SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

24-APRIL-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-------------------------With the objective of further strengthening innovation, skill development, and industrial progress in Bihar, Kundan Kumar—Secretary of the Department of Industries and concurrently the Managing Director of BIADA and IDA—visited IIT Patna, FDDI, and the Hero Cycles manufacturing unit. This visit offers a comprehensive glimpse into the rapidly evolving startup, skill development, and industrial ecosystem within the state.

At the IIT Patna Incubation Center, the Secretary conducted a detailed review of the burgeoning startup ecosystem taking shape there. He inspected state-of-the-art facilities—such as the PCB Development Lab, Testing and Calibration Lab, Mechanical Lab, Clean Room, and BioNEST Lab—which are instrumental in assisting startups to transform their ideas into tangible products. During this visit, he interacted with startup founders, listened to their experiences, and closely examined their innovative products. These interactions clearly demonstrated that startups in Bihar are performing exceptionally well across diverse sectors, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, electronics, and deep-tech.

On this occasion, significant discussions were also held with Prof. T.N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna. The primary focus of these discussions was to further bolster industry-academia collaboration, provide enhanced support for innovation, and create new opportunities for startups. This initiative reflects the State Government's vision, which places strong emphasis on advancing through the synergistic integration of research and entrepreneurship.

At the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) in Bihta, the Secretary lauded the ongoing efforts in the realms of skill development and manufacturing. He engaged in discussions with officials regarding product manufacturing and industry best practices, viewed presentations delivered by students, and commended their creativity. He emphasized that workshops and hands-on training are of paramount importance in preparing the youth for the demands of the industry. In this same direction, the Department of Industries is also advancing plans to establish a Leather Footwear Accessories Park, which will further strengthen the state's manufacturing sector.

During his visit to Hero Cycles Limited in Bihta, the Secretary conducted a detailed assessment of the unit's production capacity and operational mechanisms. Spanning approximately 7 acres, this facility currently employs around 500 people and makes a significant contribution to the state's industrial development. He engaged in discussions with the management to deliberate upon the challenges and opportunities at hand, offering key suggestions to facilitate the unit's further growth.

This visit clearly demonstrates that Bihar is now making rapid and balanced strides across three key domains: innovation, skill development, and industry. Through sustained efforts and steps taken in the right direction, the state is emerging as a robust hub for startups, manufacturing, and new industries.