The second panel on “Make in Goa” was moderated by Dr. Manoj Kamat. The panel consisted of six Presentations by Mr. Manguirish Pai Raikar, Mr. Alexio da Costa, Mr. Nagaraj Honnekeri, Mr. Rajkumar Kamat, Mr. Hemant Arondekar and Mr. Pradeep Salgaoncar.
First panellist Mr. Manguirish Pai Raikar (Chairman of MSME Committee ASSOCHAM) while speaking on ‘Skill Development in Agricultural Sector asserted that Agricultural Sector is a basic sector which feeds food to the entire Nation but still it’s a least preferred career choice. He remarked that to develop skills, special emphasis should be given to practical learning by introducing 70:30 pattern of education incorporating 70% practical and 30% theory.
Mr. Alexio Da Costa, Member Secretary of Goa State Skill development Mission addressed the gathering on topic ‘Skill Development Initiatives of Govt. of Goa’. Highlighting the Statistics relating to Skill Development Initiatives in Goa, he estimated the requirement of around 20000 skilled labours by 2017-22. He outlined the Government Recruitment scenario wherein overqualified applicants apply exclusively for the Job Security reasons. He also pointed out that HRDF in spite of having training capacity of 9000, utilization is happening of only 6500. Outlining some of the industry practices, he said that to attract people for Apprenticeship and to equalize their pay with that of regular employees; high remuneration is being offered to Apprentices whereby 70% wage is given by Industry and 30% is contributed by Government. He ended hoping that one day Government will soon announce Skilling India Mission just like Make In India and Digital India.
Mr. Nagaraj Honnekeri, Director of SCERT spoke on ‘Skill Development: How does Academia look at it’. He highlighted that world is evolving and passing through varied phases like from joint family to nuclear family, and with these changes children have less opportunity to learn skills at home. He specified that Parents and Teachers are responsible for skill development; however teachers are not autonomous and have many bindings. It is the mindset of the people that needs to change and it will certainly change, he affirmed. He also mentioned the role of Rashtriya Madhyamika Shikha project in skill development. He confidently asserted that Goa will indeed become a Model State.
Mr. Rajkumar Kamat, Vice-President of Goa Small Industries Association & GEMS while speaking on ‘Expectations from SSI’s’, advised everyone to have a more holistic approach towards Skill Development. The Skill Development must make people job ready, he noted. He also emphasized the need to link investment with thrust areas and local skills. Even though Goans are good at work culture and flexibility, he opined that Business needs lot more than just Domain Knowledge.
‘Skill Development in Nautical Industry’ was the focal point of discussion in the address of Fifth Panellist, Arch. Hemanth Aroundekar. He addressed that Nautical Industry is a high end Tourist Industry which is likely to create numerous jobs in the near future. He highlighted the skills required for Nautical Industry some of which includes Civil Engineering Skills, Tourism and Hospitality Skills, Boat Operational, Repair and Maintenance Skills. However, support skills like Paramedical Skills, Fire Fighting Skills are also required in emergency situations. He suggested that to cater the requirements of Nautical Industry, ITI course needs to develop a Marine orientation.
The final Panellist of Session II, Mr. Pradeep Salagaoncar (Vice-President of Goa Management Association) outlined the role of Institutional Leadership in Skill Development. Speaking on Skill Development aspects of Education, he briefly pointed out the problems encountered by Educational Institutions in getting internship projects for their students. He firmly stated that there is an urgent need for alteration in Education Curriculum, wherein Industry people should be invited to assist in Curriculum Design Process. He also added that Open Book Exam is a good medium to help students to hone their skills. He concluded with a request to faculty members to take up research in order to educate students well.
Entire session was summed up by Mr. Pradeep Salagaoncar by appealing the Industry Professionals, Government Officers and Academicians to put in their joint efforts towards Skill Development.
Event came to an end with a fruitful discussion among participants over the lunch. Entire Program was well appreciated by all; ranging from Students, Academicians, Industry Professionals, and Speakers to participants. Everyone congratulated Goa Multi Faculty College & GCCI for the wonderful hosting.