Bhubaneswar,29th Aug 2025: In a historic move to transform Odisha’s economy and strengthen India’s intellectual leadership in the digital economy, the state government has taken a major step. On Friday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (i-GFTCH) and the initiative ‘Bharatnetra’ at Mayfair Hotel, Bhubaneswar.
Through this initiative, over 7,000 students in Odisha will receive world-class training in actuarial and insurance technology, blockchain, and AI-driven financial skills. The program will be delivered through certification courses by the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF), National University of Singapore (NUS). The CM said that this will help Odisha emerge as a global financial technology hub.
The ‘Bharatnetra’ initiative has been launched jointly by the Department of Electronics & IT, Government of Odisha, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) Singapore, NUS, and AIDF. Speaking at the occasion, the CM noted that every year Odisha produces around 1.8 lakh graduates from engineering, polytechnic, and IT streams, along with skilled youth from 950 ITIs.
Under this initiative, a Centre of Excellence will also be established to promote startups and entrepreneurship, along with a Global Capability Centre (GCC). In addition, a cable landing station connecting Bhubaneswar to Singapore is being set up. Odisha has already become the first state in India to adopt an AI Policy. Soon, a dedicated Fintech Policy and GCC Policy will also be introduced, the CM added.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Bharatnetra would not only pave the way for employment and entrepreneurship but also strengthen India’s leadership in financial inclusion and innovation. State Electronics & IT Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling said that with progressive IT and AI policies, Odisha is creating a modern ecosystem that combines world-class talent and startup strength.
GFTN Group CEO Sopnendu Mohanty remarked that Bharatnetra and the Intellectual Fintech Skills Hub will redefine Odisha’s position as India’s strategic entry point into the Asia-Pacific Fintech Corridor.
The i-GFTCH rests on four pillars:
1. Intellectual Training
2. Global Knowledge Exchange
3. Innovation Centres
4. Intellectual Capability Hubs
It has been developed in partnership with Singapore-based GFTN. Over the next five years, the initiative will equip 7,000 students with technological and business skills for actuarial careers.
For the first batch, 375 students have been selected from 60 colleges, chosen from among more than 3,800 applicants. These students will graduate by January 2026.
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