In a collaboration, the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (Office of PSA) to the Government of India unveiled the Young Scientists Induction Training Programme on January 29, 2024, at the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIM-V). This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of young scientists and science administrators in effectively managing Science and Technology (S&T) programs, projects, products, and personnel.
Initiated under the guidance of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the program aims to institutionalize early career training opportunities for young scientists across diverse S&T sectors.
The hybrid training module, curated by IIM-V, combines online and on-campus activities, covering strategy and policy skills, system skills, soft skills, and societal relevance skills.
Professor M. Chandrasekhar, Director of IIM Vizag, extended a warm welcome to all participants, providing a concise overview of the program and its distinguished speakers.
Noteworthy experts from various corners of the country have been enlisted to deliver diverse training modules, all of which will be made available on the iGOT platform for wider accessibility within the government.
Mr. Shyama Prasad Roy, Secretary of the Capacity Building Commission, presented insights into the evolving role of the state, emphasizing the shift from being a service provider to a participatory government mechanism.
He underscored the significance of capacity building under Mission Karmayogi in achieving governance targets and bridging demand and supply gaps, highlighting the instrumental role of the iGOT platform in providing extensive access to diverse training modules.
Dr. Arabinda Mitra, Honorary Distinguished Fellow at the Office of PSA, stressed the importance of scientific departments and laboratories embracing new-age capacities and skills.
This, he said, is crucial for achieving contemporary national goals and meeting the aspirations of the people and polity through the effective use of science, technology, and innovation.
During her inaugural address, Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary at the Office of PSA, said the capacity building exercise for young scientists as a watershed moment.
She highlighted its transformative potential in enabling participants to reassess and realign their thought processes and work trajectories, aligning them with national priorities and missions.
With over 55 young scientists from prominent institutions like the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the first cohort of this groundbreaking program is undergoing training across four modules.
The comprehensive curriculum includes expert interactions, lab visits, collaborative exercises, and more. IIM-V is developing a year-round calendar to ensure coverage for the scientific workforce nationwide, emphasizing the continuous nature of training and learning to empower the future scientific workforce and drive socio-economic growth.