Napaam (Tezpur), Nov. 1: DoNER minister Paban Singh Ghatowar today said science and technology play a critical role in the process of development and its application can help in transformation of the natural resources of a region into a real economic resource.
Speaking at the inaugural function of TechXetra, the annual technical-cum-cultural festival of Tezpur University at Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha auditorium here, the minister urged the students to work for society.
Ghatowar also said the students should come forward to deal with problems and facilitate all-round development of the Northeast.
"Universities and institutions of higher learning have a great responsibility to develop science and technology tools and strategies. They should also create the much-needed human resource as well. This university has a well-developed school of science, which focuses on both fundamental and applied aspects of the subject," the minister said.
He added that the varsity was doing its part in effective usage of the abundant natural resources of the region.
Ghatowar said only about 25 per cent of the graduates in India are employed. "There are plenty of employers but owing to the lack of eligible candidates, about 75 per cent of the young graduates do not find jobs. This means that a majority of our youngsters are still to acquire the necessary skills to fulfil the requirement of employers," the minister said.
The minister also said that construction of the road from India to China via Myanmar would begin very soon. The road is expected to improve connectivity between Balipara and Tawang near Bumla in Arunachal Pradesh.
Newly appointed cabinet minister from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering, was felicitated during the programme.
Vice-chancellor of the university, professor Mihir Kanti Choudhuri, over 500 students from various colleges under Tezpur University and other institutions attended the programme.
