Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Thursday said that education is a powerful weapon that can change the world, and stressed that semiconductor technology represents the future.
She was speaking at the National Technical Conclave on the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) held at the Government College of Engineering and Technology Jammu.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The conclave is being organised by GCET Jammu in technical collaboration with IIT Kharagpur, with support from the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Jammu and Kashmir Government.
Addressing students, faculty, and experts, Sakeena Itoo said that semiconductor technologies are now central to daily life and will play a major role in economic growth, technological self-reliance, and building a future-ready workforce in Jammu and Kashmir. She said institutions of higher technical education must focus on skill development, research, and industry-linked courses to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor sector.
The minister called for close collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions to develop skilled engineers and technologists. She also emphasised the importance of promoting start-ups within engineering colleges so that research ideas can be converted into practical and scalable solutions.
Praising GCET Jammu for hosting the national conclave, she said such platforms help in knowledge sharing, policy discussions, and exposing students and faculty to advanced technologies and national priorities. She also announced that the auditorium of GCET Jammu will be upgraded on modern lines, noting the institute’s strong educational legacy in Jammu and Kashmir.
MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana said that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are highly talented and have proven themselves in various fields. She urged students to actively participate in the conclave, stating that chip design and semiconductor technology will be key drivers of future jobs and innovation. She also highlighted the importance of internships in emerging technologies to remain competitive in today’s job market.
Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Ram Niwas Sharma stressed that students should aim to become job creators rather than job seekers. He also underlined the need for continuous capacity building of faculty to keep pace with rapid technological changes.
Director at ISM Dr. Manish Kumar Hooda spoke in detail about the objectives and opportunities under the India Semiconductor Mission.
In her welcome address, Director and Principal of GCET Jammu Dr. Sameeru Sharma outlined the scope and goals of the national conclave. The event will include technical sessions, expert talks, and interactive discussions involving academicians, industry experts, and policymakers.
On the occasion, the minister also inaugurated the PRISM portal of GCET Jammu, an integrated academic and examination system for students and faculty. Earlier, she laid the foundation stone of the college canteen block, to be built by the R&B Department at an estimated cost of ₹2.54 crore.
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