JAMMU: Minister of State for Technical Education, Information, Power, Hospitality and Protocol, Rural Development, Vikar Rasool on convened a meeting of officers to review the functioning of polytechnics and ITIs in Jammu division.
Besides others, the meeting was attended by Secretary Technical Education, Director Technical Education, Secretary State Board of Technical Education, officers of executing agencies, SICOP, JKPCC, PWD (R&B), heads of Polytechnics and ITIs.
Director Technical Education gave a detailed presentation on the working of Polytechnics and ITIs wherein the minister was informed about the number of Polytechnics, their intake capacity, major courses offered etc. Various shortfalls were also discussed in the meeting which besides others included the non popularity of courses/trades and lack of awareness of the various courses.
The minister gave instructions to the concerned to make proper awareness of the courses in the High and Higher Secondary Schools and frame committee for scanning of non popular trades and courses. In order to boost employment opportunities, he stressed upon the concerned to create skilled and trained manpower which could be utilized both within and outside.
Other issues which were reviewed included the physical, financial status of civil works in old Polytechnics, women hostels, progress in construction of new polytechnics etc.
The concerned executing agencies were directed to expedite the construction work so that these could be completed within stipulated time frame.
Later, a deputation of farmers met the minister and presented various demands which include compensation for damages due to recent floods and windstorm in Jammu. Responding to the demands of the farmers deputation the Minister assured them that necessary instructions to provide relief to them have already been issued to the concerned authorities.