74TH FOUNDATION DAY OF UTKAL UNIVERSITY Skill development for enhancing employability is the key driver of Indian Economy: Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO

27/11/2016

Bhubaneswar, 27/11/2016: Industries must come forward to invest in skill and innovative ideas for employment generation and growth in economy, says Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO. 17% of our GDP depends on agriculture, 26% on industry and 57% on service sector. “But to strengthen other sectors, industries must ensure to bring down production costs and increase the purchasing power. For this, skill development and investment in innovative ideas are a must,” said Dr. Chand. He was addressing at the 74th Foundation Day of Utkal University here today. His Excellency, Dr. S.C. Jameer, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha and Chancellor of the University inaugurated the function. Dr Chand in his address appreciated Prof. Ashoka Das, Vice Chancellor and all faculty members for their efforts to bring in all-round development of the University promoting free-thinking and quest for highest truth (Satyam Param Dheemahi).
Citing the example of Navratna NALCO’s R&D efforts, Dr. Chand said that the presence of fluoride in the ground water of Angul sector has been there, even before Nalco was established, and to address this endemic problem, the company is investing around Rs.20 crore in a breakthrough Nano technology, conceived by a young group of scientists. Similarly, efforts are being made by the company as part of waste management to extract iron from its residual red mud in Damanjodi sector. Further, as part of Industry – institution interaction programme of NALCO, Dr. Chand also announced to collaborate with Utkal University for all-round development including infrastructure and intellectual development and provide a platform to the students, teachers and researchers for their innovative ideas through a dedicated web portal.
On the occasion, a Virtual Tutorial Lab under RUSA and Institute of Teacher Education was inaugurated. Among others, Shri M.K. Biswal, Registrar and Prof. R.K. Bal, Chairman, PG Council were notably present on the occasion.