LEH: Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Monday called for stronger industry linkages, greater emphasis on practical training and adoption of emerging technologies at Government Polytechnic College, Choglamsar, saying technical education must translate into better employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for students.
Kundra made the observations while inspecting the newly constructed and existing facilities of the Polytechnic College and reviewing its academic programmes, laboratories, workshops, student amenities and skill development initiatives.
He stressed that the newly created infrastructure should be put to optimum use and called for strengthening modern teaching and industry-oriented learning. He also reviewed the scope for expanding hostel capacity, computer-based classrooms, lecture rooms, laboratories and workshops to meet the institution’s requirements.
The Chief Secretary inspected the newly constructed offices, computer laboratories, classrooms, workshops, Computer-Based Test (CBT) room, staff quarters, skill training block, cafeteria and hostel facilities. He sought updates on furnishing, procurement and the operationalisation of the new infrastructure.
The hostel and mess facilities were also reviewed, with particular attention to accommodation for students from remote and far-flung areas of Ladakh.
At the existing Polytechnic building, Kundra inspected smart classrooms, laboratories and workshops, including the Fluid Mechanics, Soil Engineering and Civil Engineering laboratories. He also reviewed computer facilities, machinery, the library and conference hall.
During an interaction with faculty members, the Chief Secretary sought details of their academic backgrounds, subjects taught and teaching responsibilities. He reviewed enrolment trends across disciplines and discussed strengthening programmes in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and emerging areas.
Kundra called for closer collaboration with industries and organisations, including NHPC and Power Grid, to provide students with internships, practical exposure and improved employment prospects. He said industry partnerships and hands-on training should be integral to technical education.
On Computer Science education, he stressed the need to keep academic and training programmes aligned with technological changes, particularly Artificial Intelligence. He suggested specialised AI training for faculty members, including opportunities outside the region, to strengthen institutional capacity in emerging technologies.
The Chief Secretary also stressed entrepreneurship and self-employment, urging faculty members to encourage students to explore start-ups and enterprise opportunities. He called for wider collaboration with industries and institutions in hospitality, food craft, tourism and other skill-oriented sectors.
Interacting with students, Kundra sought to understand their reasons for choosing Polytechnic education after Class 10, their expectations and career aspirations. He urged them to make full use of the laboratories, workshops and other facilities to develop practical, entrepreneurial and industry-relevant skills.
The review also covered staffing, with Kundra seeking details of sanctioned posts, vacancies and ongoing recruitment and promotion processes. He stressed that improvements in faculty strength and academic infrastructure should ultimately lead to better learning outcomes, employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for students.
Secretary, Higher Education, Bhanu Prabha, faculty members and senior officers of the Education Department accompanied the Chief Secretary during the inspection and interaction.
