This thread is meant for tacking news related to health, education, research and information technology.

Prof S Parasuraman, director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai talks in detail about the upcoming campuses in Guwahati and Hyderabad. Author of the Development Dilemma: Displacement In India, Great Britain and co-author of Listening to people living in poverty and India Disasters Report, USA and New Delhi says tells PaGalGuY what’s in store for TISS in future.

How are the campuses at TISS Guwahati and Hyderabad coming up?

The permanent campus for Guwahati is under construction. It is within the Assam Engineering College campus in Jalukburi, overlooking the Guwahati Lake, which is a Ramsar site (protected site). It will be more of a residential university for which we have been assigned 25-30 acres of land. The government had allocated more land to us but it was outside the city, and we wanted the campus to be located within the city. The campus is expected to get fully functional in the next two years but we will be shifting fractionally to the permanent campus by June next year when our undergraduate and post-graduate programmes will begin. In the temporary campus at Cotton College, we are currently offering diploma programmes. The Guwahati campus will house classrooms, faculty offices, etc in one block, while the second block will have two separate wings for girls and boys hostel. It will also have an auditorium, library, computer lab, geographical information system (GIS), and staff and faculty rooms. The Hyderabad campus has been allocated 100 acres of land. The facilities offered in the Hyderabad campus will be better than what is offered in Mumbai. In terms of time frame, Hyderabad will follow the same trajectory as Guwahati.

Can you elaborate on the programmes to be offered at TISS Guwahati?

The Guwahati campus will have many innovative programmes. There will be a five-year integrated programme in social sciences, which will include the humanities, maths, philosophy and logic. The combination of the subjects is intended in such a way that the students don’t lose out on the quantitative part of it. This is similar to the three-year liberal arts programme offered in the US. Once the students complete their bachelors in social sciences, they can either go the college of their choice, or continue at TISS and specialise in developmental studies, counselling, social work or ecology and climate change in the fourth and fifth year. They can also choose to enroll in either of the four master courses in human resource management, social entrepreneurship, health management and public health management. The management courses will have 30 seats each, and will start in 2013. TISS graduates will have 70% of the seats for the masters courses reserved for them, while the rest 30% will go to outsiders.

How will the seats be allotted at TISS Guwahati?

There are supposed to be 150 students for the five-year course. In its fifth year, the campus will have 750 students. Out of the 150 seats, two-third have been reserved for students from the North-east. Out the remaining one-third, 27% seats have been reserved for the OBC, 15% for the SC and 7.5% for the ST category. There’s also a provision of super numerary seats, which means three more seats shall be added to the already existing 30 seats to accommodate deserving candidates. Around 3,000 students apply from the North-east to the Mumbai campus, and just 50-60 finally make it through. Two-thirds of the reserved seats are divided among the eight North-eastern states. The students who apply from the North-east are very meritorious and only the best students will finally make it to the campus. We anyway have a large pool of aspirants and setting up of new campuses will provide a better chance for more students to get admission.

http://www.pagalguy.com/2011/12/guwahati-campus-to-become-operational-next-june-says-tiss-director/

Post Bureau, Guwahati (May 30): Assam governor, JB Patnaik on Wednesday gave away participation certificates to the participants of the North East Graduate Congress 2012 at the Regional Institute of Science and Technology, 9th Mile, Meghalaya. Students from the seven states of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh participated in the two-day Congress that was organised by the ERD Foundation.

At the same function, the governor also gave away the Talent Awards to the outstanding participants for their excellence. He also released the institute’s souvenir — Future Beckons. Speaking on the occasion the Governor said: “Northeast India is a reservoir of rich natural resources and a wonderful amalgamation of different races and cultures. Of all the resources, the one which I consider to be the best is the human resource of the region, particularly, the educated lot.”

He expressed hope that reputed corporate houses which participated at the congress would recruit talented students who took part in the congress. He further said that the Northeast could be the trade and commercial hub of In-
dia focusing on the South East Asian countries.

Stressing on higher education, Patnaik said: “University education is very important for the youth of our country but a university should not be a degree-giving factory,” and added that the private sector should be encouraged to enter the education sector in a big way.

He also recalled the efforts and contributions of the great Indian visionaries who revolutionised the national education scenario through their efforts, and said it was important for corporate houses and individual entrepreneurs to enter the field of higher education in the region


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Post Bureau, Guwahati (June 1): The first vice-chancellor of Cotton College State University, Dr Dhruba Jyoti Saikia, laid emphasis on promoting excellence and increasing overall research output to make the varsity an ‘ academically more vibrant’ place. Dr Saikia joined the varsity as VC on Friday.

Dr Saikia aims to create a transparent, efficient and academically-inspiring environment in the university. He said: “It’s a big challenge for me, and we have to take necessary steps to make this university one of the leading educational institutions. There is a dire necessity of developing research culture in university education as research addresses a wide range of educational issues.”

He wants to bring a trend of research which addresses regional issues, and at the same time is globally competitive and gauged on bringing out the ‘excellence in research’ with relevance to the region in international journals.

“We will jointly work with the government and faculty members to make Cotton College State University the most sought-after destination for all aspirants who want to achieve academic excellence. I believe, good research and teaching will make the varsity academically more vibrant, and the students will be more interested to join the varsity,” added Dr Saikia, who was also a director of Physical Research Laboratory of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Pune before joining this assignment.

Dr Saikia visited every department and faculty member of Cotton College on Friday and he laid stress on three core aspects — infra- structure development, attracting good faculty members to the university and building up of resources and facilities for visiting faculty members.

When asked about the inclusion of new disciplines, Dr Saikia said: “Apart from science and art disciplines, we will look at new areas which should be identified. We have to concentrate on how we can utilise resources. We have to absorb young, dynamic faculty who will develop expertise for younger generation.” Dr Saikia also stated that the Northeast has good people, but suffers from some degree of isolation and thus, he opined for increasing the possibility of travel and collaboration with national-level institutions. He also discussed several new plans for teachers and students like travel facilities for the faculty members and promoting students exchange programmes.

While attending the 112th foundation day of Cotton College last week, state education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that state government would ensure that Cotton College gets full autonomy to function as a university. He expected that the institution would scale new heights of excellence to be the pioneer of a revolutionary change in higher education in the state.

The state legislative Assembly on July 20, 2011 unanimously passed a bill to upgrade Cotton College to a state university. However, Cotton College Teachers’ Association president Dr BC Kalita said that there would be a separate building for the varsity in Sonapur or Chandrapur or Rani, and the state government is looking for a 150-bigha plot of land for the purpose.


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Anamika Talukdar, Guwahati (June 3): Dispur is planning seek Central funds for the proposed Indian Institute of Information Technology, Guwahati (IIIT-G).

State education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday left for New Delhi to take part in a Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) meeting, which will be attended by education ministers of other states of the country as well.

Talking to Seven Sisters Post, Sarma said the state government will propose for extra fund regarding setting up of IIIT in Assam. “It will promote research in a big way with world-class infrastructure in IIIT besides imparting training to the youths in skill development.”

However, CABE’s main function is to advise the Central and state governments in the field of education. Centre has also constituted “Bharat Shiksha Kosh” in order to facilitate donations from India and abroad for implementing educational programmes.

The Assam government has already formed a high-level committee for IIIT to be headed by Ramadorai, advisor to the Prime Minister in the National Skill Development Council.

One of the members of the committee and Assam commissioner and secretary of higher education, HK Sarma said the committee also included some professors from foreign universities.

He said the institute will give an opportunity to the youths of the state to carry out research activities. Besides information, they will get to know about allied subjects. “Assam is a strong contender to set up IIIT and we have already sent a proposal for its establishment to the Centre. Now, we are expecting that after the money gets sanctioned, we will start the administrative process as soon as possible.”

The state government has acquired 100 acres of land at Mirza near Guwahati for the purpose.

This is the first institute of an international standard that would be set up by the state government in association with the Centre and industry partners in public-private partnership mode.

Dispur has roped in the Tata Group, Oil India Limited and the Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (AMTRON) as industry partners to set up the institute. Among them, AMTRON is the co-convenor. The IIIT is a part of the Union human resources development ministry’s decision to set up 20 new IIITs across the country. At present, four such institutes are running in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Gandhinagar and New Delhi.

Earlier, chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the tentative cost of setting up the institute will be around Rs127 crore. The three industry partners will have a total of 7.5 per cent stake in the institute, while the Centre and the state government will have 57.5 per cent and 35 per cent stakes respectively.

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Arup Saikia & Amarjyoti Borah, Guwahati (June 2): Dispur has moved the Medical Council of India (MCI) to increase the number of post-graduate (PG) seats in two medical colleges of the state by 170.

The number of PG seats available currently in the three medical colleges of Assam is 377. The government now wants that to be increased by 170, considering the growing demand of students wanting to pursue post graduation.

Talking to Seven Sisters Post, state heath and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government had s ent a proposal to the MCI to approve 170 more PG seats in the three medial colleges.
“In our proposal, we have demanded 78 more PG seats for Gauhati Medical College and 92 for the Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh.

A team of MCI experts is expected to visit the two medical colleges in November-December this year and, if everything goes as per plan, admission for the 170 extra seats will be possible from the next academic session,” Sarma added.

The numbers of PG seats at the Gauhati Medical College, Silchar Medical College and Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh currently are 159, 76 and 142 respectively.

Sources in the directorate of medical education told this newspaper that two years back the total number of PG seats available in the three medical colleges of the state was 167, which had now gone up to 377.

“The existing seats available are not enough considering the growing dem and from thousands of students in e ach academic session who have wait f or the next session to get enrolled in t he PG classes even after securing good m arks at the graduatation level,” a top official of the examination branch of the directorate said.

Even after increasing the numbers of PG seats by 210 in the last two years, the medical students of the state are still facing the seat shortages. The state government has already formed a team constituting principals and senior professors from the Gauhati Medical College and Assam Medical College to look into the matter. Before giving their consent to inc rease the number of seats in the two medical colleges, the MCI team will have to satisfy with the available infrastructure of the two colleges.

Orthopaedics, Radiotherapy and Psychiatry are the three departments where the number PG seats available is very less. Till date only one PG seat for radiotherapy is available in the entire state – at the Assam Medical College, Dibruagarh.

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Anamika Talukdar, Guwahati (May 27): Law students and the young lawyers of the region are poised for a smooth transition from their academic lives to successful professional careers with hefty packages, if the move by an US-based law firm is any indication.

Opening new vistas for employment opportunities, a US-based law firm for the first time conducted placement interviews in law institutions of the region. And if selected, the selected candidates will get an opportunity to pursue their legal profession abroad.

The international law firm – Clutch Group, a leading global provider of legal solutions – conducted written recruitment tests for the law students and young lawyers at the NEF Law College, Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra and at Nehu, Shillong.

While around 80 students appeared for the test at the NEF Law College on Friday, 70 students appeared for the assessment test at the Nehu, Shillong on Saturday. Representatives of the law firm also participated in a seminar organised by SG Law Plus, a well-known law firm of the Northeast, and conducted a test where around 50 final year law students appeared at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra auditorium on Sunday.

The Clutch Group, ranked as a top provider of legal process outsourcing in the Global 2011 Client’s Guide, currently has 104 attorneys which it intends to double to 250. For carrying out the recruitment process smoothly and have the best brains, suitable candidates from the region will also be given an opportunity.

“In the Northeast, we are looking for students with good legal reasoning capacity and understanding of what the clients need today and, equally important, what they will need tomorrow. They have to adapt to new demands and business pressures,” said Clutch Group HR manager Padmashree Atva. “The students will also be able to bag prestigious jobs in the US with scope for promotions in the future,” she added.

GN Sahewalla, a senior advocate and member of the SG Law Plus, said that the US-based law firm will offer a salary package of Rs40,000 to Rs60,000 per month in the initial period, which will be doubled in the future, depending on their performances. With the prospect of getting placement at an international law firm this time, most students are happy.

The view of Barnali Deka, a student of Guwahati-based JB Law College, perhaps best summed up the mood: “For the first time ever, we are getting a window of opportunity to work for an international law firm. If anyone of us get selected in the interview, we will be able to realise our dream of getting a legal job abroad.”

http://sevensisterspost.com/?p=15247#

Post Bureau, Guwahati (May 25): The 14th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati was held at the IIT auditorium on Friday, where a total of 858 students — including 362 BTech and BDes, 42 MA, 1 14 MSc, 269 MTech and M Des and 71 PhD students — were conferred degrees. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India was the chief guest at the convocation.

Dr Kalam presented the convocation speech and awarded medals to the position holders. He also gave away the President of India Gold Medal to Patil Pratik Nraendra, BTech (Electronics and communication). Director of IIT Guwahati, Professor Gautam Baruah presented a report on the activities and achievements of the institute during the last year and stressed that IITs are good undergraduate institutes but at the same time they place equal emphasis on postgraduate programmes.

There are 900 PhD students on the campus which shows that priority for research is high in IIT-G. With faculty strength of 300, IIT-G has 350 sponsored research projects going on, having a total sanctioned value of Rs150 crore.

In the year 2011-12, IIT-G received new projects of about Rs28 crore which include ‘Studies on the cellular role of calcium signaling proteins in Nurespora Crassa’, ‘Development of Aptamer based molecular diagnostics for breast cancer’ among others. There are 220 research personnel engaged in various research projects at the institute. The institute also offered a ‘start-up research grant’ to newly-joined faculty members of the institute to start their research activities.

In addition to sponsored research projects, IIT-G undertakes consultancy assignments for various state governments, railways, the National Highways Authority of India, oil and gas sector, construction and infrastructure companies, power sector, educational institutes, health and pharmaceutical industries and financial institutions.

The total value of 120 consultancy projects undertaken during this year is Rs2.20 crore and Rs2.62 crore was received for all consultants. There have been 580 journal publications in the last year.

Narrating about the placement scenario at the institute, Dr Baruah said that out of a total of 722 students registered for placements, 90 per cent BTech and BDes students have been placed so far. The highest package offered to the BTech students is Rs75 lakh per annum with an average package of Rs9 lakh per annum. The percentage of placement till now for the MTech and MDes is reasonable and stands at 55 per cent.

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Post Bureau, Guwahati (May 24): Keeping its promise for supporting meritorious students, Dispur on Thursday announced an award of Rs1 lakh to each of the students who have qualified for admission into the Indian Institute of Technologies (IIT) this year from the state. Speaking at a programme on education organised by the Pragjyotika ground of institutes at Titabor in Jorhat, chief minister Tarun Gogoi lauded the achievements of candidates from the state in the entrance examination for IITs.

“Our students have the ability to do even better, and I hope more students will qualify for IIT in the coming years,” said Gogoi. “The students must absorb knowledge from the surroundings to do better in life, and at the same we must ensure that we are providing them the best education,” said Gogoi. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the Assam government is putting a lot of efforts to improve the educational scenario in the state.

He, however, added that a lot is left to be done. The chief minister also said that through the Right to Education (RTE) the state government will ensure that no child is deprived of the right to knowledge and education. “Through the RTE, we will be able to ensure that no child remains uneducated. The RTE is a grand opportunity which we have got and everyone should make the full use of it,” said Gogoi. Gogoi also announced a grant of Rs20 lakh for the Pragjyotika ground of institutes. The programme was also attended by social worker Sunadhar Rajkhowa and several other distinguished personalities.

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Abdul Gani, Guwahati (June 4): A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed recently between the Institute of Research and Documentation of Indigenous Studies (IRDIS), Assam and Stanford University, USA at the office premises of IRDIS in a bid to widen its field of study. IRDIS is a centre of multi and interdisciplinary research and documentation on the diverse ethnic communities of Assam in relevant fields.

The efforts taken up by the centre is also collaborative and comparative in nature since indigenous studies are multidisciplinary. The Centre for Comparative Studies on Race and Ethnicity (CCSRE), Native American Studies (NAS), and the Woods Institute for the Environment (WIE) at Stanford University, USA are the signatories to this MoU with IRDIS. Based on this MoU, collaborative and comparative initiatives devoted to interdisciplinary studies of issues directly impacting ethnic people in places across the world and Assam in particular, would be taken up.

Deepa Dutt, executive director of the institute stated that such endeavours would greatly benefit ethnic people by empowering the communities with knowledge and help a deeper understanding of the shared interests and the common challenges confronting ethnic people around the world.

“We are looking ahead. It’s a globalization of the ethnic or the first nation people through research. Their people will come over here to research on the ethnic communities and the vice versa. It will definitely work for betterment for the people involved,” Dutt told Seven Sisters Post.

She further said that research and documentation initiatives on a wide range of areas such as indigenous culture, socio-economic studies, health, education, indigenous and traditional knowledge, and population numbers would be taken up through this collaboration.

The MoU will also aim at encouraging students and researchers to obtain cross-cultural research training with a view to advancing knowledge about ethnic people all over the world and to participate in discussions and symposia on topics relevant to the indigenous communities, while also encouraging scholarly exchange programmes. The IRDIS was inaugurated by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on March 21 in the presence of Matthew Snipp of Stanford University.


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GUWAHATI, June 10: From 2014, HSLC candidates are likely to appear for an online test of 50 marks. This was announced by State Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today. This is part of the State Government’s move to usher in reforms in secondary education.

Sarma said, “At present each subject carries 100 marks. But from 2014 onwards, HSLC candidates will have to appear for an online test of 50 marks and the remaining 50 marks will be allotted for descriptive answers.”

He also said that from next year onwards, video cameras will be installed in all HSLC and HS examination centres. Also, each school will have its own website from next year.

The State Education Minister made these announcements while distributing cheques to principals and headmasters of 270 junior colleges and secondary schools of Kamrup district in Guwahati today. Under the Chief Minister’s Innovative Scheme, grants-in aid will be given to 2,661 junior colleges and secondary schools across the State for publication of magazines, promotion of youth festivals and promotion of sports activities.

While Rs 50,000 will be given for publication of the college/school magazine, Rs 25,000 will be given for promotion of youth festivals and Rs 25,000 for promotion of sports activities.

The magazine grant has been given with a view to promote the literary talent of the students and teaching staff of the junior colleges and secondary schools. The Education Minister said that the best three magazines would be awarded each year.

Regarding promotion of youth festivals, the heads of the educational institutions will have to promote co-curricular activities among the students by organizing quiz, extempore speech, painting, one-act play and music competition. They will also have to organize lectures on contemporary subjects by inviting educationist and persons with excellence in the fields of art, science and education.

The junior colleges and secondary schools will also have to organize sports festivals to promote sporting skills and instilling a sense of competition among the students. The Education Minister stressed that the educational institutions will have to take part in inter-State, inter-district or inter-school sporting events.

http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=120651&dtP=2012-06-11&ppr=1#120651

PTI, Guwahati (June 11): Assam government was aiming to turn Guwahati into a regional hub for healthcare catering to patients not only from the North East but also from neighbouring countries of Bhutan and Bangladesh.

“We have signed an memorandum of understanding with Narayana Hrudayalaya for a super speciality hospital in the city today. This is the first step in turning Guwahati into a health hub,” state health and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said here on Monday after the MoU signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, a super speciality hospital is to come up at Amingaon in the outskirts of the city under public private partnership model in collaboration with Bangalore-based Narayana Hrudayalaya.

“Guwahati has the advantage of proximity. With the city as a hub, patients requiring specialised treatment from anywhere in the North East and even North Bengal, Bhutan and Bangladesh can come here,” Sarma said.

The super speciality hospital would be operational within a year. It will have 300 beds, of which half will run on government subsidised rates while the rest will be on private hospital rates.

The state government had earlier tied up with the Bangalore-based firm for another scheme under which children diagnosed with congenital heart disease are given free treatment, including operation, at Narayana Hrudayalaya.

Sarma said around 1,000 child beneficiaries of the project would gather in the city in October to participate in an event for raising awareness about congenital heart disease.

Guwahati: Assam government inked MOU with Narayana Hrudayalaya Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore for setting up super specialty hospital.

The hospital will come up in the Amingaon, in the outskirts of Guwahati.

Assam health minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Assam will emerge as the health hub for the region and setting up of the super specialty hospital is the first step in this direction.

The super specialty hospital besides catering to patients of Northeast India will also look after the patients from Bangladesh and Bhutan.


http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/assam-government-inks-mou-with-narayana-hrudayalaya-for-super-specialty-hospital/articleshow/14023350.cms

Guwahati, June 14: Successful candidates in the matric examination, the results of which will be declared tomorrow, can look forward to much more than marks and percentages.

For the first time, toppers who secure the first, second and third positions at the state level will visit National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) on a study tour.

The award, which was announced by Dispur in this year’s budget, has been instituted in honour of late Deba Kumar Bora, a former student leader, AGP legislator and press adviser to the chief minister. He passed away in a road mishap before the Assembly elections last year.

Also for the first time, those securing 50 per cent can look forward to computers — an honour enjoyed by first-division holders (those who get 60 per cent and above) since 2005-2006.

Jayant Narlikar, the mission director of Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhijan, told The Telegraph that the NASA trip would add to the excitement of the results tomorrow.

“We are in touch with Nasa which has cleared the trip. It will be of six to seven days. We will finalise the dates after discussing with the toppers as we don’t know how many will bag the first three positions. The government wants the best for the students so that they come back enlightened and are inspired to do well in future,” Narlikar said. The government has earmarked around Rs 20 lakh for the trip.

Sources in the education department said the government has earmarked Rs 50 crore for the Anando Ram Baruah computer scheme but has decided not to equate the first-division holders with those getting 50 per cent. “Those getting 50 per cent will get notebooks while first-division holders will get laptops. It will be both for matric and madarsa candidates,” a source said.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120615/jsp/northeast/story_15611874.jsp#.T9q5acrhfzM

Jorhat, June 14: Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated Kaziranga University — the state’s third and Upper Assam’s first private university — where he said the state’s education system had failed to keep up with the changing times.

“This is what the state has found and that is why we should change our curriculum, our teaching habits and adapt to ever changing technologies,” Gogoi said.

The state-of-the-art university in Koraikhowa, on the western outskirts of the district, is spread over a sprawling 50-acre campus and will offer BCom, BTech, MTech, BBA and MBA degrees.

The chief minister lauded the vision of Kaziranga University’s chancellor M.D. Khetan and pro-chancellor P.D. Goel and said his government was committed to promoting institutes that strive towards inclusive development.

Referring to the widening scope of education in Assam, Gogoi said: “We have brought the NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) to Guwahati, NID (National Institute of Design) to Jorhat and Tata Institute of Social Sciences. We have gone off the beaten track to set up the country’s first cooperative university at Sivasagar whose syllabus is being worked out with IIM Ahmedabad.”

The state needed a cooperative university because there were a number of self-help groups, which could combine into federations and start larger enterprises by forming cooperatives, he added.

Gogoi said the state’s education system should be geared in such a way that the state’s youth feel confident to take up local challenges of erosion, floods, and energy crisis. Similarly, they should also be ready to exploit the state’s tourism potential, culture, music, sports and entertainment while developing industries.

“About 1,000 years ago we were ahead of the world. We should change our curriculum so that it includes our heritage, roots and history,” Gogoi said.

He stressed the need for quality teachers over extravagant buildings.

Union DoNER minister Paban Singh Ghatowar also attended the inaugural ceremony. He praised the university’s various tie-ups, including partnerships with CAAMS (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanisation Sciences), Beijing, UK’s Plymouth University and numerous universities from the US, Australia and Saudi Arabia. But he stressed that the university should develop students who become assets in the organisations that recruit them.

“It is good that the university has taken up personality development of students through its International Education Programme, where globally recognised English language qualification and work skills for worldwide employability will be imparted, but the main courses should have depth,” he said.

Industry heads rubbed shoulders with academicians and state leaders at the inaugural ceremony today. Among the notable attendees were Payal Mathur, Southeast Asia head of Quality and Assessment International, UK, president of CAAMS, Beijing Shujun Li, Ibrahim A. Al Negh-aimish, chairman of IAN group of companies, Saudi Arabia and Sanjeev Bordoloi, an academic from University of St Thomas in the US.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120615/jsp/northeast/story_15610793.jsp#.T9q6ecrhfzM

Guwahati, June 16: Dispur appeared to be in a major jam over distribution of computers to those scoring 50 per cent and above in matric exams while AASU blocked National Highway 31 at Gauripur in Dhubri district today over alleged anomalies in the results declared yesterday.

Having started with the ambitious plan of awarding computers to all second division holders and then scaling it down to those who secure 50 per cent and above, Dispur is now thinking of trimming its plans further to include only those who opt for science stream at the Plus-II level.

The Telegraph had today reported that the government’s budget has gone for a six given the number of first division and second division holders and the sharp fall in the value of the rupee.

An official source said the government was still to figure out ways to deliver its promise while minimising the damage to the state exchequer.

Education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Some clarity is needed on the second division front. It is being debated whether all those who secure 50 per cent and above should be covered under the scheme or only those pursuing science. We will give computers to first division holders by August-end but will spell out our plans for second division holders within 15 days.”

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi had earmarked Rs 50 crore for the computer scheme in the 2012-13 budget but even by conservative estimates, the amount will more than double as the computers will be imported, sources said.

Sarma also said that the chief minister has decided to send all the six who figure in the top three to Nasa.

The minister said government schools have done better than last year and the Srinath Baruah committee, set up to suggest measures to reform the education system, would table its report on June 22.

In Gauripur, hundreds of AASU activists staged a blockade on NH 31 at Gauripur Bazar in protest against alleged anomalies in results and caning of students and guardians at Gauripur Girls’ High School yesterday.

Dhubri inspector of schools Abdul Kayum Al-Aman said he had sent an official to Seba headquarters in Guwahati for corrections and proper results were expected to reach all the schools in the district by Monday.

Probir Coomar Barua, president of Gauripur Sankardev Sishu Niketan, condemned the anomalies and said Seba should stop playing with students’ lives.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120617/jsp/northeast/story_15619492.jsp#.T90-bVIgn48

GUWAHATI: Education, skill development and disaster management are some of the priorities for chief minister Tarun Gogoi during his stay in USA where he is expected to explore tie-ups with American educational institutions.

Gogoi left for USA last week, along with state revenue and disaster management minister Prithibi Majhi, and other state government officials.

On Sunday, the chief minister visited the Montgomery College in Washington DC and interacted with professors and students of the institution, where Gogoi gathered information on skill development and medical training courses imparted by the college. Montgomery College is a multi-campus institution and educates nearly 60,000 students a year in more than 100 courses.

Gogoi also visited National History Museum in Washington DC.

Gogoi and Majhi also met assistant secretary Robert Blake in Washington DC and discussed modern techniques, method, and policy of disaster management.

Gogoi has left for New York for signing a memorandum of understanding with Columbia University in New York on Tuesday. Last year, a team from Columbia University had visited the state to explore the possibilities of collaboration with Assam State Disaster Management Authority. The team comprised climate adaptation expert Shiv Someshwar and water expert Tara Troy. The team also undertook field visits of flood and erosion-hit areas of Palasbari.

During his visit to Washington DC, Gogoi also interacted with NRIs and Americans who are interested to invest in India, particularly Assam. They also discussed various other issues related to the education sector, healthcare, biodiversity and green economy. Gogoi asked them to come forward and explore the investment possibilities in these sectors in Assam.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Tarun-Gogoi-woos-US-investors/articleshow/14393857.cms

GUWAHATI: Education, skill development and disaster management are some of the priorities for chief minister Tarun Gogoi during his stay in USA where he is expected to explore tie-ups with American educational institutions.

Gogoi left for USA last week, along with state revenue and disaster management minister Prithibi Majhi, and other state government officials.

On Sunday, the chief minister visited the Montgomery College in Washington DC and interacted with professors and students of the institution, where Gogoi gathered information on skill development and medical training courses imparted by the college. Montgomery College is a multi-campus institution and educates nearly 60,000 students a year in more than 100 courses.

Gogoi also visited National History Museum in Washington DC.

Gogoi and Majhi also met assistant secretary Robert Blake in Washington DC and discussed modern techniques, method, and policy of disaster management.

Gogoi has left for New York for signing a memorandum of understanding with Columbia University in New York on Tuesday. Last year, a team from Columbia University had visited the state to explore the possibilities of collaboration with Assam State Disaster Management Authority. The team comprised climate adaptation expert Shiv Someshwar and water expert Tara Troy. The team also undertook field visits of flood and erosion-hit areas of Palasbari.

During his visit to Washington DC, Gogoi also interacted with NRIs and Americans who are interested to invest in India, particularly Assam. They also discussed various other issues related to the education sector, healthcare, biodiversity and green economy. Gogoi asked them to come forward and explore the investment possibilities in these sectors in Assam.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Tarun-Gogoi-woos-US-investors/articleshow/14393857.cms

I think Tarun Gogoi is doing more for Assam than Nitish Kumar in Bihar, even though NK gets praised a lot. :nuts::lol:

I think Tarun Gogoi is doing more for Assam than Nitish Kumar in Bihar, even though NK gets praised a lot. :nuts::lol:

@CB
You are absolutely correct :)
i know CM of assam through many of my close relatives. He is really a very honest politician, ever i have seen in this country. He was one among the candidate chosen by Sonia Gandhi for the presidential election from congress' side. but he turned down the offer giving reasons like, he loves to work for assam and people of assam has given him madate to rule till 2016.

Gogoi is doing much more for assam than what Nitish is doing for Bihar. the amount of reform taking place in assam in education sector is very encouraging. assam had only 3 medical colleges till 2008. and within 2016, assam will have 12+ medical colleges. ditto with universities, technical institutes and reform in state secondary education board of assam.

besides private hospitality sector is banking on assam like never before. A state which does not have a five star hotel so far, will be having as many as 6+ five star hotels in next couple of years. and this was one of the reason given by infosys chairman for their reluctance to set up office in guwhati.

and by 2013, when first five star hotel Radisson Blu becomes operational, IT companies will find it easy to operate from guwahati. parallely there is 2000Cr software park coming up near Guwahati airport. which will have many global MNCs. Construction should start in next couple of months as reported by media.

GUWAHATI, June 27: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and the Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York on Tuesday.

The MoU was signed by Atul Chaturvedi, Chief Executive Officer, ASDMA on behalf of the Government of Assam and John H Coatsworth, Provost, Columbia University. It was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Director, Earth Institute, Columbia University, Dr Jeffery D Sachs, Minister, Revenue and Disaster Management, Prithibi Maji, additional Cheif Secretary, Water Resources Department, Jitesh Khosla, Principal Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, V K Pipersenia, State Project Officer, Disaster Risk Reduction, ASDMA Nandita Hazarika and Project Manager, Disaster Risk Reduction, ASDMA, Mukta Ram Deka.

The MoU is to provide a framework to explore possible areas of collaboration on sustainable development towards building a disaster resilient Assam. Some of the possible areas of collaboration identified include, climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction of Guwahati in the context of dynamic growth; Climate Informed Regional Water Resoruces and Flood Risk Mitigation Planning; joint research on earthquake hazard and risk management; climate change adaptation and urban risk reduction and consultancy/advisory services on relevant matters as and when required.

The MoU will be effective for a period of five years subject to further extension.

http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=2&subsec=4&id=122488&dtP=2012-06-28&ppr=1#122488

GUWAHATI, June 27: Vice-chancellors of various State universities today met the Education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss on development of infrastructure of State universities and new pension scheme for University Professors. Present in the meeting were Vice-Chancellors of Dibrugarh University, Gauhati University, Assam Science and Technology University, KK Handique Open State University, Cotton State University and the representatives of all engineering colleges. The meeting arrived at the decision to amend the Dibrugarh University and Gauhati University Bill, so that all affiliated colleges could also be benefitted from the changes. During the meeting, the various participating universities placed before the Education minister a proposal of Rs 2,000 crore for upgradation of teaching, starting new courses and infrastructure development of the State universities through powerpoint presentations.

http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=122494&dtP=2012-06-28&ppr=1#122494

:banana::banana::banana::banana:
it is a good initiative to revamp the state universities of assam. investment of 2000 crores in state universities over a period of four years will definitely bring a new revolution in assam's higher education sector.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has sanctioned the proposal to set up new Indian Institutes of Information Technology in Assam, Tripura and Rajasthan.

These are part of 20 new self-sustaining, research-led institutes that will be established under public-private-partnership model, a Ministry release said here on Monday.

The new institutes would be set up by the Ministry in collaboration with the States and industry participants, the release said.

Each of the new establishment is likely to be set up at a cost of Rs 128 crore, of which 50 per cent could be contributed by the Central Government, 35 per cent by the State Government and 15 per cent by the industry.

However, for the North-Eastern States, industry participation would be kept at 7.5 per cent, while the Centre would provide 57.5 per cent of the expenditure.

Further, the respective State Governments would also provide 50-100 acres of land for the institutes. So far, 17 States have identified land for this purpose, while 11 States are in the process of identifying their industry allies, the release added.

The project, which is targeted to be completed in a phased manner, also earmarks Rs 50 crore for faculty development programmes. The proposals for setting up IIITs by three more States are likely to be approved soon.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-economy/article3595646.ece

IIIT Guwahati will come up near LGBI airport. more than 100 acers of land has been allocated for this institute. TATA group will have 7.5 % share in this institute as reported earlier.

TEZPUR, July 2 – The proposed Jonai campus of Tezpur University will come up very soon. This was stated by the State Health and Education Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma here at the Tezpur University recently. Sarma had a discussion with the VC, Tezpur University, Prof Dr Mihir Kanti Chowdhury, at his office in presence of the Registrar, Alak Buragohain, Controller of Examinations, Dr Bhubaneswar Saharia, Prof Dr Sunil Kr Dutta, Jonai MLA, Pradan Barua, local MLA Rajen Barthakur and MLA, Behali constituency Pallab Lochan Das.

It is to be stated here that the people of Jonai alongwith the MLA of the constituency had been demanding a campus of Tezpur University for the last couple of years but due to land-related problems this could not materialise. At the same time, people of the LAC guided by the local MLA approached the State Government for the allotment of the required plot of land for the proposed campus of TU. Finally the required plot of the land was allotted by the Government after a long official process.

Meanwhile, in the discussion regarding the matter the Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that all sort of official processes have been completed and the proposed campus of the Tezpur University would come up very soon fulfilling the long-cherished dream of the people of Jonai and the adjoining areas.

Prior to it, the minister visited the flood-affected areas of the district and took stock of the overall flood situation.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul0312/state07

some interesting News..

how can assam have two IITs. if this news is correct, i will be more than happy. but i wonder how can assam have 2 IITs.

is it like this.

IIT Guwahati to serve lower western parts of north east and the new IIT to serve eastern part of north east. Dibrugarh seems to be the favourite location for the proposed IIT.

i do not know if they are talking about the peoposed IIIT, as Govt. has approved it 2 days back.

below is the news.

DIBRUGARH, July 3 – Enthused at media reports that another IIT would be established in the state, AASU today urged the State Government to set up the proposed IIT at Dibrugarh.

Speaking to this newspaper today, AASU assistant general secretary Rituparna Baruah said the proposed IIT should be set up at Dibrugarh as the city has not had any new educational institution of national repute after the establishment of the Assam Medical College and the Dibrugarh University.

Baruah said Dibrugarh has all the logistical infrastructure for the establishment of an IIT, and cited that the state's most industrialised district should have not only an IIT but also an IIIT and an AIIMS-like medical institution to complement to the historic Assam Medical College.

Meanwhile, the Dibrugarh district unit of AASU has welcomed the news of the proposed new IIT in the state, and has written to the State Government, demanding its location in the city. President of the All Dibrugarh District Students’ Union, Sanjib Changmai said that the district has not had a new educational institution of major significance since the days of the Assam agitation.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul0412/state07

July 3: Dispur will create additional infrastructure and facilities for women at Gauhati University and Cotton College in view of a sharp rise in enrolment of girl students in these institutions.

An Assam government official told The Telegraph that the number of girls in institutions like Gauhati University and Cotton College was fewer than what it is now.

He said there were nearly 80 per cent boys and 20 per cent girls in these institutes, because of which the number of hostels and other facilities for boys was more.

He said though the situation has changed now, it has been seen the institutes cannot accommodate girls for lack of proper infrastructure.

For example, there are 70 per cent girls in Cotton College and Gauhati University. While Cotton College has seven boys’ hostels, it has only two hostels for girls.

Gauhati University has 20 hostels, of which 11 are for boys and the rest for girls.

The official said the government has sanctioned a special project of Rs 1,000 crore, which would be sanctioned to the different institutes for four years, according to the requirement.

“Under the special project, Gauhati University and Cotton College will receive extra funds to create additional infrastructure like girls’ hostel, girls common room, science laboratory for girls and even separate library for girls,” the official said.

Gauhati University vice-chancellor Okhil Kumar Medhi recently highlighted the problem of poor infrastructure and lack of hostel facility for girls before education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

“In the past few years, there has been a 75 per cent increase in the number of girl students. But our infrastructure hasn’t changed and girls have to look for accommodation outside,” Medhi said, while making a PowerPoint presentation of GU’s plan for development during a meeting of vice-chancellors at NEDFi House here last week.

The official said while there would be more facilities for girls at Cotton College, the government has asked the principals of the city-based degree colleges like Handique Girls’ College, B. Borooah College and Gauhati Commerce College to submit the status of girl students at their institute.

The female students and their parents feel that more hostel accommodation should be created for girls on the college campuses, as they find it safer in comparison to PGs and rented accommodations outside.

“My daughter is studying BSc in Cotton College and did not get a hostel seat last year. Now she is staying at a private hostel and paying monthly rental of Rs 4,000. Despite paying such rental she is not happy with the hostel facilities. Hostel food is not up to the mark. I am worried for her. If she could have manage a hostel she would not have to pay much cheaper rental with better facilities and security,” Iqbal Hussain, a resident of Hajo in Kamrup district, said.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120704/jsp/northeast/story_15688008.jsp#.T_S-1JExgQg

July 6: Gauhati University may stop giving affiliation to new colleges to ease its academic and administrative burden.

Sources told The Telegraph that the number of affiliated colleges to Gauhati University has already touched 300 and the university would now have to deal with two lakh undergraduate students.

The university has to conduct 430 examinations annually.

“Vice-chancellor Okhil Kumar Medhi has already apprised education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that no university in the country has such a huge number of affiliated colleges. Gauhati University has at present 345 faculties and 1,070 employees. Considering the infrastructure and facilities available at Gauhati University, it has become very tough for the university to conduct examinations and look after various academic and administrative functioning of the affiliated institutions,” the source said.

Sources said according to the rules, the vice-chancellor of Gauhati University has to visit each of the affiliated colleges at regular intervals to see whether the institutions are adhering to the rules and regulations.

Under the circumstances, it has become simply impossible for the vice-chancellor to perform this duty and thus there is every possibility that the affiliated institutions might violate the university norms,” the source said.

Sources said this might facilitate the growth of some fake institutes, which can take students for a ride.

A university official said the academic council has seriously discussed the matter.

He said many of the faculties have advised the varsity authorities to stop giving affiliations to new institutions till adequate infrastructure and manpower is created to deal with the increasing load.

“The university is also actively considering the issue. The university might temporarily stop the process of giving new affiliation,” the official said.

Gauhati University was established on January 26, 1948, with an objective to bring about social, economic, cultural, moral and spiritual uplift of the people of Assam.

Starting with 17 affiliated colleges and eight postgraduate departments, the university now has now 300 affiliated institutions and nearly 40 postgraduate departments.



http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120707/jsp/northeast/story_15700280.jsp#.T_em35ExgQg

GUWAHATI, July 7: The report of the core group on the institute for innovation, planning and resource management was submitted to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his official residence at Khanapara today.

A press release stated that the report was submitted by the chairman of the core group HN Das. The core group recommended setting up of an autonomous institute for innovation, planning and resource management in Assam with three major centres. These centres will co-ordinate work on all types of innovations, project identification, plan formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The institute will carry out work on all sectors and will play a major role in initiative, innovation, development plan research and resource management studies.

The Chief Minister accepted the report and said that a decision on the matter will be taken soon, stated the release.

http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=123756&dtP=2012-07-08&ppr=1#123756

Anamika Talukdar, Guwahati (July 8): The Insurance Institute of India (III) is contemplating to set up a residential training centre for imparting insurance education in Guwahati with an objective to promote research work in the field of insurance. The training centre in Guwahati would be the third such training centre throughout the country if the institute has its way.

Secretary general of III, Mumbai, Sharad Shrivastava said that III is soon going to approach the Assam government for allotment of a plot of land to set up the training centre in the city. “We are ready to impart world class education to the students of the Northeast region for the purpose of providing insurance education to all sections of people who want to take up a career in the insurance sector. Basically, it’s not possible for students of Jorhat or Dhemaji to visit Mumbai to attend a training session in the insurance field. Here, the students’ from the region will also get an opportunity to get training under the III faculties,” said Shrivastava.

The proposed residential training centre in Guwahati will also impart systematic insurance education, training and creating avenues for research and development in the field of insurance and insurance auxiliary services thus developing highly efficient and skilled insurance professionals to serve in India and abroad. Shrivastava hoped that the proposed centre will become a hub in insurance and risk management education in the Northeastern region, thus raising the bar of efficiency and knowledge across the insurance industry.

Shrivastava was in the city to inaugurate the first ever online-based distance learning programme on insurance at Insurance Academy-North East. Talking about the importance of distance learning programmes, director of INSACne, KK Dutta said: “Due to the indifferent attitude of the insurance companies towards customer service, there is no willingness among the public to opt for any insurance policy. As a result there are hardly any genuine consumers in the country; in fact ‘the insurance product is sold and not brought’. Thus the insurance companies cannot claim there are consumers for their products.”

The distance learning programme has been introduced to meet the growing demands of insurance education, which will be available online to the students and they can attend live online video classes sitting at home. The courses offered are licentiate certificate in insurance, associateship diploma, fellowship diploma, certificate in insurance salesmanship and SM induction training and postal life insurance training.

Speaking at the occasion, project director of employment generation mission, Assam, Afsar Hazarika stated that the insurance sector should get connected to the banking sector for taking the advantage of the bank infrastructure to reach out to the people. Kashinath Hazarika, former chairman and MD (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd), chief advisor of INSAC-ne, Dr SB Medhi also attended the inauguration programme.

http://sevensisterspost.com/?p=23332#

Guwahati, July 9: Dispur has moved the Medical Council of India to increase the number of post-graduate seats in Gauhati Medical College and Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, to produce more specialist doctors to treat cancer and mental ailments.

A state government official told this correspondent that the number of post-graduate seats in radiology and psychiatry was much less compared to other departments in the two medical colleges and the government had sent a proposal to the council to approve 170 more seats in the two departments. “The health department has requested 78 more post-graduate seats in GMCH and 92 in AMCH,” he said.

At present, the GMCH radiology department has only six post-graduate seats while the psychiatry department has four, despite having adequate faculties and facilities to accommodate more post-graduate students. The situation at AMCH is more or less the same, with six post-graduate seats in radiology and two in psychiatry. The medical college has four seats for post-graduate diploma in psychiatry, the official said.

“Assam has the highest number of patients with cancer of the oesophagus, pharynx (or throat), larynx and gallbladder in the country. Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells by damaging the cells’ DNA. The therapy can damage normal cells as well as cancer cells and thus, it must be carefully planned to minimise side effects, for which the role of radiologists is very important,” he added.

The official said Assam had just a few specialised radiologists and so the government wanted to increase the post-graduate seats in the GMCH and AMCH radiology departments to effectively treat diseases like cancer.

He also said that there had been an increasing flow of mentally ill patients to GMCH and AMCH. “So the government has felt the need to increase the number of seats in psychiatry of both institutions to produce more specialist doctors to treat these patients.”

Sources said a team of experts from the medical council was expected to visit the two colleges in the last part of this year.

“If the council accepts Dispur’s demand, admission to the 170 additional seats will be possible from the next academic session. We are planning to increase the number of post-graduate seats in radiology and psychiatry up to 15 in each medical college. The government will concentrate on creating adequate infrastructure and faculty in the departments to satisfy the council to grant more seats,” the official said.

The head of psychiatry at GMCH, H.R. Phookan, said his department could increase the number of seats from four to six with the existing facilities and faculty strength.

The official said though the number of seats in GMCH, AMCH and Silchar Medical College had gone up to 377 from 167 in 2010, medical students in the state were still faced with shortage of seats, as 50 per cent of seats were reserved for Assam quota and the rest for all-India candidates.

The official said though the number of seats in GMCH, AMCH and Silchar Medical College had gone up to 377 from 167 in 2010, medical students in the state were still faced with shortage of seats, as 50 per cent of seats were reserved for Assam quota and the rest for all-India candidates.

All india quota must be reduced to 25% so as to accommodate more local students. may be 10% seats should be reserved for the north eastern states. so ratio should be 65:35

some interesting News..

how can assam have two IITs. if this news is correct, i will be more than happy. but i wonder how can assam have 2 IITs.

is it like this.

IIT Guwahati to serve lower western parts of north east and the new IIT to serve eastern part of north east. Dibrugarh seems to be the favourite location for the proposed IIT.

i do not know if they are talking about the peoposed IIIT, as Govt. has approved it 2 days back.

below is the news.

I'm sure Assam isn' going to have 2 IITs, most probably its going to be IIIT as announced sometime back. AASU as always :lol: (wonder why its called a student union when 99 percent of their members are over their prime age of being students:weird:)

I'm sure Assam isn' going to have 2 IITs, most probably its going to be IIIT as announced sometime back. AASU as always :lol: (wonder why its called a student union when 99 percent of their members are over their prime age of being students:weird:)


i think media misquoted it.. IIIT has already been proposed near guwahati airport, and it has been approved already. it would be really better if IIIT comes up in dibrugarh. another lovely place.

I second your opinion.

Infact, it would be better if they go ahead with 2 IIITs, one at
1) Guwahati catering to Lower & Middle Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
2) Dibrugarh, catering to Upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland & Manipur

This is just a suggestion.:cheers:

I second your opinion.

Infact, it would be better if they go ahead with 2 IIITs, one at
1) Guwahati catering to Lower & Middle Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
2) Dibrugarh, catering to Upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland & Manipur

This is just a suggestion.:cheers:

i think two IIITs will not be feasible formula for central govt.

In assam guwahati is the only major city. Govt. of assam can develop multiple cities as center of trade, commerce and education.

silchar in south assam and dibrugarh in upper assam could be made hub for all activities.

Dibrugarh could be an ideal city for more investment in education, industry and infrastructure. Gas cracker project, bogibeel and east india's biggest railway station will trigger its growth in near future.

similarly jorhat could be made education hub as lots of educational institutes of national repute exist her.
latest being National institute of Design and kaziranga university

July 10: The Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University has sent an SOS to Dispur to set up its permanent campus in the city to prevent de-recognition of the varsity by the UGC.

Sources told The Telegraph that vice-chancellor Srinath Baruah recently informed education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that if the university failed to set up its permanent campus by 2013, it might be derecognised by the UGC.

Baruah said there is an urgent need to construct a permanent campus of the university at Patgaon near Rani reserve forest on the outskirts of the city. The state government has allotted 61 bighas of land at Patgaon for a permanent campus of the university.

Sources said the UGC and the Distance Education Council, Government of India, had granted recognition to the university in 2007 on condition that it would start functioning from its permanent campus within five years from the year of launching its academic programmes.

“The university launched its academic programmes in 2008 and thus it will complete five years in 2013. According to the UGC mandate, the university will have to build its permanent campus by next year. In case of failure, it will be derecognised,” the source said.

Sources said the state government had already earmarked Rs 216 crore for a permanent campus and the need of the hour is to release the amount as soon as possible to enable the PWD start construction of the university.

“The university has chalked out a blueprint of its proposed permanent campus at Patgaon. The vice-chancellor — during a recent meeting with the education minister and officials at NEDFi House — said even if basic minimum infrastructure is created at Patgaon, the university can start functioning from the permanent campus from next year to meet the UGC deadline,” the source said.

An education department official said the department had taken up the matter as top priority and would release Rs 100 crore to the university immediately to start construction of a permanent campus soon after monsoon.

The prime objective of the university is to develop and provide easily accessible modes of quality higher education and training with the use of latest educational inputs and technology.

The official said the university holds the promise of providing equality of opportunities for higher education and bring into its fold the deprived and denied sections along with fresh learners.

“The university has been able to attract huge numbers of students in the last four years because of its success in offering conventional, modern and job-oriented courses. The university is providing free education to inmates of Guwahati Central Jail, Jorhat Central Jail and other jails in the state,” the official said.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120711/jsp/northeast/story_15714226.jsp#.T_0B7PLhfzM

this will be the fouth university in guwahati to have permanent campus.

list of universities operating out of guwahati are

1. Guwahati University

2. IIT, Guwahati

3. Donbosco University

4. Down town university

5. National law school university

6. Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati

7. KKH open university

8. Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences, Guwahati,

proposed

1. world class cental university

2. NIFT, guwahati

3. IIM, guwahati

Anamika Talukdar, Guwahati (July 8): The Insurance Institute of India (III) is contemplating to set up a residential training centre for imparting insurance education in Guwahati with an objective to promote research work in the field of insurance. The training centre in Guwahati would be the third such training centre throughout the country if the institute has its way.

Secretary general of III, Mumbai, Sharad Shrivastava said that III is soon going to approach the Assam government for allotment of a plot of land to set up the training centre in the city. “We are ready to impart world class education to the students of the Northeast region for the purpose of providing insurance education to all sections of people who want to take up a career in the insurance sector. Basically, it’s not possible for students of Jorhat or Dhemaji to visit Mumbai to attend a training session in the insurance field. Here, the students’ from the region will also get an opportunity to get training under the III faculties,” said Shrivastava.

The proposed residential training centre in Guwahati will also impart systematic insurance education, training and creating avenues for research and development in the field of insurance and insurance auxiliary services thus developing highly efficient and skilled insurance professionals to serve in India and abroad. Shrivastava hoped that the proposed centre will become a hub in insurance and risk management education in the Northeastern region, thus raising the bar of efficiency and knowledge across the insurance industry.

Shrivastava was in the city to inaugurate the first ever online-based distance learning programme on insurance at Insurance Academy-North East. Talking about the importance of distance learning programmes, director of INSACne, KK Dutta said: “Due to the indifferent attitude of the insurance companies towards customer service, there is no willingness among the public to opt for any insurance policy. As a result there are hardly any genuine consumers in the country; in fact ‘the insurance product is sold and not brought’. Thus the insurance companies cannot claim there are consumers for their products.”

The distance learning programme has been introduced to meet the growing demands of insurance education, which will be available online to the students and they can attend live online video classes sitting at home. The courses offered are licentiate certificate in insurance, associateship diploma, fellowship diploma, certificate in insurance salesmanship and SM induction training and postal life insurance training.

Speaking at the occasion, project director of employment generation mission, Assam, Afsar Hazarika stated that the insurance sector should get connected to the banking sector for taking the advantage of the bank infrastructure to reach out to the people. Kashinath Hazarika, former chairman and MD (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd), chief advisor of INSAC-ne, Dr SB Medhi also attended the inauguration programme.

http://sevensisterspost.com/?p=23332#

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:Lets forget the past and move on for a better and brighter tomorrow.
here are some good news
cheers:cheers::cheers::cheers:

GUWAHATI, July 21 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated the new Tata Consultancy Services Learning and Development Centre at the NEDFi House building.

The TCS centre earlier set up at Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati in 2008 has so far trained over 1800 candidates.

The new centre, which has made employment offers to over 12,000 engineering students during the last two years, will have training rooms, video conference and meeting rooms, cafeteria and library, besides other state-of-the-art facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Centre will play an important role in improving the Information Technology sector of the State.

“Assam and for that matter the entire North-east has an attractive pool of talented people and this centre will provide a perfect platform to them.”

“The TCS centre can further help in tapping the natural resources of the State to the optimum level, thereby contributing towards the overall growth of the State,” Gogoi pointed out.

Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, who was also present on the occasion, said that the TCS centre, apart from being a learning centre, should also become an earning centre.

“Besides, the consultancy will play a pivotal role in making the best use of the natural resources,” Ramesh asserted.

The inaugural function was also attended by S Ramadorai, adviser to the Prime Minister, National Council on Skill Development and vice chairman, TCS and Ranjit Barthakur, investment adviser to the Chief Minister.


http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul2212/city07

Call for positive mindset
- Ramesh exhorts TISS to produce ‘unbiased scholars’

Guwahati, July 21: Union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh today asked the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), which will set up a permanent campus here, to produce politically unbiased and professional scholars and not protesters.

The remarks came in the light of continuous agitations and strike calls given by organisations in the region.

“There is much more happening in the Northeast apart from these problems,” he said earlier at a TCS function.

The minister inaugurated teaching programmes of TISS today, which operates from a rented place.

He said the study of social sciences has produced only sceptics who question growth, which needs to change and the institute should be able to change this trend. He also said the institute should attract the best faculty available throughout the country and become a national centre of excellence.

The Guwahati campus of the institute is being constructed on 15 acres of land located on the Assam Engineering College campus, at the behest of the state government and ministry of department of Northeast region. The UGC and ministry of human resources development have given necessary permission and approvals for the campus.

S. Ramadorai, chairperson of the governing body of TISS, said the institute would create a strong research capability within the region to produce cutting-edge knowledge in sustainable development, climate change, conflicts, peace and security and other areas of concern. “The Guwahati campus will be a world-class facility,” he said. Ramadorai also said the institute would have 1,200 students by 2017, which would include students from neighbouring countries.

Earlier, a new TCS learning and development centre was opened a the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation office. The company set up its first centre at IIT Guwahati. The new centre will train around 500 trainees annually. The TCS initial learning programme, started here in 2008, has so far trained 1,800 candidates, who have joined the organisation.

Ramesh, who was instrumental in getting the company to start a centre in the Northeast, asked officials to turn their training centres into earning centres.

Staff reporter GUWAHATI, July 21 – The Government of Assam today entered into a memorandum of understanding with Pearson, the world’s largest education business group, with an objective to give a much required fillip to the education sector by linking the formal and vocational education sectors.

The public-private partnership, which was announced today, will serve as a platform for the introduction of the National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF), a more ambitious national programme to integrate skills, training and qualifications in schools.

Under this first of its kind initiative in the entire country, Pearson, the world’s largest education enterprise, will set up vocational skills centres in ten specially-selected government schools of Assam, initially offering two training streams, in retail and computer hardware and IT.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership in Kamrup Academy HS School here, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that it is a matter of great pride for the State that before its national launch, the precursor to NVEQF has been started in Assam. “I am proud to say that Assam is leading the way in India in preparing today’s generation for tomorrow’s world.”

Lauding the efforts of the State government in introducing computers in schools, Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh said that computer-based vocational education in schools is another major achievement of the State.

Further stressing the need to generate skill-based employment, he said that very soon the government would launch the scheme of providing skill-development training to one member of each family, which has completed 100 days employment under the MGNREGA.

Speaking at the launch, Khozem Merchant, president of Pearson India, said that other than improving the employment opportunities for young people, the programme would equip them to face the challenges of the modern-day world.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Government of Assam. We both believe that young people in Assam deserve to be fully prepared for the challenges of an incredibly different and dynamic world of work and our common endeavour will be to achieve that objective.”

The design and implementation of the programme has seen close collaboration between all stakeholders, from teachers, academic administrators, students, and trainers as well as State government officials. The courses will be introduced for students in standard IX in August 2012, before moving into higher classes with a wider portfolio. “Vocational education will allow young people to develop rewarding careers in multiple fields in our expanding economy, helping themselves as well as Assam,” said Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Minister for Education at the launch of the first skills delivery centre at Kamrup Academy.

“After the launch of vocational courses in ten schools this year, such courses would be included in the curriculum of SEBA and AHSEC from next year,” he added.

S Ramadorai, advisor to the Prime Minister on National Skill Development Council, who was also present on the occasion, said that “vocational education in schools will harness the potential of youth and give them many more avenues for employment as adults.”

The skills courses will be held in fully and newly equipped classrooms and learning labs presided over by trainers specially prepared for the programme. The curriculum encourages the use of audio-visual aids, and includes lectures by industry experts and visits to factories to familiarize students with real working situations. To ensure no disruption to the formal school day, the skills training will be held after school hours.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul2212/city06

GUWAHATI, July 21 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated the new Tata Consultancy Services Learning and Development Centre at the NEDFi House building.

The TCS centre earlier set up at Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati in 2008 has so far trained over 1800 candidates.

The new centre, which has made employment offers to over 12,000 engineering students during the last two years, will have training rooms, video conference and meeting rooms, cafeteria and library, besides other state-of-the-art facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Centre will play an important role in improving the Information Technology sector of the State.

“Assam and for that matter the entire North-east has an attractive pool of talented people and this centre will provide a perfect platform to them.”

“The TCS centre can further help in tapping the natural resources of the State to the optimum level, thereby contributing towards the overall growth of the State,” Gogoi pointed out.

Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, who was also present on the occasion, said that the TCS centre, apart from being a learning centre, should also become an earning centre.

“Besides, the consultancy will play a pivotal role in making the best use of the natural resources,” Ramesh asserted.

The inaugural function was also attended by S Ramadorai, adviser to the Prime Minister, National Council on Skill Development and vice chairman, TCS and Ranjit Barthakur, investment adviser to the Chief Minister.


http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul2212/city07


hope TCS will be the trend setter in IT filed as long as assam is concerned and it is performing very well unlike infosys. and all engineers from assam will come back to assam as guwahati offers lifestyle as good as bangalore. and in coming days, it will improve further.:banana::banana:

IBM too has a office in peace enclave, G S Road.

hope they will occupy large office space in upcoming IT park being proposed near LGBI airport and other will follow them.

July 29: Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) is planning to introduce post-graduate medical courses in the multi-specialty disciplines of nephrology, haematology and tuberculosis and chest diseases. This will allow the medical college to have its own team of super-specialists to provide advanced medical care to patients.

GMCH authorities have already applied for it with the Medical Council of India (MCI).

At present, the departments of haematology, nephrology as well as tuberculosis and chest diseases handle a large number of patients on a daily basis but there is a need for more specialists in these disciplines.

In the absence of these post-graduate courses, interested students have to go outside to pursue higher education in medicine.

“We are planning to start post-graduate medical courses in haematology, nephrology as well as tuberculosis and chest diseases and have already applied for approval to the MCI. If this is approved, then two post-graduate seats in each of these disciplines will be introduced. However, selection to such post-graduate courses is conducted at the national level and medical students from across the country can apply for them,” said GMCH principal Kabul Chandra Saikia.

“Introducing super-specialty medical courses will definitely prove beneficial for the medical college. This will ensure that more resident doctors are available to take care of the patients. While these courses will be open to medical students from across the country, it will be good if medical students from our medical college qualify for these seats as this will ensure that they will continue to work here and need not go outside the state. We will have more super-specialists in the state. Development in the medical infrastructure relating to these disciplines will also take place after introduction of these courses,” said Anup Kr Barman, head of the department of nephrology of GMCH.

“We receive a lot of patients suffering from kidney ailments, blood-related diseases, tuberculosis and chest diseases. Doctors in these three departments have successfully treated several such patients. The same line of treatment will be followed to treat patients even after the introduction of these courses. But we will definitely have more trained manpower to take care of patients. Besides, we also have qualified and experienced faculty members to conduct these super-specialty courses,” Saikia said.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120730/jsp/northeast/story_15787658.jsp#.UBbW56BDshE

GUWAHATI: The department of business administration of Tezpur University bagged the prestigious 'B-Schools Who Innovate in Teaching Methodology' award in the third Asia's Best B-School Awards function held at Singapore recently. The award was presented by World Education Congress, CMO Asia, with CMO Council as its strategic partner and Stars of the Industry Group as a research partner.

The award is presented to institutions that have surpassed several levels of excellence and set an example of being a role model and demonstrated exemplary leadership. "The department of business administration, Tezpur University, has been awarded for innovation in its course curricula by introducing various interdisciplinary courses in its ambit," stated a release from the central university.

"In the present set up of the business administration department in the university, its students have the luxury of learning any course that may not be directly related to the management programme. Students can opt for courses offered by any other department such as cultural studies, chemical science, mass communication to food engineering etc. The students of the department can have their knowledge boundary open along with learning in management courses.

The students of the department are also encouraged to learn at least one foreign language (at present either Chinese or French) as a suggested course. Apart from this, the department has offered 'yoga' as an add-on credit course," added the release. However, the interdisciplinary courses are restricted to 15 per cent of the total course credit.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Tezpur-varsity-business-studies-dept-bags-award/articleshow/15290422.cms

KOLKATA/GUWAHATI: Leading back-office processing firm Sparsh BPO has decided to service its overseas telecom and BFSI clientele in the Middle East markets from its upcoming contact centre in Assam. Sparsh is a 100% BPO subsidiary of Intelenet Global Services.

State-owned BSNL will be Sparsh's principal client in the early months, but the wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelenet Global Services is looking to tap into the wealth of English-speaking BPO talent in the Northeast to cater to global clients in the telecom and banking, financial services & insurance verticals across the Middle East.

The Assam government is poised to allot land to Sparsh BPO in a mint fresh IT park that is coming up in Guwahati. To start with, Sparsh will run a 150-seater operation which will grow to a 450-seater facility to respond to the outsourcing requirements of overseas clients in the coming months.

"We've offered land to Sparsh BPO at the new Guwahati IT park. While it will initially run as a call-centre for BSNL's Assam operations, Sparsh will transform the facility into a hub for its global operations," Assam's IT secretary Neeraj Verma told ET.

"Sparsh will start operations in a few months. It will initially handle diverse customer care functions for BSNL's 30 lakh customers in the region. Eventually, it proposes to ramp up its Guwahati contact centre to serve global telecom clients in the Middle East markets. There's huge scope for delivering BPO services from Assam and Northeast, given the abundance of English-speaking youth with western accents. Things will look up further once back-end telecom infrastructure is beefed by DoT," a top BSNL official told ET.

Executives at Sparsh BPO declined to share details. "It is true that BSNL will be our principal client at our upcoming Assam contact centre. But we are unable to share any details about our plans to service global clients out of Guwahati," said a company executive familiar with the discussions with the Assam government. Mum's the word on the overseas clients who will be serviced out of the Assam contact centre. But Sparsh is slated to offer the gamut of services, right from customer life-cycle management to all queries relating to billing, tariff plans, gadget settings to even GPRS activation.

The developments come at a time when the telecom department is weighing options to link up Assam with the Sea-Me-We-4 (South East Asia-Middle East, Western Europe 4) submarine-cable system that has a landing station at Cox Bazaar, Bangladesh, some 450 kms from Guwahati.

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-09-17/news/27628148_1_intelenet-global-services-contact-centre-assam-government

July 31: Don Bosco University today expressed its readiness to enter into academic collaborations in Bhutan.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Fr Stephen Mavely, delivered his welcome address on its Azara campus today to mark the commencement of its fifth academic session. Here, he said the Don Bosco Society’s association with Bhutan went back a few decades and began with the setting up of a technical school, which later became the Royal College of Engineering at Phuntsohling.

Mavely then enthusiastically expressed the university’s desire to begin a vibrant collaboration with the Himalayan kingdom in the field of higher education.

The vice-chancellor’s statement has assumed significance since it was made during a function in which Dasho Tsering Wangda, the Consul General of Bhutan in West Bengal and Assam was the chief guest.

Sources said Wangda, too, was enthusiastic and responded positively to Don Bosco University’s plan.

In his opening statement, Wangda expressed his happiness for being invited to such an important event of the university. Sharing his experience of meeting people from various parts of Assam, he commented on the need of loving one’s own country and forging ahead with unity of purpose to develop the nation.

“One must nurture the relationship constantly for promoting and strengthening it with the greatest enthusiasm,” Wangda said on forging a strong relationship between India and Bhutan.

Don Bosco University is a project of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) executed by Don Bosco Society, Azara, Guwahati. The university has already started a student exchange programme with the University of Arkansas, USA.

Mavely welcomed the first year students and their parents and drew their attention to the chosen theme for the new academic year, “churning dreams into goals”, and spoke about the opportunities they will be provided at the college to realise their dreams.


http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120801/jsp/northeast/story_15797297.jsp#.UBirrRpYWSo

Global information technology giant IBM is fast spreading its wings in smaller cities. It has set up half-a-dozen centres in smaller cities with plans to reach nearly 40 locations in the next one year.

IBM has opened branches in Indore, Guwahati, Dehradun, Raipur, Coimbatore and Kochi over the past one year. Next target is Madurai and Tiruchi, said Girish Vasudevan, Branch Manager, Chennai, IBM India/South Asia.

Local talent

Opening branches in smaller cities is to mainly attract local talent. “We try to be as local as possible. When we look at a smaller place, we simply do not want to send resources from another city. We rather have local resources from that city, supporting that branch,” he said.

While everybody will be IBM employees, each centre can serve customers’ requirement on hardware, software and servers. The centre will typically have 20 seats, he said.

“In smaller cities, the vibrancy of a client from an IT perspective is really music to us. From an IT complexity, there is a gap we are trying to fill. Once you work for us, and like the environment we provide for you, you will be able to deliver a better solution to the client. We will train you but at the end of the day, the client should benefit.

“The goal is to address the SMB segment, which is huge, by bundling various offerings to suit the SME. It could be infrastructure (server), system management software or a basic analytics package, Vasudevan told Business Line.

Roadmap

The expansion to smaller cities was driven by the need to grow the market. IBM’s 2015 roadmap says that market expansion will happen by tackling different geographies. . Its resource concentration has been so far in larger cities. Substantial markets exist beyond the big cities. . It just makes it a little more difficult to access that potential, if you are located in a big city, said Vasudevan.

“We realised that we had inadequate presence in smaller cities and also inadequate capabilities in those cities to be able to provide a wide range of services. That was the driver to move to smaller cities,” he said.


http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-info-tech/article3714001.ece

IBM office is already operational in guwahati. i would like to see this IT giant to scale up its operations in next couple of years.

i wish, IBM guwahati would cater to the whole east and north east india besides IBM kolkata campus. i would love to see its headcount going up by 2000 or more in next couple of years.

TCS has a big training center in guwahati and most probably it will have a big earning center(development center) in next couple of years as TATA group is investing heavily in IT, real estate, hospitality and education sector in guwahati

here is the website of IBM guwahati


http://www-07.ibm.com/in/city/assam/guwahati/index.html?ca=vbo_map

Aug. 1: One of the country’s leading hospitality management schools, Calcutta-based Institute of Advanced Management (IAM), today announced its plans to set up shop in the city.

IAM will be the city’s first private hospitality management school. In fact, apart from the centrally aided Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, students here had very few options.

IAM is part of the Indismart group and has campuses in Calcutta and Goa. It is affiliated with Edinburgh University, UK and Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar.

The DS group, Taj group and Hyatt are setting up numerous five-star hotels in the city. “Since a number of five-star hotels are coming up, there will be a big demand for human resource and that is why we thought of entering the city. This will help stop the exodus of students who want to pursue a career in hotel management,” Indismart group chairman Suborno Bose said at a news conference here today. Classes are scheduled to start from August 27. “We are not going for quantity and are taking five students. This will increase as the years roll by,” said Bose.

The institute was one of the first to be approved by the AICTE. Its mission is to provide world class education and training in hospitality management by constantly innovating and improving upon the discipline, through state of the art methods of training, meaningful research and close relations with the industry, business and other institutions of India and abroad.

Bose said the institute would be a boon to the tourism sector that is looking for skilled professionals to meet rising demand.

The institute has taken three floors at the Royal Regency building. It has tied up with the director of International Hospital, Akid Zamaan, to set up its Guwahati campus.

Asked about the challenges of competing with a government-sponsored institute, Bose said their course would have a professional touch. One of the most important features of IAM is the opportunity for its students to undertake their final year in the UK, he said.

“Hundreds of our students have taken advantage of this unique opportunity and have landed themselves lucrative and highly paid jobs in the UK and other parts of Europe.”

The managing director of Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Anurag Singh, told The Telegraph: “Hotel management institutes are required to meet the human resources (demands). The institutes should be of good quality so that the students who come out of them can perform anywhere at their best. It is not the question of opening up institutes but that of maintaining quality standards, which is the real issue.”


http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120802/jsp/northeast/story_15801831.jsp#.UBrAGKBDshE

GUWAHATI, Aug 9: Four students of Assam Don Bosco University will leave on August 14 for a year of study at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, USA, as part of the ‘Student Exchange Programme’ between the two universities.

The students have just completed four semesters of study at Don Bosco University. They will complete the 5th and 6th semesters in Arkansas, without having to pay the university fees of Arkansas, stated a press release.

Speaking of the Exchange Programme Dr. Stephen Mavely observed, “This is an exciting time to be developing links with the universities abroad, and we are happy that we have found new avenues that would provide best of platforms for our students.” He added, “Our students will have remarkable exposure as they will be opened to new culture and environment, and we are very pleased to undertake such programmes.” A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on March 13, 2012 between Don Bosco University, represented by the Vice Chancellor Fr. Stephen Mavely and the University of Arkansas, represented by Dr. Jerry G. Stevenson, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Extended Programmes. The MoU seeks to promote educational and cultural cooperation in the areas of education, research and exchange, stated the release.


http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=127814&dtP=2012-08-10&ppr=1#127814

Guwahati, Aug. 14: Health and family welfare minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said the state is poised for second-generation reforms in the healthcare sector, which will mainly focus on “reaching the unreached”.

“The emphasis will be on reaching out to people in far-flung areas,” he said.

“Over the past five years or so, we had mainly concentrated on renovation of existing hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Under the second generation of reforms, hundreds of new hospitals will be set up in the state, particularly in our high-focus districts, which lack proper healthcare facilities,” the minister said, while flagging off 100 new ambulances, which will run under Mrityunjoy 108 Service.

He said under the second-generation reforms, tele-radiology would be introduced in healthcare centres in far-flung areas of the state so those patients do not have to come to Guwahati for tests.

He said the patients would just have to stand before the machines and radiologists sitting in Guwahati can examine the reports immediately.

Digital images of the medical investigations will be transmitted over a distance using standard telephone lines, satellite connections, or wide area networks and the patients will get their reports through the Internet.

“We will also introduce the dial 102 service, which will give universal access to referral service,” he said.

“Under the service, the ambulances transport the patients to the nearest hospital. Under the new service, the patients, who are undergoing treatment in a hospital but referred to a better hospital for advanced treatment, will be transported in ambulances to the referral hospitals.”

Sarma said Tata Sumos would be introduced to bring patients from those areas where Mrityunjoy 108 ambulances cannot reach.

“Foundation for better healthcare has been laid in the state, which will witness another revolution in the health sector in the next four years,” he said.

Sarma said the 100 ambulances, which were dedicated to the people of the state today, will replace the existing ambulances.

Describing Mrityunjoy 108 as a revolutionary initiative, he said, “Within three-and-a-half years, it has become a lifeline for the people of the state and helped change the attitude and perception in health delivery mechanism by building competency in providing pre-hospital care. Since its launch on November 6, 2008, till July 31 this year, these ambulances have saved more than 44,238 lives and 7,434 childbirths have taken place inside Mrityunjoy 108 ambulances.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120815/jsp/northeast/story_15856004.jsp#.UCs7_KDyQQg

Maruti Suzuki India has announced the winner of the WagonR Think Big Challenge. Varun Chandra from Guwahati has won the challenge which is in its third season.

The winner takes home Rs 10 lakh, a brand new Maruti Suzuki WagonR and an opportunity to win venture capital for the winning idea, with incubation support worth Rs 50 lakh for one year, including infrastructural support.

Speaking on the occasion, Manohar Bhatt, Vice-President (Marketing), Maruti Suzuki said, “The third season has brought in more objectivity and greater focus towards the participants from specific target groups. To encourage entrepreneurship among college students we specifically added a new category — The Young Turks — this year.”

The contest garnered 36,318 registrations this year. Ideas were received from over 19 cities across India. Over 5,000 registrations were received from college students across India and some 160 unique business ideas were registered.


http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/marketing/article3769834.ece

CM tarun gogoi announcedthe proposal for setting up 21 engineering colleges across assam.in independence day celebration ceremony here in guwahati. :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

this is really a very good news for engineering aspirants of assam and once all these colleges start functioning, number of students going to bangalore, chennai will reduce drastically and it will give very very good opportunity to the poor and needy students.

i hope quality of these engineering colleges will be maintained and assam will be able to churn out more than 10000 students evey year, thus creating enough opportunity fo IT companies to set up their offices in assam:banana::banana:

besides assam shall act as engineering magnet in the entire north east and eastern india.

GUWAHATI, Aug 27: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday reviewed works related to the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), following the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report which points fingers at irregularities in implementation of schemes under NRHM in different States of the country, including Assam. In today’s meeting, State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, however, was not present.

The NRHM officials who were present in the meeting were asked by Gogoi to take the findings of the CAG seriously and were told to report the CAG findings on NRHM to him in details.

The CAG report of 2009-10 on performance audit covering the period from 2005-06 to 2007-08 reported irregularities in civil works under NRHM in various states including Assam. This information was given by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Sudip Bandyopadhay in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha recently. The CAG report also pointed out financial irregularities in expenditure on Information Education and Communication activities under NRHM in States in Assam and others states.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the utilization of NRHM funds in the State. “The people of the State, especially women and children, should get best medical services and there should be no compromise on this issue,” Gogoi said. He reviewed the Mritunjoy 108 and Sarathi 104 services in the State.

Gogoi further instructed the NRHM officials to take necessary steps to provide free-of-cost dialysis facility to patients who suffer from kidney-related ailments.

In today’s meeting, Gogoi announced setting up of an ayurvedic college and two unani medical colleges in the State. The Chief Minister also gave thrust on reducing the infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate in the State by encouraging institutional delivery.

http://www.sentinelassam.com/mainnews/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=129785&dtP=2012-08-28&ppr=1#129785

Aug. 28: Gauhati University today agreed to make its annual budget online to make its financial transactions transparent.

It has also agreed to start online admission process from the next academic session.

The decisions were taken following a meeting between a delegation of the Assam chapter of National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and university vice-chancellor Okhil Kumar Medhi today, which was also attended by the general and cultural secretaries of the Post Graduate Students’ Union (PGSU). The NSUI submitted a memorandum to Medhi.

NSUI president Partha Pratim Bora said they demanded the annual budget be put online for the purpose of letting people know how the university utilises its money, as many hostel boarders continue to face perennial problems like bad infrastructure and water facility.

“Drinking water facility in the hostels is pathetic. Running water is available only for four hours a day, two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. The hostel buildings are in a very bad shape. The university should publish how it spends funds received from the state government annually. The vice-chancellor has agreed to our demand and promised to publish the varsity’s recent annual budget within this academic year,” said Bora.

The student leader also said since the varsity did not have an online admission process, students had to face a lot of trouble while applying for admission.

“A student first comes to the university to buy the admission form. Subsequently, he has to visit the varsity to submit his form and again check whether he has been selected for admission in a particular course. He or she also has to complete formalities before the final admission takes place. If the university initiates an online admission process, then the students will be able to save time and energy for constant travel as Internet connection is even available in the villages these days,” Bora said.

Students from across the Northeast come to the university for higher education. As it does not have an online admission facility, students from far off districts and other states face much trouble before getting admission.

“The vice-chancellor has agreed to start the online admission process from the next academic session,” Bora said.

The NSUI also demanded Medhi to abolish all paid seats saying it only protects the interest of the rich students and deprives economically weaker students.

“Every department has two to three paid seats. Students who are in the waiting list can apply for these paid seats. Only a student from a rich family can afford the cost. We requested Medhi to abolish the system. However, he said he would talk with other officials on the issue,” Bora said.

Bora said they have set a deadline of 15 days to abolish the paid seat system or they would resort to a “democratic movement”.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120829/jsp/northeast/story_15909621.jsp#.UD3SCRo9-So

GUWAHATI, Aug 29 – Discovery Science, India’s only channel dedicated to making science programming accessible, has associated with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Guwahati, for their annual Techno-Management Festival – ‘Techniche 2012’.

The association involves organising special screenings of the ‘best science show on television’, ‘Mythbusters’ from August 31 to September 2 at the IIT-Guwahati auditorium during Techniche 2012.

This will be preceded by a unique contest to tap young inquisitive minds and uncover the truth behind popular myths and legends. The contestants will be faced with quirky and investigative questions such as – can you make a candle out of earwax? Can you touch molten lead without burning your skin? , Can a tree be cut down using a machine gun?, and many more.

Hundreds of participants including IITians and professors are expected to be present each day for the special screening and contest. Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager, South Asia, Discovery Networks, Asia-Pacific, said, “Discovery Science’s endeavour is to make science accessible, relevant and entertaining for the viewers. We are delighted to be associated with Techniche which is an ideal platform to showcase scientific breakthroughs, innovative technologies and researches through the fascinating lens of Discovery Science.”

‘Mythbusters’ uncovers the truth behind popular tall tales and urban legends using the trademark quirky, action-packed and often unconventional methods. To determine whether a myth is busted, plausible or confirmed, hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, along with Tory Belleci, Kari Byron and Grant Imahara, devise a multitude of scientific experiments that often use themselves – or crash-test dummy ‘Buster’ – as they test subjects. The results are often surprising – and explosive.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=aug3012/city05

GUWAHATI, Sep 5: If everything goes well according to plan, Assam will soon have its first rural university. The Dimoria College at Khetri in Kamrup (Metro) district will be turned into a rural varsity.

The Dimoria College is a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) affiliated college in the State and has made a name for itself in the field of higher education by imparting good quality education to the students. The College has also received the College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) status.

On the issue of proposed turning of the Dimoria College into a rural university, Dimoria College principal Dr Saponti Borthakur said the college authorities and the local residents of Khetri had appealed to the Chief Minister to take steps in that regard and the Chief Minister had told us to prepare a detailed project report (DPR).

Dr Borthakur said responsibility to prepare the DPR was given to former principal of the Dimoria College and well known social activist of Khetri, Ramcharan Bharali.

The Dimoria College has currently 28 departments including five departments for post graduate courses. Two other departments for research works would soon be opened in the college.

The college has introduced the punching card machine to monitor the attendance of the teachers and installed CCTV cameras in the classrooms.

However, the present principal of the college, Dr Saponti Borthakur, has expressed his dissatisfaction over the politics being played by a section of the teachers of the college against him.

http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=130885&dtP=2012-09-06&ppr=1#130885

it is a very good move and educational reform in assam at its peak. government is using all high tech solutions in almost all colleges to upgrade the standard of education in assam.
hope all these universities will bring the much needed change in education sector in assam. besides work of all the proposed universities and institute of national importance should be expedited.

hope govt. will do these things very soon.
waiting for 2013 state budget.

New institutions have opened vistas of opportunities: CM


GUWAHATI, Sept 10: “Education is the prime mover of everything. It is through education we can bring about a sea-change in society and solve all our problems,” said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at the open session of the Golden Jubilee Year closing ceremony of Gauhati Commerce College in the city today.

Lauding the achievements of the college in spreading commerce education in the State and the region, Gogoi said, “We feel a sense of pride that this institution has grown up from strength to strength despite several odds and has carved a niche for itself as the country’s premier commerce institution.”

The Chief Minister said that education has to be in tune with the times and new subjects have to be introduced by the universities and colleges that are in much demand. “New concepts have to emerge and outdated ones have to go in the field of education. A sense of dynamism has to be infused into the education system to usher in a new dawn,” he added.

Chief Minister Gogoi said that with the coming up of new colleges and institutions in the public and private sectors in the State, the education scenario is looking up. “The new institutions that have come up have opened up new vistas of opportunities,” he said.

Underscoring the need for competitive spirit and the right attitude to excel in life, Gogoi said, “Our students have abundant talents and are in no way inferior to students of other parts of the country.”

Gogoi said that though there are challenges, opportunities, too, are galore. “There may be challenges but there are opportunities aplenty. Never before there has been a wide array of subjects for the students to choose from and make the most out of it,” he added.

Gogoi exhorted upon the students to gather new knowledge everyday that would widen their horizon and outlook towards life. “Learning is a continuous process and there is no end to it,” he added.

The Chief Minister exuded optimism that the future of the State very bright despite concerns by some quarters. “I see the future of the State very bright despite apprehensions by some circles. The edifice of our State is so strong that it can withstand any pressure,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister said that the Government is planning to set up a Sports University keeping in view the immense importance of games and sports in inculcating self-discipline, competitive spirit and self-confidence.

Emphasising on quality education, Chief Minister Gogoi appreciated Gauhati Commerce College for striving it avowedly. He hoped that the college would contribute its mite towards building a progressive society by spreading the light of knowledge in the days ahead.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 20 lakh to the institute for taking up different educational and co-curricular activities. He assured that the Government would initiate steps to prevent water-logging in the campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal of Gauhati Commerce College, Dr Ghanashyam Nath, in his welcome address, gave a brief genesis of the college since its inception way back in 1962 and how it emerged as a centre of excellence. Dr Nath while appreciating the help of the Government towards improvement of the college’s infrastructure hoped that it would continue to receive the same patronage in the years ahead.

The open session was addressed, among others, by Farooque Saheb, General Manager, State Bank of India and General Secretary of Gauhati Commerce College Students’ Union, H. Buragohain. President of the Governing Body of Gauhati Commerce College, Dr D Bhorali was present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Chief Minister released a souvenir brought out on the occasion, stated a release.

http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=131515&dtP=2012-09-11&ppr=1#131515

GUWAHATI: In the lines of community colleges of United States, Assam wants Union Human Resources Development ( HRD) ministry to set up community colleges in Assam.

Assam chief minister, Tarun Gogoi on Friday met Union Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal in New Delhi and urged him to explore US community college model and to set up such colleges in Assam.

Gogoi visited community colleges of US in June this year. He said,"In the US, community colleges are crucial to providing an affordable education and promoting economic development," Gogoi said, adding, "Such colleges must be set up in the country, including Assam."

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-14/news/33844311_1_assam-chief-minister-community-colleges-cm-tarun-gogoi

i think his visit to US was genuine and we could see some actions here.

such colleges should be opened in selected regions and target some particular groups for their benefit.

apart from this assam govt. inked an MoU with columbia university for bringing reform in education sector.

Guwahati, Sept. 16: IIT Guwahati will be engaged to help educational institutions in the state to install the best quality electronic attendance recording machines.

Education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Assam College Teachers’ Association had alleged that electronic devices or biometrics punching machines that have been installed in many of the colleges to record attendance digitally were not of good quality.

Moreover, the principals can manipulate such machines against some teachers.

“During a meeting with the representatives of the association on Friday evening, it was decided that IIT Guwahati will be engaged to purchase the biometrics punching machines. It will then install them in colleges and other educational institutions. This will ensure the installation of foolproof machines and there will no scope for manipulation, as alleged by the teachers’ association,” Sarma said.

Sarma convened a meeting on Friday after the college teachers’ recent decision to dump the government’s initiative of installing electronic attendance recording devices and closed-circuit television cameras at the institutes for effective surveillance.

The meeting was held to convince the college teachers of the necessity of installing the devices to modernise the education system.

The move came after reports and allegations that many teachers did not spend a minimum of six hours and 40 minutes each day at the colleges, as stipulated by the UGC. This has affected quality teaching.

“The existing biometric machines will be replaced with new ones selected by IIT Guwahati. Installation of new machines should be complete by December and college teachers will start using the machines from January next year. The principals will also record their attendance through the machines.”

Sarma said the teachers of medical colleges and polytechnic institutes would also have to use the devices.

He said as the universities are autonomous institutes, the government has left the decision of installing the machines to the vice-chancellors.

Towards the end of 2013, the government will introduce the biometrics machines in schools.

this is a very very good move in reforming education sector. a big thumbs up to the education minister and the CM of assamm for such modern initiative.
i do not think such measures have been initiated in state level in india except for some private and central govt. sponsored institutes.

In order to help its students, the department of management of Gauhati University is getting associated with local, national and international institutions for its Clients for Consultancy Assignments programme.

The programme, initiated by the department of management, aims not only at acquainting students with the workings of the corporate world but also helping business institutions with consultancy from budding entrepreneurs and managers. Students get an allowance along with a fixed interim pay during the assignments.

"There are two to three students involved in a particular project. We recently concluded an assignment with Indian Oil Corporation. The assignment was based on the benchmark manning pattern and manpower planning of Digboi Refinery. The students get paid between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000 along with a daily allowance," said Munindra Kakati Dean, Faculty of Management.

The department has to its credit a list of high-profile clients like World Bank, DoNER, World Food Programme, UNDP, Asian Development Bank, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, ministry of textiles, Digboi Refinery Ltd and others.

"Such programmes are very important for us because they help us get a feel of the workings of an industrial house. We not only get paid but garner important experience as well," said Debashree Sarma, a research student who completed her MBA last year.

But the programme is not open for every one as the criteria is based on the academic achievement.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Affiliation-boost-for-GUs-consultancy-programme/articleshow/16466617.cms

Sept. 20: Solar energy products could be the answer to the frequent power cuts that the city faces very often.

The first Renewable Energy Expo at T. Ao Indoor Stadium of Cotton College this evening hoped to showcase variety of solar products.

Inaugurated by Assam Energy Development Energy (AEDA) director H.C. Dutta, the state has set up 15 stalls in the three-day expo, while 11 others are from different parts of the country, including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Aurangabad, Calcutta.

Organised by the AEDA in association with the state department of science and technology, the exhibition is the first of its kind in Assam.

A Class XII student, Agnibh Dutta, who visited the exhibition this evening, was impressed by the solar table lamps, which could help him continue his study even during power cuts.

He collected brochures from a few stalls and decided to buy a lamp as soon as possible.

Products like home lighting system, water heater, different kinds of lamps, torch and home UPS (that provide power through solar panels for small homes) are on displayed at the stalls, which are offering discounts to the visitors.

The expo, which will end on Saturday, is open from 11am to 7pm.

Dutta said the exhibition was held to increase awareness about renewable energy.

“The exhibition has given an opportunity to upcoming entrepreneurs in the field of renewable energy to interact with manufacturers from other states so that they can display their own products and marketing units. AEDA has been providing facility to avail government subsidy to set up solar water heaters at individual houses,” the director said.

Along with solar energy products, the exhibition is also showcasing LED products and other energy-efficient equipment like energy-efficient stoves.

The organisers said they would hold a painting competition for students from Class I to Class XII on the concluding day from 10am in different groups.

M.K. Saharia, an employee of Adroit Marketing, a city-based dealer of solar equipment, said awareness among people about solar power was very low.

This is the reason why sales of such products were unsatisfactory, he added

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120921/jsp/northeast/story_15999991.jsp#.UFwPFq58Fgg

Anamika Talukdar, Guwahati (Sept 24): Underlining the importance of networking of cooperative organisations for education in the Northeastern region, Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Cooperative Management (ARGUCOM) is going to improve the viability of the cooperative society in the region in collaboration with Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad.

ARGUCOM, first of its kind in India, has urged the Assam government to introduce ‘cooperative management’ as a conceptual paper rather than d umping it as a chapter in economics.

However, the varsity, in association with IIM, Ahmedabad, has already carried out a survey in 2000 schools in six districts in Assam and found that most of the students are unaware of careers in cooperative management, and thus the varsity is going to infuse professionalism into the cooperative structure by imparting high standards of education and training.

Talking to Seven Sisters Post, ARGUCUM vice chancellor Dr Rafiquz Zaman said that lack of education, absence of members’ loyalty and involvement, lack of professionalism may endanger the cooperative movement.

Under such circumstances, the lacunae have to be taken care of by fostering education, training and research. In this regard, the varsity will play a significant role in revamping cooperatives by imparting the right education, incorporating the use of the most modern management tools and techniques.

In this context, the varsity organised a national conference on ‘networking of cooperative organisations for education’ on Monday with the purpose to establish a network of all training-teaching institutes under the aegis of the first cooperative university in India for success of the cooperative movement.

Assam minister for cooperation and border areas Siddique Ahmed stated that cooperative management aims at evolving methods and techniques on the basis of the princ iple of management, which will help the managers to avoid mistakes.

Speaking on the occasion, principal secretary of revenue and disaster management and cooperation departments VK Pipersenia said: “Cooperation simply stands for working together for a common objective, and it has become important to foster the spirit of cooperation education among the young minds for they are the harbingers of cooperative business.”

The strategic architecture of the varsity has been designed by a team of IIM, Ahmedabad. Besides, the first faculty development programme with active association of faculties of IIM, Ahmedabad and MDI, Gurgaon has already started in the city.:):)

The varsity is currently functioning from the campus of Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Khanapara but will soon shift to its permanent campus in Sivasagar.:banana::banana::banana:


http://sevensisterspost.com/university-for-cooperative-movement-in-ne/

things are moving very fast in education sector.

besides this rajiv gandhi institute of petroleum technology and national institute of design, both are institutes of national repute are under construction.

GUWAHATI, Sept 30 – A delegation of six members headed by Professor Michelle Clarke, has arrived in the city recently from Nottingham University, United Kingdom on a visit to Tezpur University and Royal Group of Institutions.

The delegation will be in the State till October 7, a statement from the Royal Group of Institutions said.

Prof Michelle Clarke of Environmental Science, Associate Professor Helen West, Environmental Biology, faculty of Science, four research Associates from Nottingham University and Dr MK Choudhury, Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University and Prof Deben Barua along with chairman, RGI, AK Pansari, vice chairman AK Modi, director, Prof SP Singh and other senior members of RGI had a fruitful discussion on a collaborative endeavour between Nottingham University and the Royal Group of Institutions.

Noting that this collaboration will take the students of RGI to a universal platform and exposure, Prof MK Choudhury spoke about the progress RGI has had in a time span of three years.

Also stating that Royal University was in the progress, :banana::banana:Prof Choudhury stated that a collaboration between both these institutions would expose the students of the North-east to the greats of D H Lawrance, Albert Einstein, Sir Andrew Witty, etc, who walked the halls of Nottingham University, and the five faculties which offers 50 courses.

The delegation of six members from Nottingham also interacted with students and faculties of RGI.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=oct0112/city07

Royal University will be the third private university in guwahati and fouth in assam.

few more private universities are coming up in assam.

Stating that the global economy is still “volatile and uncertain”, the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) today said Indian firms are exploring new markets like Africa, Japan, and West Asia.

Speaking to PTI, Nasscom Regional Manager (East), Suparno Moitra, said while the US and Europe remain major markets for software exports, new markets are also opening up for the Indian IT and BPO companies.

“The major markets for software exports is still the US (accounting for 62 per cent of exports) and Europe (28 per cent). There is also increasing demand from untapped emerging markets (10 per cent),” he said.

Moitra added, “Africa, Japan and Middle East are showing good response and Nasscom is working very closely to explore these markets.”

Stating that there has been no adverse effects on the industry due to the current global scenario, he said, “the market is still volatile and uncertain and customers are cautious“.

The Indian IT-BPO industry registered a total revenue of $101 billion for financial year 2012 and total software export was to the tune $69 billion.

IT industry body Nasscom has forecast a growth of 11-14 per cent for FY 2013 for the industry.

On West Bengal’s potential in the IT sector, he said the State’s greatest strength was manpower.

“If you consider West Bengal, our greatest asset is our people. We have strength and capabilities in the areas of analytics, design, engineering, animation. If proper support is given in these fields, West Bengal can be a leader,” he said.

In the Eastern region, West Bengal is the top contributor to software exports followed by Odisha and Assam.

Total IT software export from Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and Non-STPI units in West Bengal touched Rs 7,939 crore in 2011—12, registering a growth of 5.85 per cent.

For 2010—11, the total IT software export from Odisha (STPI units only) was Rs 1,253.59 crore and for Assam the figure would be to the tune of Rs 10 crore, Moitra said.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/article3957824.ece

@^^^^

Though assam ranks third in the eastern region, there is nothing to cheer about, as IT export from assam amounts to only 10 crore. :ohno::ohno::ohno:

but i hope things are slowly changing here in IT sector. i hope TCS will transform Guwahati training center to a large development center.

besides TCS and IBM, i hope other IT giants like wipro, infosys will follow the suit in next couple of years.

Guwahati, Oct. 3: The two-day NICT, the Northeast Information & Communication Technology Exposition working towards projecting Assam to the national investor community, is set to step into its eighth year tomorrow with promises of being bigger and better.

Organised under the banner of The Telegraph at Vishwaratna Hotel here from tomorrow, NICT 2012 has been extensively supported by the state IT department and Assam Electronics Development Corporation Limited (Amtron) and the event has grown from strength to strength — attracting capital for the region and stimulating knowledge-based development.

The event is an annual B2B platform that brings together IT & business leaders, policy makers, academicians and IT enthusiasts of the region with an objective to project the potential of the Northeast to the investor community by playing the role of a catalyst and setting a new pace of development in the region.

Given the enthusiastic and positive response that the pro-business forum has received over the years, the NICT organisers are now set to drive the power of information and communication technology even deeper into the heart of the region.

Education and health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will grace the inaugural function as the guest of honour. Sarma had released Assam’s IT Policy during the 2009 edition of NICT, underlining the importance of the event. Assam agriculture and parliamentary affairs minister Nilamani Sen Deka will also be a guest of honour. Chief secretary N.K. Das and DGP J.N. Choudhury, besides senior bureaucrats Rajiv Kumar Bora and M.K. Yadava, are expected to attend the function.

Sharing his thoughts on the journey so far on the eve of the event, the organising secretary of NICT and associate vice-president, IT, ABP Pvt Ltd, K.K. Mahapatra, said, “It has been seven years since we started NICT. The objective of the event is to generate IT awareness among people within this region in order to gear them up for the next level of economic growth. The strategic location of the Northeast facilitates creation of cross-border economic opportunities and has been accelerated by the highly literate human resources whose performance has been recognised in the service sector across the globe.”

“Over the last few years, many IT companies have set up shop in this region because of the conducive environment for investment in the IT-ITes sector that the government has been able to provide. Through this event, it has been our constant endeavour to drive the ICT (information and communication technology) engine of growth deep into the heart of the Northeast.”

Organised since 2005, NICT has helped change perception about the northeastern states among investors. On September 13, it was successfully held in Meghalaya. Tripura is the other state where the event was also held. Over the last five to six years, IT companies like HP, IBM, Tulip, Educomp, Rolta, Dell, Acer and many more have set up shop in Guwahati.
:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:
Moreover, AMTRON has taken initiatives and tied up with reputed private partners for development of Indian institute of Information Technology (IIIT), in accordance with the Centre’s guidelines. An IT park is being set up in Guwahati under the PPP model.

The sponsoring companies for this year’s event are Third Eye Education (education partner), WDC (technology partner), Big 92.7 FM (exclusive radio partner).

Associate sponsors include STPI, State Bank of India, ONGC, IL&FS Education, National Internet Exchange of India, Oil India Ltd, SBI Life Insurance, Nabard, Star Cement, Railtel, Sidbi, McLeod Russel India Ltd, Williamson Magor Group Enterprise and Pernod Ricard India.
:banana::banana:

The leaders of the region, it is expected, will make the most of this annual congregation to project the overall visions and plans for integrating the Northeast with the Indian IT industry.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121004/jsp/frontpage/story_16050814.jsp#.UG0WJkJy6So

Over the last five to six years, IT companies like HP, IBM, Tulip, Educomp, Rolta, Dell, Acer and many more have set up shop in Guwahati.
------------------------------

TCS is operating in a big way in the form of training center.

without many of our knowledge many IT companies have set up their shop in guwahati, to to a smaller extent.but surely in future these companies will expand their base as guwahati will become attractive destination with the end of tax benefit policy of govt. of india. with the end of this policy tier 2 cities will become more attractive for IT investment.

and definitely next year onwards NICT will have better and swanky venues with the inauguration of at least two five star hotels I.e Hotel Radisson Blu, Hotel Renaissance and may be Hotel Mariott.

I second your opinion.

Infact, it would be better if they go ahead with 2 IIITs, one at
1) Guwahati catering to Lower & Middle Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
2) Dibrugarh, catering to Upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland & Manipur

This is just a suggestion.:cheers:


+1, I second your thought jumoni. I understand that there is still lot of scope for growth in Guwahati, however I believe we should parallely focus on other towns especially Dibrugarh, Silchar, Tezpur or Jorhat for that matter. We cannot be Guwahati centric and leave the rest of Assam unattended. This would be a big mistake, look at what happened to West Bengal, to the rest of India Kolkata= West Bengal and vice-versa.

+1, I second your thought jumoni. I understand that there is still lot of scope for growth in Guwahati, however I believe we should parallely focus on other towns especially Dibrugarh, Silchar, Tezpur or Jorhat for that matter. We cannot be Guwahati centric and leave the rest of Assam unattended. This would be a big mistake, look at what happened to West Bengal, to the rest of India Kolkata= West Bengal and vice-versa.


i think in upper assam, dibrugarh could be developed as the HUB for all sorts of activities, trade,commerce,education. while Jorhat could be developed as the HUB for educational institutes as there large number of reputed educational institutes.

some of the most recent and important among them are
1. Jorhat medical college,
2. kaziranga university.
3. Indian institute of hotel management
4. National institute of design

GUWAHATI, Oct 4 – Announcing that the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) coming up in the city would become operational by 2014, Education and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that introduction of tele-radiology in all the 27 districts of Assam would be complete by 2013.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day North-east Information and Communication Technology (NICT)-2012 here, the minister said that the Government was working towards a 2013 deadline for making the IIIT operational by, but in the event it failing, then it would become operational by 2014.

Students who have passed Plus II will be eligible for admission.

The minister said 50 per cent seats would be reserved for students from the State and the remaining from outside and also South East Asia.

The minister said the IIIT would be a centre of excellence not only in the country but in South East Asia.

On the upcoming IT Park, the minister said the Government was being cautious because selection of private party has to be done with extreme care.

Sarma pointed out that Assam was the only State in the country selected for the implementation of the tele-radiology scheme, which has already been launched in Haflong. He said images of patients who undergo CT scan/MRI were being sent to MMC Hospital in Guwahati through IT. The report is then made ready and sent within hours. The twin advantage of the scheme is that it takes care of the shortage of radiologists while also saving time and money of patients who don't have to travel.

The Government will be spending around Rs 55 crore under the National Rural Health Mission to cover all the district headquarters under the programme by 2013, and in another two years after that all blocks would be covered under the scheme.

Nilamani Sen Deka, Agriculture and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, who was also present, spelt out how his department was using the IT to close the gap between farmers and the administration.

The minister said that his department had decided to equip the officers with laptops and tablets to connect them with district headquarters and provide farmers with timely information on cropping and post-cropping measures.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=oct0512/city05

On the upcoming IT Park, the minister said the Government was being cautious because selection of private party has to be done with extreme care.

infinity group has already proposed one IT park in madhgharia, guwahati, which will have 2 million sq. ft built up area.

http://investment.contify.com/story/infinity-infotech-to-infuse-rs-10-bln-in-assam-in-next-3-4-yrs-3722332

while the one proposed by assam govt. will come in 100 acers of land near LGBI airport. i wish they award the contract to a reputed developer soon.

i am little confused if both are same IT park :nuts::nuts:.
hope it is not :) as infinity has different plan and they have already announced about their future plan across assam.

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Guwahati, Oct. 4: Dispur today used NICT 2012, the annual two-day Northeast Information & Communication Technology Exposition, to remind IT majors of their commitment to invest in the state.

The reminder, a mix of criticism and exhortation, was delivered by education and health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the inaugural function of the eighth edition of the B2B platform here this afternoon. The NICT brings together IT & business leaders, policy makers, academicians and IT enthusiasts of the region with the aim of projecting the potential of the Northeast to investors.

“It is time for the IT industry to keep its commitment made during NICT 2005 to invest in the state. Things have changed in the interim. Guwahati today has the potential and environment to become an IT hub. Investors should not stay away citing law and order, which is an issue everywhere. It’s unpredictable but militants have not been able to stop development anywhere,” Sarma said.

Turning the law and order argument on its head while making a strong pitch for investment, Sarma further said, “Law and order issues are cited when companies have to set up permanent shop in the state. But that is not the case when we float tenders for education or police modernisation projects. These same companies, which have issues with law and order, will flock to Guwahati if we float a tender tomorrow. They will not mind extending their stay to get their work done! I strongly feel that IT players should go only to areas where there are law and order issues,” Sarma, the guest of honour, said tongue-in-cheek, leaving the gathering in splits.

Organised under the banner of The Telegraph, NICT 2012 has been extensively supported by the state IT department and Assam Electronics Development Corporation Limited (AMTRON).

Agriculture and parliamentary affairs minister Nilamani Sen Deka was the other guest of honour at the inaugural function, which was also graced by IT principal secretary Rajiv Kumar Bora. Both of them used the platform to articulate the government’s IT initiatives for the benefit of the last man in the line.

Deka, while announcing Dispur’s decision to spend more than Rs 200 crore during the rabi crop season to tide over the damage caused by recurring floods this year, spelt out how his department was using the IT to bridge the gap between farmers and the administration.

“We have decided to equip our officers with laptops/tablets to connect field officers with district headquarters and provide farmers with timely and real time information on cropping and post-cropping measures as we are basically an agrarian state. We are using IT to extend departmental aids and grants to farmers. I hope the NICT will carry a message to the farmers as well as state government employees about the importance of communication technology in this age,” Deka said.

The stress on promoting IT was also at the core of Bora’s speech. He said the government had recognised the role of IT as an “enabler”, keeping in with the theme of the event — Enabling the Northeast.

“We are using IT to improve our public service delivery, address public grievances and have less-paper offices. By the year-end, we will include all districts under e-governance and also have 40 services to boost our public service delivery system. All this is aimed at making Assam the IT gateway to Southeast Asia because of our advantage of location, manpower and physical infrastructure. This is the right time to come and invest in Assam which has taken impressive strides to boost efficiency and accountability through IT,” he said.

K.K. Mahapatra, the organising secretary of NICT 2012 and associate vice-president, IT, ABP Pvt Ltd, set the tone for the day in his welcome address: “It is extremely delightful to see that the NICT is not just an annual event but the voice of the people of the region that echoes in the deepest corners of the country where not only do we talk about what we have achieved but also chalk out our visions for the future.”

Source (http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121005/jsp/frontpage/story_16054023.jsp#.UG7kV1HaCjU)

On the upcoming IT Park, the minister said the Government was being cautious because selection of private party has to be done with extreme care.

infinity group has already proposed one IT park in madhgharia, guwahati, which will have 2 million sq. ft built up area.

http://investment.contify.com/story/infinity-infotech-to-infuse-rs-10-bln-in-assam-in-next-3-4-yrs-3722332

while the one proposed by assam govt. will come in 100 acers of land near LGBI airport. i wish they award the contract to a reputed developer soon.

i am little confused if both are same IT park :nuts::nuts:.
hope it is not :) as infinity has different plan and they have already announced about their future plan across assam.


I think these two are separate entity, coz Govt sponsored IT parks are generally done by the STPI.

I think these two are separate entity, coz Govt sponsored IT parks are generally done by the STPI.

If it is so, it is a very good news. The one to be developed by infinity group will have 2.0 miilion sq.ft in madgharia, near LGBI airport, which will have residential, commercial and a five star hotel apart from office complexes. they have uploaded it their website.
i wish the one to be developed by assam govt. will be exclusively for IT industry in PPP mode.
there is already an STPI in guwahati which has some small firms operating out of it..

NSDC is a not-for-profit company set up by the ministry of finance as the first public-private partnership initiative with the mandate to impart skills to 150 million people by 2020 in 21 focus sectors. This is part of the government’s overall target to train 500 million people by 2022 to meet the global skills shortage.

The Assam government, too, has plans to set up an academy of construction on the lines of National Academy of Construction and an Assam Vocational Training Institute and regional vocational training institute for women in the PPP mode.
:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:
According to NSDC, there is need for skill development opportunities in sectors in Assam such as agriculture, fishery and animal husbandry, handloom and handicrafts, construction, horticulture and fruit processing and hospitality to create local employment or livelihood opportunities.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121008/jsp/northeast/story_16059998.jsp#.UHJWeEJy6So

Guwahati, Oct. 7: India’s leading multi-brand retailer Future Group has started a skill development drive in Assam to train and create 1,50,000 jobs by 2022. :cheers::cheers:

The group, which owns some of the biggest and popular retail chains like Big Bazaar and Pantaloons, has joined hands with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to impart training and provide credit linkages to school dropouts to help them set up micro enterprises.

Future Learning CEO Muralidhar Rao, who was in Guwahati recently to launch the project, dwelt at length on the tremendous potential of skill development in the Northeast and emphasised the need to partner government agencies, industries, NGOs and skill-specific organisations to make the project a success.

Future Group established its Future Learning arm in 2008 to address opportunities in the education, learning and skill development space. Through Future Learning, the group leverages its vast understanding of the consumer-centric business it has pioneered and managed over the last 14 years.

In fact, for the skills learning component, Future Learning has floated a new company, Future Sharp Skills Limited, that has joined hands with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to train people throughout the country. The two partners have earmarked Rs 58 crore for the next 10 years for the joint venture — Future Sharp. While Future Sharp Skills Limited holds 73 per cent stake in the joint venture, NSDC holds the remaining 27 per cent.

A skill academy has been set up in Guwahati to train local youths.:banana::banana:

“It is not enough to impart only skill training in the classroom. It has to be followed by on-the-job experience under guidance along with proper placement,” Rao said.

Asserting the need to nurture local entrepreneurs, he said the skill academy set up in Guwahati would also impart entrepreneurship training followed by guidance and credit linkage facilities to the trained youths to set up micro enterprises.

Monmi Das, managing partner of Global Edu Hub, the firm that has set up the skill academy, said emphasis would be laid on retail and hospitality sector in the first phase to sharpen the skills of the youths and prepare them for industry.

Retail and hospitality are two of the biggest sectors today which require skilled youths and with number of retail chains and hospitality businesses now opening shop here, the demand will certainly be more in the near future.

“The fees are nominal and we are targeting youths from villages,” Das told The Telegraph.

The target age group is 16-24 years.

The training will be conducted on the lines of the Unique Apprentice Model wherein a student can learn and earn simultaneously with the objective of providing sustainable livelihood.

She said training would be provided for three months after which they would be sent for on-the-job training. The course content will be updated regularly with strategic inputs from George Telegraph Training Institute on automobiles while hospitality inputs will come from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute Association.

Each batch will have a maximum of 25 to 28 students to maintain the optimum teacher-student ratio.

There has been some impact already with companies like Titan, Spencers, Emami, Speciality Group of Restaurants, Sodexo, Pantaloons, Big Bazaar and others having confirmed that they would recruit youths trained in the academy.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121008/jsp/northeast/story_16059998.jsp#.UHJWeEJy6So

Guwahati, Oct. 10: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has expressed concern over unregistered financial bodies raising funds from the state.

“We have information that there are unregistered financial bodies raising money in an unauthorised manner. This is a matter of concern,” Sebi chairman U.K. Sinha said during the inauguration of the board’s first officein Assam and in the Northeast.

Sebi was established on April 12, 1992, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.

The regulator board was set up to protect the interests of investors in securities and promote the development of and regulate the securities market.

Sinha said it had taken 24 years for Sebi to start its office in Assam but there would be more in the coming years.

The market regulator will operate from the office of NEDFi House here.

“From now on investors who have complaints against any company can contact the local office of Sebi instead of sending mails to Mumbai. We will also provide some financial education and if companies from here want to raise money the local office will help,” Sinha said.

There is a Sebi helpline (1800227575) through which people can redress their queries and grievances, he added.

He said there were only two companies from Assam listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and there were only two broker offices.

“We have lots do and we will work in tandem with the state government,” he said, adding that it would help the SME sector to enter the big league.

The joint managing director of National Stock Exchange of India Ltd, Chitra Ramkrishna, said there were only one lakh people in the region who dealt in capital markets and the endeavour would be to reach out to as many people.

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said he had already ordered an inquiry against companies who are cheating people of their money.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121011/jsp/northeast/story_16076446.jsp#.UHZPG0Jy6So

Assam govt. should set up the proposed sports university in guwahati itself with a mega sports cluster. The best location is near the national games village, which already has good sports infrastructure and is accessible to general public. Besides this, Guwahati and shillong could usher a new era in sports in the entire NE. NE could be another sports HUB in the country like delhi and NCR. Without having good sport infrastructure barring guwahati upto some extent, NE has been producing many good players in almost all types of sports except for the cricket. So this plan could churn out some of the best players in the country.

New Delhi, Oct. 18: Pumped up by India’s best ever show at the Olympics, the sports ministry has finally decided to pump in the moolah to upgrade sports infrastructure in the Northeast.

Manipur, in particular, shone at the Olympics with boxer Mary Kom bagging a bronze and L. Devendro Singh making it to the quarterfinals, prompting a whirlwind visit by sports minister Ajay Maken along with his officials to Manipur, Meghalaya and Assam recently.

As the Prime Minister’s Office had already directed the sports ministry to pay extra attention to the Northeast, the visit was long pending.

In Manipur, the Union minister suggested construction of multipurpose halls where sports like fencing, badminton, wrestling or boxing could be practised.

The sports ministry has recently sanctioned a hockey Astro Turf at Takyel for Rs 2 crore.

Maken also asked the Manipur government to send a proposal for a 100-bed Football Academy hostel before October 31. Maken, however, rejected the Manipur government’s request for more swimming pools in the state.

The sports ministry feels that swimming pools are being used for relaxation instead of training and hence, has decided not to fund any more pools in the state.

In Meghalaya, Maken assured the government that the Special Areas Games Centre of the Sports Authority of India on the Nehu campus would be given High Altitude Training Centre status.

This means that the centre will get more infrastructure facilities as well as world-class equipment. The centre is slated to open in April next year.

Maken, however, asked the Meghalaya government to make sure that the centre was also open to children living in the neighbourhood for a fixed time everyday so that they get exposure similar to elite athletes.

In Assam, the minister asked chief minister Tarun Gogoi to ensure that the land on which Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education is based be immediately transferred to the institute on a long-term perpetual lease. :cheers::cheers:


http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121019/jsp/frontpage/story_16107523.jsp#.UICsma7yQQg

is this the same proposed sport university as declared by the assam CM ?

i have seen this university signboard near sonapur.

i wish it is not the sport university as declared by the CM as it is under central govt. :)

is this the same proposed sport university as declared by the assam CM ?

i have seen this university signboard near sonapur.

i wish it is not the sport university as declared by the CM as it is under central govt. :)

Hope both are different... investment aside, that way we will have two which would mean we can attract players and enthusiast from the other parts of the country.:cheers:

GUWAHATI, Oct 19: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated the animal reproduction building and laid the foundation stone of an indoor stadium in Khanapara today. Speaking on the ocassion, the Chief Minister laid emphasis on the development of agriculture and veterinary science and said this two sectors had huge prospects in the near future. Meanwhile, Argiculture minister Nilomoni Sen Deka said that despite the floods, the State agriculture sector promises a good harvest, especially in paddy cultivation. The Chief Minister also announced a sum of Rs 10 crores for infrastructure development of the State Agriculture University.



http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=136163&dtP=2012-10-20&ppr=1#136163

GUWAHATI, Oct 19: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated the animal reproduction building and laid the foundation stone of an indoor stadium in Khanapara today. Speaking on the ocassion, the Chief Minister laid emphasis on the development of agriculture and veterinary science and said this two sectors had huge prospects in the near future. Meanwhile, Argiculture minister Nilomoni Sen Deka said that despite the floods, the State agriculture sector promises a good harvest, especially in paddy cultivation. The Chief Minister also announced a sum of Rs 10 crores for infrastructure development of the State Agriculture University.



http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=136163&dtP=2012-10-20&ppr=1#136163

Good to hear such news... :banana:

Oct. 25: Nripesh Dutta, 59, had a sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips, as he fed his 24-year-old son at the post-operation ward of the Operation Smile Comprehensive Cleft Care Centre on the MMC Hospital premises in Panbazar.

“My son Pramin was born with a cleft lip and a deformed nose. In 1993, I had taken him to Dibrugarh for an operation, ran from one dentist to the other for years, but to no avail. However, today, my son has a reason to smile, thanks to Operation Smile,” said Dutta, a rickshaw-puller from Karimganj, who had come to the city a few days before Durga Puja.

Pramin was one among the 4,048 patients to be operated at the centre since it became functional on May 9 last year. The lanky young man had rhinoplasty — a plastic surgery procedure for correcting and reconstructing the form and restoring the functions of the nose — apart from a cleft surgery performed on him.

“We have completed 4,048 surgeries at the centre till date. On October 15, five-year-old Changsi Marak from Larubama under Boko police station was the 4,000th patient to be operated at the centre. The surgery performed on her is termed as unilateral cleft lip repair,” Mahesh Deori, the director of the cleft care centre, told The Telegraph today.

Under the mission of Operation Smile, 7,095 surgeries, involving over 20 different types of procedures, have been performed across the state from January 2009 to the present date.

Since May 9 last year, the centre has come a long way in terms of the number of surgeries performed on a daily basis, full-time staff, and number of specialities such as speech therapy, dental care, child psychology, ENT care and nutrition for comprehensive cleft care. From four members in January 2009, currently, the centre has staff strength of over 70.

On an average, 300 surgeries are performed every month at the centre.

“During April and March next year, we have set a target of 3,500 surgeries. We are looking at performing 15 to 20 surgeries a day at the centre. As of now, we are on the right track,” he said.

While space remains a constraint, construction of another floor would take care of the problem, the director said.

“Already, the health department has proposed to the finance department for sanction of funds to construct another floor, which would help create the space for an out-patient department. The additional space would also provide room for screening patients,” Deori said.

Besides, there is a requirement of at least 10 to 12 more beds at the operation (pre and post) wards.

“As 15 surgeries are performed in a day, there is a requirement of at least 30 beds at the pre and post-operation wards. Then again, we have patients who may require at least two to five days recovery time at the ward. Therefore, a ward that can accommodate 40 patients is the need of the hour,” he added.


http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121026/jsp/northeast/story_16123071.jsp#.UIn3XGd28Qg

Anamika Talukdar, Guwahati (Oct 25): Gauhati University has recently launched BS programme in medical biotechnology from the academic year 2012 with an objective to promote research work in this particular multidisciplinary area with an intake capacity of 10 students in the first phase.

However, according to the revised educational qualification requirements for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-NET, BS- 4 years programme students can now appear for the CSIR-NET exam for Junior Research Fellowship directly after completion of their 3rd year.

Talking to Seven Sisters Post, varsity vice chancellor, OK Medhi stated that the new programme involves the use of living cells and cell materials to research and produce pharmaceutical and diagnostic products that help treat and prevent human diseases. The medical biotechnologists always get an opportunity to work in academic or industrial settings.

Stating about the eligibility criteria, Medhi informed a candidate must have10+2 (Science) with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology/Biotechnology having at least pass marks in each subject with minimum 60 % marks in 10+2 final exam.

“The power of biotech to transform medical diagnostics and therapy makes this a rewarding field if somebody is looking out for a wonderful career. Biotech always requires cross-disciplinary collaboration and involves biologists and physicists coming together to develop new discoveries for treating diseases,” said Medhi.

He stated that Gauhati University was the first in India to start the four-year BS programmes in physical science, chemical science, and mathematical science in 2009, run by the Institute of Science and Technology under the University.
:banana::banana::banana:
The first batch of students will be eligible to appear in CSIR NET examination in June, 2012. The new and revised criteria will create opportunities for the BS students for availing the JRF and research career just after their four-year BS programme.

The university’s B S programme has been designed in consonance with the four-year B Tech programmes and the BS and B Tech programme curriculums have been developed with a holistic approach for integrating science, technology, humanities and management courses together to create human resources compatible with contemporary society.

http://sevensisterspost.com/gauhati-university-introduces-bs-in-biotechnology/

more such courses should be introduced both in public and private sectors with special emphasis on quality.

Post Bureau, Guwahati (Nov 4): Asian Institute of Nursing Education (AINE) is planning to start new courses in Master of Hospital Administration and Diploma in hospital marketing with an objective to develop a cadre of professional managers in the hospital sector.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 46 students, AINE principal, Dr Unmona Borgohain Saikia said that there is a proposal for starting several courses such as another branch of specialty in MSc nursing programme including child health nursing and diploma in critical care nursing.

The institute is affiliated to two most renowned universities namely SNDT Women’s university, Mumbai for its graduate programme and post graduate courses under Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences, Assam.

The total student strength at AINE is 236 and the institute has managed to maintain a 100 % placement record for its students since its inception.

In each year a student who is adjudged as the best in the institute and scores more than 75 % is awarded with 25000 and a certificate.

http://sevensisterspost.com/40350/

Nov. 6: IAS aspirants in the city will no longer need to travel to Delhi or elsewhere to prepare for the civil service examinations.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated the first institute at Hatigaon, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Coaching Centre (FACC), which will offer special classes to the IAS aspirants, particularly from the minority communities.

Appreciating the Education Research and Development Foundation for setting up the coaching centre, Gogoi said the state had enough talents to crack the tough civil service examinations.

The chairperson of the foundation, Mohbubul Hoque, told The Telegraph that though the coaching centre would admit all students irrespective of caste, community and religion who aspire to become civil servants, the institute would give priority to talented students from the minority communities who cannot even think of appearing in the civil service examinations as they are economically underprivileged.

“The foundation will select about 20 meritorious students, mainly from the minority communities, every year and impart special coaching free of cost to help them clear the civil service examinations,” Hoque said.

He said Shah Faisal, who topped the UPSC examination in 2009, would be associated with the coaching centre to provide guidance and impart training.

Faisal, who comes from a village in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir and whose father was killed by militants, cleared the civil services examination in his first attempt.

“Faisal’s story will be an inspiration for the youths of the state. We hope that the centre, headed by former chief secretary H.N. Das, would be able to produce many civil servants in the days to come,” Hoque said.

Besides trainings for union civil service examinations, the coaching centre will also focus on the Assam civil service examinations.

Hailing Hoque as a visionary educational entrepreneur, Gogoi, however, said civil service officials alone could not take the entire load of developing the state.

“Every other citizen of the state must also be educated well and besides education, they should be concerned about the environment and possess human values. The ERD Foundation will be a shot in the arm for the state which is exploring all avenues for skill development of its youth,” the chief minister said.

Prem Saran, retired IAS officer and now vice-chancellor, University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya,under ERD Foundation, said, “Very few candidates from Assam sit for the IAS examination and therefore very few qualify.”

Saran hoped that the number would go up substantially in the coming years.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121107/jsp/northeast/story_16167785.jsp#.UJnl55IbaSo

Nov. 8: The state government has appealed to the National Council of Science Museums to send a written clarification regarding its transaction procedure in a bid to remove the deadlock in getting an astronomy gallery for Guwahati Planetarium.

Sky-gazers have been deprived of an astronomy gallery because of an impasse between the Assam government and the council over the protocol of purchasing objects. While the government prefers open bidding, the council does not.

The state government had sanctioned Rs 38 lakh around a year ago to set up the gallery, which would have been the second in the country after Kerala.

The council, which is the world’s largest network of science centres/museums under a single umbrella, wanted the entire project amount in advance, which goes against Dispur’s protocol.

The council is the only agency in the country, which can set up the astronomy gallery.

The state government is hopeful of receiving a reply from the council this month. “We are hopeful of receiving the clarification within this month. Once we get the clarification, the government will release the amount,” said an official of the planetarium. The official added that once the amount is released, it would take at least four months to set up the machinery.

The gallery will have various models and displays that shed light on astronomy, evolution of the subject, its different phases and other aspects.

The government also has plans to set up a mobile planetarium costing Rs 5.5 lakh and buy an astro-van costing Rs 21.9 lakh.

The mobile planetarium will be in the form of an inflatable, portable dome, while the van will have a telescope fitted to it. Both are part of an outreach programme of the government to show special celestial events in schools or in remote areas. Guwahati Planetarium, the largest planetarium in the Northeast, uses instrument from technology developers like the Goto GX, GX star-field projector, 60 special-effects projectors and the sky theatre’s sound system to create the sky-watching shows. The Japanese technology developers, Goto Inc. supplies the software.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121109/jsp/northeast/story_16175424.jsp#.UJyE4pIbaSo

Abhijit Deb, Guwahati (Nov 10): In order to meet the shortfall of officers in the north eastern region, leading public sector bank Central Bank of India will carry out campus recruitment in all the leading Central universities of the region.

The decision was taken by the management due to the dearth of senior-level officers of the bank in the seven states of the region. The bank will recruit 50 probationary officers from the region. The recruitment process, which will commence from the end of this month, will be completed by March 2013.

“In line with the expansion plan of the branch in the region, we are carrying out this special recruitment drive,” Central Bank of India’s zonal manager P K Mohanty told Seven Sisters Post.

The region’s fourth largest bank with 66 rural, 37 semiurban and 39 urban branches, had opened six new branches recently and plans to add 20 new branches in the financial year 2012-13 spread across the seven states of the region. Assam will have the major share of the new branches, followed by Arunachal Pradesh.

Under financial inclusion plan, the bank opened 103 ultra-small branches in many unbanked areas of Assam. And majority branches are located in rural areas. The bank is also planning to add 120 more ATM kiosks in the region, adding to its existing network of 21 onsite and 5 off-site ATMs.

“We are going to expand in a big way in the region in coming days. There are many places in the region which are unbanked and it offers a great opportunity to the bank,” Mohanty added.

Meanwhile, till September this year, the bank made a net profit of Rs54.72 crore from its operations in the region. The total advances were made to the tune of Rs5,672 crore against total deposit of Rs4,569 crore.

The aggregate deposits registered a year-on-year growth of 11.50 %, whereas total advances posted a growth of 28.30 %. The current account and saving account percentage is around 41 %.

On the priority sector lending in the region, the bank has disbursed 30 % of its total loan in the small and medium sector, while the share of agriculture sector stands around 25 %. On the home loan portfolio, the Central Bank of India has an exposure of Rs90 crore in the region.

However, the bank is saddled with problems of rising nonperforming assets (NPAs) in the region, which is around 10 per cent – more than double the national average. Maximum defaulters of loans are from Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. More than 70 per cent of its loans, which includes priority sector loans, have turned into NPAs in Arunachal Pradesh.

http://sevensisterspost.com/central-bank-to-go-for-major-recruitment-drive-in-varsities/

Post Bureau, Guwahati (Nov 8): After Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, Assam may be the third state to have a sports university. This was disclosed by the chief minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi while attending the closing funct ion of sports awards distribution a nd closing ceremony of State-level Women Sports Competition at Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium at Sarusajai sports complex in Guwahati on Thursday evening.:banana::banana:

“A sports university and an ambitious scheme will be taken up by the government to unearth latent talents in the rural areas in a big way,” Gogoi said.

Gogoi also said that the government would take up an ambitious s cheme by forming a high-level sports committee to bring to the fore the abundant talents available in the rural areas of the State.

“The rural areas of the state are a storehouse of talents. Our government, which has laid emphasis on sports, would focus on unearthing the latent talents by nurturing them through proper training so that they can compete in national and international events and bring laurels to the state and the country,” Gogoi added.

The chief minister further said that under the new scheme, sports tournaments would be held in an organised manner in the rural areas to bring to the fore the hidden talents. He further added that sports facilities in the rural areas would be further spruced up to create a congenial atmosphere for overall development of games and sports in the state.

Gogoi gave away one-time ex-gratia grant for 2011-12 to 20 sports personalities, the Chairman’s Award of NEC to the London Olympians Shiva Thapa and Jayanta Talukdar and trophies to the champions and runners-up of the state-level women sports competition.

Ministers Rakibul Hussain and Ajit Singh and director, sports and youth welfare, Gaurav Bothra gave away the cheques for Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively to the gold, silver and bronze medal winners of the 34th National Games held in Jharkhand in 2011.

Sports and youth welfare minister, Ajit Singh said that under the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) the rural boys and girls have been getting the much needed exposure. He said that the government has provided 500 table tennis boards to high and higher secondary schools and sports items to 15,000 clubs.

“The initiatives taken by the government will bear fruit in the long run,” he said.

Panchayat and rural development minister, Rakibul Hussain in his address, said the participation of 1,200 girls from rural areas of 24 districts in the state-level women sports competition under PYKKA has provided the much-needed fillip to the sports scenario in the State. Hussain said the objective behind bringing the rural youth to Guwahati was to expose them to the modern infrastructure.

“The use of the modern infrastructure by the rural youth in the sports meet during the past few days have given them much confidence and helped to bring their sporting prowess to the fore,” Hussain said.

http://sevensisterspost.com/sports-university-on-the-cards/

GUWAHATI: The Regional Diagnostic Centre situated within the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital on Saturday became the first hospital in the entire northeast to start tele-ECG service. This facility was provided after the state government signed an agreement with the Apollo group of hospitals.

In this service, the ECG of patients will be uploaded through the internet to the respective Apollo hospitals from where senior cardiologists will monitor the EGC and prepare a report after proper interpretation. The reports will be given to patients within half an hour.

While launching the project, director of health services Dhrubjyoti Hojai said, "This project was undertaken as there was a lack of specialized cardiologists in the city. Patients are referred to other parts of the country due to dearth of cardiologists. So, the Assam government has decided to sign an agreement with the private hospital through public-private-partnership mode."

"At MMC, there is no specialized cardiologist. So, we have decided to start this project with the Regional Diagnostic Centre," he added. He said, "People can now avail this facility without going to other parts of the country. Moreover, the rate of tele-EGC is fixed as per government approved rate so that the poor can also avail this service. It will cost only Rs 150. At times, patients become serious and can't be taken to other specialized hospitals. So, tele-EGC will come handy at that time."

This tele-ECG network will also be started in Regional Diagnostic Centre situated within the Civil Hospital, North-Lakhimpur, Haflong, Barpeta and Kokrajhar.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Tele-ECG-service-launched-in-Guwahati/articleshow/17261875.cms

PHNOM PENH, Nov 20 – In an encouraging development having far reaching impact for human resources development, an ASEAN-India Centre for Skill Development and Vocational Education is likely to be set up in Guwahati.

The project proposal has been recommended by the high-powered Eminent Persons’ Report to the ASEAN Leaders submit here on Monday.

The recommendation suggests launching of an ASEAN-India skill initiative and establishment of a virtual network of existing, upgraded and new human resource and training institutions in identified strategic sectors.

The report, authored by experts drawn from various fields belonging to the ASEAN, identified Guwahati for setting up of the skill development centre because IIT Guwahati already exists there.

The ASEAN-member States and India have a rich reservoir of time-tested traditional skills such as in textiles, metallurgy, building architecture and medical herbs and holistic healing practices, the report said.

Guwahati incidentally has slowly started becoming hub of ASEAN activities. The ASEAN Car Rally is being flagged down in the city, which would play host to the Commerce and Economic Ministers of ASEAN for the India ASEAN Economic Ministers’ meet.:cheers::cheers:

Meanwhile, in another piece of good news for the region, the northeastern region is set to become the gateway to the bustling markets of the South East Asia, with an ambitious project envisaging road connectivity to Vietnam and Cambodia getting a fresh boost at the ongoing ASEAN and East Asia Summit.:banana::banana:

Confined only to drawing board stage so far, the new proposal got a fresh boost with the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons’ Report to the ASEAN Leaders strongly backing the project.

With the targeted date for completion of the Trilateral Highway Project having been firmed up, the deck is being cleared for extending the road links up to Cambodia. The project is now being fast tracked.

The proposed new highway project, connecting India, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR-Vietnam and Cambodia and:banana::banana:

extension of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway to Lao PDR and Cambodia, as well as development of Mekong-India Economic Corridor connecting Southeast Asia to South Asia on the eastern part of India should receive high priority in order to add greater momentum to the growing trade and investment linkages between ASEAN and India, the report recommended.


http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=nov2112/at08

STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI, Dec 1 – An emphasis on holistic education is the guiding force of the Assam Don Bosco University, which will cater to a cross section of youths offering a wide range of innovative programmes.

The university, the first in the private sector in Assam, “aims to be a hub for culture, knowledge, research and intellectual ferment … for critical thinking and analysis of whatever shapes and impacts human life…”

It was on March 29, 2008 the State Government gave a Letter of Intent to establish the university, and the Government passed the Assam Don Bosco University Ordinance, 2008 on December 3. The first graduate courses in Technology and Engineering (B Tech) started on August 11 that year.

Speaking exclusively to The Assam Tribune, VM Thomas, the Chancellor of Assam Don Bosco University, revealed the salient features of the institution. “The stress is on all professional education with focus on inclusive higher education with collaborating partners in India and abroad,” he noted.

Among other innovative courses, a number of online courses are on offer with ample opportunities for thorough assessments. Around 20,000 students will benefit from the various courses on offer. When in full steam, 30,000 to 40,000 youths may be trained as technicians in tune with the ambitious ‘Skilling India’ programme.

According to Vice Chancellor and the chief architect of the university project, Dr Stephen Mavely, “Piloting this project has been like chasing a dream. But its success lies in the fact that Don Bosco University Project has been and continues to be the shared dream of a cross section of individuals, organisations and agencies.”

“During these last four years, much has been achieved. However, as the Assam Don Bosco University develops and spreads its wings, the core values will remain intact. It will continue to strive to make professional and higher education accessible to the weaker sections of society. It will spare no effort to ensure that the graduates become dependable and truly human leaders with a strong sense of commitment to the poor, the disadvantaged and the needy,” Dr Mavely added.

Research will be a key area for the new institution, according to its founding members. Tea, conflict resolution, and environment have been identified as major subjects which students will be able to study.

Inauguration of Doctoral Programmes (Ph D) on August 23, 2011 was a step in promoting research in various disciplines. A total of 22 scholars began their studies within the ambit of eight disciplines – Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Physics, Chemical Sciences, Social Work, Forensic Science, and Northeast India Studies.

The temporary headquarters of Don Bosco University is at Azara, but the permanent main campus will be at Tapesia nestled amid tea gardens off National Highway 37. In a pioneering move, a master plan has been prepared for the University that will have academic and administrative blocks, staff and student residences, recreational and sports facilities, jogging tracks and cycle paths along with a school, a healthcare centre and an amphitheatre.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=dec0212/city07

Calcutta, Dec. 6: Assam health and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today stressed the importance of government expenditure on infrastructure to facilitate business in rural areas and tap the potential at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

He was speaking here at Infocom 2012-Conference and Exhibition, a Businessworld initiative on rural empowerment.

Sarma started with a reality check. “It is true that a lot of money is earmarked for the poor in every budget but it is not to change their fortune but to pacify vote banks and win the next elections,” Sarma added.

To truly change the fate of the people at the bottom of the social pyramid, there must be a partnership between the government and the private enterprises, he added.

“In this partnership, the government only acts as a facilitator to provide good infrastructure, ensure safety and a conducive environment for business,” he said.

When a government gets too involved in a business, it inevitably ends up as a loss-making unit, the minister pointed out.

The education minister also offered an innovative idea of a rural call centre. “Cities like Bangalore are getting too expensive to open new offices for BPOs. But to run a call centre one does need proximity to a city if the resources can be provided in a village. All that is needed is connectivity and human resource of English speaking individuals,” he said.

He added that the government must also facilitate the growth of local skills giving it a larger platform using technology. He also asserted on the importance of vocational education.

The other speakers at the session were Amit Mukherjee, chief operating officer of Sahaj e-Village Ltd, Pradip Bhowmick, executive director/partner PricewaterhouseCoopers and Venugopal Ramanathan, head of sales, Trimax IT. B. Hari, founder and managing director of Ontrack Systems, chaired the session.

Later, talking to The Telegraph, the minister discussed his plan to modernise recruitment of teachers in the state. On being pointed out that every year several students leave for elite educational institutions across the country, he said he does not consider it a brain drain but an intellectual investment.

“I do not see this as a loss. The students inevitably come back and contribute to the state at some point in their life,” Sarma said.

He added that if a student has to go out as the state lacks good colleges, it is a matter of concern. But if someone moves out to get an admission to a medical or engineering college paying capitation fees, “it is their problem”.

He said to woo students studying outside to return and contribute to education in the state he has done away with the interview system. There was apprehension that the interview system is not objective, he explained.

Sarma is also introducing a new method in the recruitment of college teachers.“The marks of three shortlisted candidates will be put up on the Internet. These candidates would be asked to teach for a day and the students would select the teacher,” he said.

He added that to prevent the opinion of students from getting influenced, the process would be executed as fast as possible.

Sarma, who was touring Gujarat campaigning for his party ahead of the Assembly polls there, said he is confident of a thumping victory for the Congress in the coming Assam panchayat polls.


http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121207/jsp/frontpage/story_16283916.jsp#.UMF1xK9YWSo

In the education sector, it is setting up a university in Kamrup district for which it has already got the letter of intent. “Land acquisition has been completed and the 30-acre campus is scheduled to be completed by 2015,” Jain said.

The university will focus on those areas where skills are most required in the Northeast.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121217/jsp/northeast/story_16321773.jsp#.UM6gMK9YWSo


private universities in guwahati :

1. Donbosco University

2. Assam down town university

3. Royal university ( soon)

4. S M group's private university

Post Bureau, Guwahati (Dec 21): Eastern India is all set to have Rs 400 crore as investment in school education sector in next 4 years. And if everything goes well, Guwahati too could well be having another set of multi facility school hubs. The Mumbai based Taurian Group is the initiator in this project.

The Group has already set up a 1500 student capacity boarding School in Ranchi Said Amith Bajla, Director of Taurian Group and Chairman of Taurian World School Ranchi, “We have decided to build 10 similar kind of ultra modern schools in next 4 year in the Eastern India with a corpus of Rs 400 crores out of which Rs 100 crores would be invested by our group. We are in talk with various interested parties like banks and other investors in this regard and keeping our record in Ranchi School in mind, lots of them are showing keen interest.

“Detailing the plan Bajla conveyed that the group had decided to set up Ranchi type schools in Kolkata, Asansol, Durgapur, Guwahati, Patna, Mujaffarpur, Benaras and Allahabad in next 4 years. For the Guwahati project the group has already done preliminary survey.

According to plan, a 5 acre multi facility campus would be therin Guwahati with nearly Rs 30 crore investments. All proposed schools in Kolkata, Asansol, Durgapur & Guwahati would not be having hostel facility.

Bajla said, “The eastern region of the nation lags behind other parts in terms of investment despite having some of country’s most precious natural wealth. At there lies a huge virgin market waiting to be tapped, our group has chalked this investment plan. Based on our Ranchi project we are confident that multi facility modern schooling system could be made available to eastern India.”

http://sevensisterspost.com/mumbai-firm-to-open-multi-facility-schools-in-region/

Jan. 29: The geology department of Cotton College today started a six-month certificate course on geoinformatics.

A student-teacher meeting was organised at the department on the launching of the course. Ten students, including professionals, from different parts of the state have enrolled for the course.

The department has been conducting a month-long course on geoinformatics since 2004.

Geoinformatics is the science and technology that develops and uses information science infrastructure to address the problems of geography, geosciences and related branches of engineering. Information science is concerned with the analysis, collection, storage and dissemination of information.

The head of geology department, H.D. Sarma, said the department has already conducted 37 courses on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) and two other courses on principles of remote sensing and satellite image processing. Altogether 384 students, teachers and professionals from various institutions and organisations of the Northeast have successfully completed the courses.

“Three special training programmes on GIS and GPS have also been conducted for the district officers of the disaster management cell and officers of the revenue department of the state government and for the officers of SSB frontier headquarters in Guwahati,” he added.

The new course is aimed at meeting the long-standing need of professionals and students of the region for a comprehensive course on remote sensing, GIS and GPS technologies.

The Cotton College geology department is the only centre in the Northeast where regular courses on geoinformatics are being imparted since 2004. The course is co-ordinated by Santanu Sarma of the department, with support from a few experts in the fields of geoinformatics as guest resource persons.

It was established as an undergraduate department under Gauhati University in 1959. In 1963, it started BSc (honours) course and attained post-graduate status in 1986 under Gauhati University.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130130/jsp/northeast/story_16498587.jsp#.UQj9OttYWSo

TISS guwahati too get Rs 100 cr grant...just announced by the FM!

TISS guwahati too get Rs 100 cr grant...just announced by the FM!


wonderful news :). any more updates

:banana::banana:

GUWAHATI, March 20 – The Union Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has approved the participation of Gauhati University in ‘A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE): Operation and Utilization’ project under the leadership of Dr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, a professor in the Department of Physics of the University.

ALICE is one of the four major experiments being performed at Large Hodron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization of Nuclear Research, commonly known as CERN, Geneva.

Along with GU, two other institutes that have newly joined ALICE are IIT Indore and Bose Institute Kolkata. Other collaborating institutes of India that are participating in ALICE experiment include Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, IIT Mumbai, Variable Energy Clyclotron Centre, Kolkata, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, IoP, Bhubaneswar, Rajasthan University, Jaipur, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh etc. More than 1000 physicists from 105 physics institutes of 30 countries are participating in ALICE collaboration.

In the ALICE experiment, two beams of lead (Pb) nuclei, accelerated with LHC machine almost to the speed of light, are allowed to collide with each other to recreate the condition that possibly existed just after the Big Bang, the starting point of the universe. The major objective of ALICE experiment is to recreate the condition of the nascent universe in the laboratory and allow the scientists to study a new state of matter known as Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP). The QGP is believed to have existed soon after the big bang. Collisions in the LHC will generate temperatures more than 100,000 times hotter than the heart of the Sun.

It may be noted here that under the leadership of Prof. Bhattacharjee, Gauhati University is also participating in another international collaborative research work known as Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment of Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) of GSI, Darmstadt, Germany. This experiment is expected to collect its first set of data during 2018.

The participation of GU physicists in such cutting edge experiments would definitely raise interest among the young researchers of this region.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=mar2113/city05

Pranjal Bhuyan
GUWAHATI, May 6 – The Regional Science Centre (RSC), Guwahati, will be the site for one of the five Innovation Centres planned across India by the Union government. The Rs 1.2-crore Innovation Centre here is expected to be operational by early 2014.

RSC Guwahati Project Coordinator V S Sharma told The Assam Tribune that the Innovation Centre in Guwahati is part of the ambitious plan of National Council of Science Museums, Kolkota, and the Central government's National Innovation Council (NIC) to have one innovation centre in each district with the target group being schools, colleges and engineering students.

“RSC, Guwahati, has been selected as one of the five science centres in India to house an Innovation Centre which will be a facility to promote creativity and new ideas. The other RSCs where such centres are coming up are New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore,” he said.

He said the concept of Innovation Centre, also termed as Innovation Space or Khoj Kendra, is to provide a platform for students to convert their ideas into tangible form for application in daily life.

“The five centres are being set up as prototypes which will draw up a standard list of activities. With passage of time, they will act as coordination centres in each zone with the Guwahati centre being the coordinating centre for the northeastern region,” he added.

RSC, Guwahati, is working to form a panel of experts from institutions like IIT-Guwahati that will act as ‘mentors’ and guide the students. Sharma said NIC Chairman Sam Pitroda is monitoring the progress of work in setting up the five centres across India.

A 2,000-square feet building will come up at the RSC campus here for housing the Innovation Centre. The centre will have an Innovation Resource Centre, an Idea Laboratory and ‘innovation kiosks’.

The resource centre will include a library for referencing textbooks related to science and technology, facility for audio-visual presentations, film shows, computers and internet facilities for sourcing and sharing information related to science and technology innovation.

The Idea Laboratory will provide basic facilities to pursue activities in designing and prototyping of technology, besides a workshop with tools to make prototypes. Robotics, biotechnology, electronics and artificial intelligence-based activities are to be the thrust areas.

The innovation kiosks will showcase ideas and products that ‘transformed the world’ or made significant impact on human life.

“This year we will spend Rs 1.2 crore for creation of the building housing the Innovation Centre and for equipments. We have earmarked an area of 2,000 square feet and by September-October we will have the infrastructure in place and early next year we will officially launch it,” Sharma said.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may0713/city07