Monday, June 29, 2020

Chandigarh June 29: Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal today exhorted the students of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Rohtak to innovate in the face of uncertainty just as the Haryana Government has used the period of Corona crisis to introduce 42 new initiatives and thereby playing a vital role in building a strong society and nation while realizing Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmnirbhar Bharat’.

Mr Manohar Lal was interacting with the students of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Rohtak on the inaugural session of Post Graduate Programme 2020-22 through digital medium here today.

While describing the students as the future of India, Mr Manohar Lal said that Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi has emphasized the need of contribution by the youth of the country in building ‘Atmnirbhar Bharat’. Mr Modi has given five pillars namely Infrastructure, System driven by technology, Economy, vibrant Demography and Demand and sought people’s cooperation for achieving this vision. On this occasion, Mr Manohar Lal also urged the faculty of IIM to prepare an effective system to utilize the talent of youth to assist the government in taking the country to new heights of progress and prosperity.

Mr Manohar Lal said that it is a matter of pride that IIM, Rohtak is among the top institutes of the country for the last 10 years. In terms of research, it currently ranks 5th in the country. He said that today he is addressing 267 students who have got admission to this prestigious institution by competing with about 1.60 lakh students from different parts of the country. He also congratulated the institution on the percentage of girl students who have been enrolled during the current academic session. In the year 2010, the number of girl students in the institute was only 9 per cent whereas; in the present batch the number of girl’s students has increased to 69 per cent. This increase in the strength of girl students is also a testimony of the fact that the Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao programme has started yielding positive results.

He said that though IIM has a record of hundred per-cent placement of its students yet the approach of the students should not be just limited to get employment. Instead they should take welfare of society as their mission rather than focusing on individual accomplishments. He also appreciated the students of IIM, Rohtak for giving suggestions to prepare policies for the Haryana Government departments and said that it would certainly help in further improving their functioning. He also congratulated Director, IIM Mr Dheeraj Sharma for including Gita in the Curriculum of the Institute.

Mr Manohar Lal said that the State Government has taken the COVID-19 challenge as an opportunity and taken 42 new initiatives in the last three months through digital technology. He said that recognizing that mere 3R education is not enough; the present State Government has given emphasis on the skill development of students. A dedicated Shri Vishwakarma Skill University has been established. Apart from this, Skill Development Mission has been set up on the lines of National Skill Development Mission through which 80,000 people have been provided employment after providing skill training to them. He said that an apprentice programme has also been started in the State under which 68,000 youth have been provided on-job training in different departments and most of them have got employment at their place of training.

He said that the new scheme namely ‘Saksham Yuva’ has been implemented to provide work to educated unemployed youth. Under this scheme monthly financial assistance of Rs 9000 for Post Graduates and Rs 7500 for Graduates is being provided in lieu of 100 hours work. He said that more than one lakh students have so far got benefit to the tune of Rs 850 crore under the scheme. The aim of the State Government is to ensure that no youth in the State remains unemployed, he added.

While addressing the students on this occasion, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr Rajesh Khullar said that in this uncertain time of COVID-19, students would be happy to get admission in this prestigious institution. He said that notwithstanding the Corona crisis, the State Government under the able and dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal has taken various welfare measures through digital governance to cater to the needs of all sections of the society. Describing Mr Manohar Lal as a role model for the students, Mr Khullar said that they could not find such a better and dynamic person to motivate and guide them on this occasion.

Director, IIM, Rohtak, Mr Dheeraj Sharma said that among the 14 IIMs after 2009, IIM Rohtak is leading the way in the country. He said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Mr Manohar Lal, the institute has created an enabling environment for the students. He said that it is a matter of pride that at present students from 24 States of the country are getting education in this institute. He said that with a view to ensure more interaction with the students amid COVID-19, 25 per cent additional time has been provided exclusively for discussions.