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In a landmark development, the department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development was inaugurated at SASRD, NU, Medziphema campus, on February 20 by Prof. RS Rathore, Registrar of Shree Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), Haryana.
The special guest, in his inaugural address, stated that the country is facing acute shortage of skilled manpower to undertake the technical works, both in agriculture as well as industrial sector.
He, therefore, stated that setting up of department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development at SASRD, Medziphema campus, is a stepping stone in this direction, as it would cater to the needs of skilled manpower requirements of the region as well as the country, an update from SASRD stated.
It stated that the department aims to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce in line with the requirements of implementation of NEP 2020 by Nagaland University.
Rathore stated that the country needs 10 million young skilled persons every year, who are skilled in one or more trade and could be potentially employed or have gainful employment.
He lauded the hard and dedicated efforts initiated by Prof. Akali Sema and the team comprising Prof. KK Jha and Prof. CS Maiti in establishing the department.
Prof. Akali Sema, in-charge of the department, thanked Prof. Rathore for providing free consultancy for developing the detailed project report and the needed guidance for framing course curricula for vocational courses.
She informed that at present the department would offer three courses namely B. Voc. (Horticulture Technology), B. Voc. (Food Processing) and M. Voc. (Entrepreneurship) - and 10 students have already been admitted in B. Voc. (Horticulture Technology) programme for the academic year 2022-23.
Akali also acknowledged the support of the former vice chancellor, Prof. Pardeshi Lal; registrar Dr. Abemo; former pro vice chancellor, Prof. M Aleminla Ao; deputy registrar, Vekhoyi Tetseo; and other university officials for establishment of the department in SASRD campus.
The former pro vice chancellor, Prof. M Aleminla Ao, in her brief remark, expressed her satisfaction for having a full-fledged department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development, where 60-70 % of the time would be devoted for practical work for skill development.
Prof. L Daiho, dean of SASRD, affirmed that the newly established department would provide the needed opportunities to the students to learn from experienced professionals in their respective fields, gaining hands-on experience that would set them apart to excel in their selected vocations.
Nishi Agarwal, learning and development specialist at NEDFi, Guwahati, gave an overview of Advancing NE portal, a digital initiative of North East Council for the benefit of students and entrepreneurs, it stated.