Srinagar: A weeklong skill development training programme of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir on the ‘Total Quality Management Practices for SMEs’ commenced on Wednesday at Shri Pratap College, Srinagar.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the skill development training is organised by the School of Agricultural Economics & HBM in collaboration with SP College, under SKUAST-K’s Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship (SKIIE) Centre at SP College Auditorium, MA Road, Srinagar, in which more than 25, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs and students are participating.

Director, Planning & Monitoring, SKUAST-K, Prof Haroon Rashid Naik, in the inaugural event, highlighted the need for skilling the youth in contemporary times where students have access to a knowledge base and no longer depend on the teacher. He discussed the role of SKUAST-K as a major institute of excellence and pioneer in adopting NEP 2020. He welcomed innovative ideas from participants for handholding and incubation by SKUAST-K.

Principal, SP College Prof Khurshid Ahmad Khan talked about the work of SP College for incubation and startups. He stressed the need for creating more synergies in the educational ecosystem for the skilling of the youth. Dr Shabana provided a brief account of the work done by the SP College Incubation Centre.

Dr FA Shaheen, Programme Organizer, School of Agricultural Economics and Horti-Business Management, SKUAST-K talked about the change in the ecosystem of education systems towards creating a skill base for ushering in self-employment venues. Further, he deliberated about the relevance of the TQM in present times.

At the outset Dr Omar Fayaz Khan, Programme Coordinator, School of Agricultural Economics and Horti-Business Management, SKUAST-K gave a formal welcome address and provided an overawe of the training programme.

KR Desk