July 2023

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, spoke at the “Global and Petrochemical Manufacturing Hubs” Summit-2023 in New Delhi on July 28, 2023. He emphasized the importance of awareness and mindset change for availing startup and skill avenues. Dr Singh believes that a shift in mindset is necessary to tap into the opportunities provided by startups and skill development. The government is supportive of fostering synergy between industry, academia, and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and growth. Dr Singh highlighted that the startup ecosystem requires a change in mindset to fully realize its potential. He believes that the avenues created by startups call for a shift in perspective and a willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches.

The Minister also emphasized the lucrative nature of self-employment through startups, stating that they offer more opportunities and potential for growth compared to traditional government jobs.
Furthermore, Dr Singh urged the need to unshackle some of the taboos of the past and to skill the mind and mentality that has been conditioned over the years. He identified Bioeconomy, including Biofuels, biochemicals as the driver of the circular economy based on the ‘Waste to Wealth’ principle as India aims to achieve Net Zero by 2070.In summary, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for awareness and mindset change to effectively utilize the opportunities provided by startups and skill development. The government is supportive of fostering innovation and collaboration between industry, academia, and entrepreneurs.

Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu, Professor B.S. Sahay, recently spoke about the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its emphasis on creating a holistic learning environment. Speaking at a press conference on the ‘Strategic Action Plan for Implementing NEP 2020’ at the IIM old campus in Jammu, Professor Sahay highlighted that the NEP 2020 aims to address many growing developmental imperatives of India.

Under the NEP 2020, students are given increased flexibility and choice of subjects to study, creating well-rounded individuals equipped with 21st-century skills. The policy will create a new system aligned with the aspirational goals of 21st-century education and is laying particular emphasis on the development of the creative potential of each individual.

Professor Sahay also highlighted that Jammu is the only region in India with three prestigious institutions located there, which have been able to start inter-institutional connections in different fields with the inception of NEP 2020. These include the Dual Degree Program (B.Tech. and MBA) with IIT Jammu, MBA in Healthcare and Health Administration with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu, and Executive MBA in Corporate Affairs and Management with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Gurugram. Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jammu, Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, also spoke about the NEP 2020 and its comprehensive approach to making education holistic, affordable, accessible, and equitable for all. He highlighted that any B.Tech student who has completed six semesters can join IIT Jammu for the final two semesters after meeting the requisite qualification criteria.

This will take place through NCRF’s Academic Bank Criteria of Academic Bank of Credit (ABC), which is a digital or virtual or online store-house of academic credit database of Higher Education Institution promoting Learner-Centric Education via Seamless Mobility of Learners. Overall, the NEP 2020 aims to create a new system of education that is aligned with the aspirational goals of 21st-century education and emphasizes the development of the creative potential of each individual. The policy also provides increased flexibility and choice of subjects to students, creating well-rounded individuals equipped with 21st-century skills.