Bhubaneswar, Mar 27: “Historically technology has defined the pattern of living and occupation. The transition from nomads to agriculture and industrial revolution was accompanied by technological changes which moved people to seek work and evolve into efficient industrial workers” said Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO and Chairman, CII, Odisha State Council. He was addressing the student community in a seminar on “Emerging Technologies: The demand on talent and skills” organized by School of Management Studies, Ravenshaw University, on 25th March 2017 in Cuttack.
“Robotics is replacing repetitive tasks by around 30% but medium skills have seen an incremental growth of about 12% only. With a population of nearly 1.2 billion, of which 65% is productive workforce, and sluggish economic conditions he stressed that there is need to provide employment opportunities, engagement and growth in purchasing power so that the growth cycle can receive fresh momentum. Make in India initiative provides this opportunity for growth with focus on manufacturing and immediate focus on fundamental engineering.” said Dr Chand. This, he added, will be a spring board for preparing the transition to services and high-end technology.
He cited that the industry captains lament about the lack of employable skills from colleges and pointed to high competition in the industry for high value talent. He urged the academia to take notice of this need and address the gap by increasing industry interactions and designing syllabus that will ensure industry ready students. Citing the MoU NALCO has with Utkal University in areas of skill development and excellence Dr Chand offered to work on a similar arrangement with Ravenshaw University. He also spoke of NALCO’s new business model and invited the students to offer their ideas of the model. “Two students, with best business model, will be provided the opportunity to work with the consulting team so that they can gain deep insights into the process adopted by the industry,” said Dr Chand.
Prof Sujata Mangaraj, Dean, School of Management Studies delivered the welcome address and Prof. Prakash Chandra Sarangi, Vice-Chancellor, Ravenshaw University delivered the presidential address. Shri Vivek Pattanayak, IAS (retd) and former Director, International Civil Aviation Organization and Former Chairman, CESU, Brig L. C.Pattanaik, Hon’ble Member, Odisha Public Services Commission and Shri Bijay K sahoo, President-HR, Reliance Industries Ltd (Retails & Infotel) also spoke on the occasion.
