Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup (HB)

Kaup, Sep 26: Karnataka minister for higher education Dr Ashwath Narayan on Saturday September 26 promised employment opportunities for students who complete education from polytechnic institutions, and urged more youngsters to enter polytechnic colleges and make use of government facilities.

He was speaking after inaugurating the newly-built Government Polytechnic College at Belapu here. The college has been built at a cost of Rs 8 crore.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said, "Those who complete their education from polytechnic institutions will definitely get employment. Let us therefore ensure that a large number of youngsters get into polytechnic streams.

"In Belapu polytechnic college, the government has introduced subjects such as automation and robotics, seed data and cloud computing, which are more relevant to the 21st century. The syllabus has been revised in consultation with heads of industries and experts to make the courses more relevant and job-oriented," he said.

"The government has revised and revamped the syllabus of polytechnic courses this year as per the New Education Policy 2020 as entry-multi exit model. It is designed for students who can pursue the course for two and three years. This is prepared according to inter-state and national model as well. The two courses are relevant and highly employment-oriented," he added.

"In order to increase the quality of education, the system will be fully digitalized by providing comprehensive learning management system. All classrooms will be internet enabled smart classes, and government will provide tabs to students," the minister said.

The construction work on the new science research center at Belapu will be completed soon and the center will be inaugurated by March 2022. The PG center will also be opened soon, he said.

"Most of the activities are transforming from physical world to virtual world. All services are available on fingertips through advanced technology."

"I wish that taxpayers' money is utilized fully in shaping a better future. A bright future can be possible only through education," said Dr Ashwath Narayan.

Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers' welfare Shobha Karandlaje said, "Students are joining courses that are more in demand these days, hence we opened a polytechnic college here at Belapu. We have given liberty to the college to introduce new courses according to NEP."

Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon said, "Basic infrastructure like road connection and transport facility to the students will be provided at the earliest. Belapu will become the hub of education soon. Students should make use of these facilites."

Of the 120 seats allocated to Belapu polytechnic, 44 students have joined so far and 76 seats are vacant.

Minister for social welfare and backward class welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary, president of Coastal Development authority Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, president of Belapu grama panchayat Shobha B Bhat, retired principal Ganapati and others were present.

Lecturer Sunil Kumar Shetty welcomed the gathering. Special officer of polytechnic Manjunath delivered the keynote address.

150 ITIs to be upgraded to international level at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore: Ashwath Narayan

The same day, Dr Ashwath Narayan inaugurated the 26th Government Tool Room and Training Centre (GTTC) at Uppoor, Udupi.

Addressing the gathering, he said that out of 270 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the state, 150 ITIs will be upgraded to international level at a cost Rs 5,000 crore, and the task it will be completed by November 2.

The state has 1,200 ITIs of which 270 are run by the government. "Those who have completed education here will get 100% employment. Students will be able to pursue education in advanced emerging technologies, which is required in the 21st century," the minister said.

"The government has decided to invest Rs 1,000 crore for upgrading the ITIs, and the remaining Rs 4,000 crore has been raised by TATA technology consortium of companies. Under this plan, ITI college will set up in every taluk. The government will open two more GTTCs in the state. They will be made operational next year.

"ITIs are being provided with 4.0 advanced technologies, design labs and workshops with the investment of Rs 30 crore. Those who have completed education in information technology, biotechnology, science and technology, skill development, livelihood and entrepreneurship will have ample opportunities.

"Students in private ITIs will also be allowed to make use of the facilities available at the 150 government ITIs," he added.

"Karnataka has secured the number one place in the production of aerospace tools in the world, and government of India has received a Rs 3-lac crore order for production. Apart from this, we have got orders from other companies. There is a demand for skilled students. Hence, I urge youngsters to join GTTC-based courses in large numbers," he said.

Shobha Karandlaje, Raghupati Bhat, Lalaji Mendon, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, president of Uppoor gram panchayat Krishnaraja Kodayanagi, managing director of GTTC Mysore Toyota Roshan, principal of the college Manjunath Nayak and others were present.