A milestone achieved in technical education

Launched in 1991, the project focussed at various polytechnics in different Indian states, Maharashtra being on top of the list. The project was aimed at HRD with special emphasis on skill development in staff development, industry-institute interaction, management development, women in development, environment development etc.

Under the project, a total of 72 Indian educators and administrators were given special training in Canada. On the other hand, 35 Canadian educators participated in workshops, seminars, planning and review meetings with professors in different Indian polytechnics. To enhance the capacities of Indian teachers engaged in imparting technical education, over 300 workshops and training programmes were organised by Canadian resource persons in India.

Besides, a total of 8,400 women benefited through various programmes under the project. In addition to this, under the community development programme, the faculty at various polytechnics imparted professional training to 37,000 people. Jobs were also provided to over 900 polytechnic students nationwide through placement services set up under the project. The number is expected to grow in coming years.

The industry-institute interaction aspect of the project has also been successful. The Karnataka Polytechnic, Manglore and the Manglore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd have jointly launched a new two-year intensive course on petroleum refinery operations. Murugappa Polytechnic, Chennai, developed a special procedure of employment in collaboration with the local industries, based on students8217; skills. Dr Dharmabal Government Polytechnic for Women, Chennai, with a grant of Rs 50 lakh from the World Gold Council under the project, launched a jewelry technology course.

The State Government is planning to extend the project further considering the success of the project in areas like women development and employment generation. More states and even more polytechnics will be targeted in future under the project as more and more students are benefited at national as well as international level.