Panaji::: October 17, 2019 … five Engineering Colleges in Goa signed MoUs with more than 100 Goan, National and International companies during the launch of Centre of Excellence for Employability Enhancement Cell (CEEE) in Taleigao Community Hall recently. The cell is launched under Directorate of Technical Education, which itself signed MoUs with nine Industrial Associations.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the cell in the presence of Minister for Skill Development Shri. Vishwajeet Rane, MLA Shiroda Shri. Subhash Shirodkar, Vice Chancellor of Goa University Prof. Varun Sahani, Vice Chairman of AICTE, New Delhi Shri. M.P. Poonia, Co-founder of HCL Info systems Ltd. Padmabhushan Dr. Ajai Chowdhary, President of ISTR, New Delhi Prof. Pratapsingh Dessai, Vice President-HR of Tata Motors, Mumbai, Shri. Shriram Kandi, Secretary of Education Smt. Nila Mohanan IAS and Director of Technical Education Shri. Vivek Kamat among others.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister mentioned that the Academia must reach the Industry in order to create an employable generation. Along with technical skills, soft skills are essential in a person’s career, personal growth and to increase problem solving ability. CEEE will play a crucial role in overall development of a student, the Chief Minister said.
While praising Goa University for its unique internship program which is made mandatory for its students recently, the Chief Minister emphasized on the need to create a student centric learning hub. “30% of the total engineering students passing out every year struggle to get a good job. One of the several reasons behind this can be lack of good faculty. A teacher makes a College and therefore it is necessary for a teacher to have good industry exposure. Also, career guidance and orientation to both students and their parents can be a great help in reducing the number of unskilled personnel,” the Chief Minister opined.
Shri. Rane in his address said that we must adapt and grab the right opportunity. “Students as well the teachers must be exposed to Industry. It’s an age of Artificial Intelligence. So, instead of panicking, we can think of how to utilize Artificial Intelligence in work process and move forward.”
Congratulating young Goan entrepreneurs who signed MoUs with colleges in Goa, the Health Minister further added that Institutes like IIT, NIT, will soon change the face of Goa’s academics. “These Institutes will help in creating an innovative knowledge hub and employable people. The Government will also think about setting up an International Skill Institute in the state,” the Minister informed. He also stressed on doing a ‘gap analyses’ as it will play a critical role in bridging the distance between Industry and academia. The Minister stated that the CEEE will help Goa to become a centre of excellence and knowledge.
Shri. Shirodkar congratulated the Government on launching the CEEE and said that the initiative will provide good exposure to students in technical education.
Earlier, Smt. Nila Mohanan IAS welcomed the gathering. Prof. Poonia, Dr. Ajai Chowdhary, Shri. Sitaram Kandi and Prof. Pratapsingh Dessai also spoke on the occasion. The function was attended by Principals, faculty members and entrepreneurs in large numbers.
