Rural technology action chapter to be set up in Jammu varsity

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 8

Following discussions with the Principal Scientific Adviser to the PM, Dr R Chidambaram, Governor NN Vohra has decided to establish a Rural Technology Action Group Chapter (RuTAG) in the University of Jammu here.

Following discussions between the Governor and Dr Chidambaram earlier this year, the former had addressed all the Vice Chancellors in the state to moot suitable proposals which could be taken up for implementation with the support of the RuTAG.

RuTAG is guided and advised by a collegium of all the IITs in the country and the Institute of Science, Bangalore, which functions under the overall care of Dr. Chidambaram.

University of Jammu, University of Kashmir, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology – Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and several NGOs had responded and proposed 22 projects in this context. All these proposals were discussed in a two-day meeting on December 3 and 4.

On behalf of RuTAG, the meeting was attended by Prof S.K. Saha of IIT, Delhi, Prof S.P. Kimothi, ADG, ICAR, Dr S. Chatterjee, Scientific Consultant and Dr Ketaki Bapat, both of whom represented the Principal Scientific Adviser. Others present included Prof R.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Khurshid Andrabi, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Tej Pratap, Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology – Kashmir, Prof I.A. Hamal, Vice Chancellor, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Dr M.K. Bhandari, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Principal Secretary to Governor, R.K. Gupta.

The recommendations emerging from the aforesaid 2-day consultations were discussed in a two hour meeting at the Raj Bhavan here today morning. Dr Chidambaram spoke on “The Path to a Knowledge Driven Economy – Advanced Technology in Rural Development”.

He highlighted the objectives of RuTAG and emphasised the importance of launching innovative projects and promoting the application of science and technology for the resolution of problems faced in the day to day living and working lives of the rural communities residing in the various parts of J&K.

It was decided to set up a RuTAG Chapter in the varsity to function with the support of IIT, Delhi and the overall watch of Dr Chidambaram.

Governor N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of six universities in the state, reiterated the importance of early establishing collaborative linkages not only among the institutions of higher learning and research within the state but also with academic and research bodies all over the country and abroad.

He noted that such collaborative arrangements and networking arrangements will provide immensely beneficial opportunities for enhancing research and innovative solutions of varied problems. The Governor observed that an e-class room shall soon be set up by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University.

Dr Chidambaram urged the Universities in J&K to link up with the Centres of Excellence in Nano Electronics and with Indian Nano Electronics User Programme and for early steps being taken to avail the enormous benefits available from the National Knowledge Network.