Minister Sharma calls for integration of technology, industry

Srinagar, Aug 20: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Wednesday emphasised the need for greater synergy between the technology and industry to ensure that new technical innovations are designed to meet the real needs of the people.As per a statement issued here, the Minister was speaking at a review meeting of the Science and Technology Department. The meeting was attended by Additional Directors Dr Nasir Shah, Mushtaq Ahmad, Additional Secretary, Neelam Khajuria and other senior officers. Satish Sharma said that technological advancements must not remain confined to laboratories but should translate into practical, people-friendly solutions that directly benefit the society. He directed the department to encourage research collaborations, promote startups and develop incubation centres where innovative ideas can be nurtured into viable enterprises. He further underlined the importance of promoting local talent and ensuring that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir becomes a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. “Technology must not be innovation for the sake of innovation but innovation for the sake of the people,” the Minister remarked, stressing that industries and institutions must work hand-in-hand to achieve this vision. Senior officers of the department presented progress reports and ongoing initiatives during the meeting. The Minister assured full government support in further strengthening the infrastructure and policies to encourage science-driven growth in Jammu and Kashmir. Later, the Minister distributed appointment letters among the newly appointed Research Assistants of Science and Technology ( S&T) Department.