering initiative in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

Speaking at the event, Pradhan emphasized BharatNetra’s transformative potential in equipping Odisha’s youth with future-ready skills in FinTech, InsurTech, AI, Blockchain, and digital finance.

“BharatNetra is not just a skilling platform—it’s a gateway to global employment and entrepreneurship,” he said, aligning the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Viksit Odisha by 2036.

Also Read: Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Launches ‘BharatNetra’ Initiative

The hub, launched in collaboration with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (NUS-AIDF), will train over 7,000 students across Odisha’s 30 districts. The first cohort of 375 students has already been selected for a five-month hybrid certification program, combining online learning, in-person training, and internships.

Pradhan highlighted the importance of preparing youth for the evolving global digital economy. “Employability today is not just about degrees—it’s about readiness to thrive in fast-changing industries. BharatNetra will bridge that gap,” he said.

The initiative also includes a Global Capability Centre (GCC) to attract international financial institutions, a Centre of Excellence for startups, and a cable landing station connecting Bhubaneswar to Singapore. These developments are expected to generate Rs 299 crore in direct value and Rs898 crore in indirect economic impact over five years.

Calling Odisha a “land of possibilities and infinite talent,” Pradhan invited global investors to explore the state’s growing digital ecosystem. “With BharatNetra, we are laying the foundation for a globally connected FinTech hub right here in Bhubaneswar,” he concluded.

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