Bhubaneswar, Feb. 16 -- Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi places greater emphasis on skills over formal degrees, highlighting the Union Budget 2026-27 as a roadmap focused on youth empowerment, manufacturing, the new-age economy and MSMEs.

Speaking to the media in Sambalpur, Pradhan said the Prime Minister believes practical skills are more valuable than academic qualifications in shaping young people's careers. He noted that the Budget prioritises youth power, industrial growth, emerging sectors and support for micro, small and medium enterprises, reported ANI.

Referring to industry-led skilling efforts, he said the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has established Odisha's fi...