Patna: In a significant step to enhance technical education and employment opportunities, the Science, Technology, and Technical Education Department of Bihar has reviewed the functioning of Centre of Excellence (CoE) hubs established in state polytechnic institutes in collaboration with IIT Patna. The review meeting was chaired by Dr. Pratima, Secretary of the department, and attended by senior officials, including Director Ahmed Mahmood, along with representatives from IIT Patna.
Focus on Faculty Training and Skill Development
The meeting first reviewed the training programs conducted for instructors under the CoE initiative. It was emphasized that the effective use of hardware and software facilities in the CoE hubs is critical to delivering high-quality practical training. To ensure optimal utilization, a strategy was approved to conduct zonal-level practical training for instructors of affiliated polytechnic institutions. These sessions will integrate software and hardware applications, making training more hands-on and impactful.
Enhanced Academic Classes and Scheduling
Dr. Pratima directed that IIT Patna will conduct physical classes for students at the CoE hubs. She instructed the State Polytechnic Education Board to coordinate with IIT Patna to prepare detailed schedules promptly, ensuring smooth and organized delivery of academic sessions. The review also highlighted the need for structured monitoring of classroom activities to maximize learning outcomes.
Regular Placement Drives for Students
The meeting also focused on improving employment opportunities for polytechnic students. The Secretary instructed officials to regularly organize placement drives at prestigious institutions under the CoE program. IIT Patna has been tasked with preparing a detailed placement drive plan for the next three months and submitting it to the department. This step is expected to strengthen the employability of students and bridge the gap between training and job opportunities.
Monitoring and Evaluation of CoE Performance
To ensure consistent quality and effectiveness, the functioning of CoE hubs will be periodically evaluated by IIT Patna. Joint director-level weekly meetings, director-level biweekly reviews, and monthly secretary-level meetings will be conducted to monitor progress. These meetings will involve IIT Patna representatives and principals of all state polytechnic institutes to track outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
About Bihar Polytechnic Excellence Initiative
The collaboration between Bihar Polytechnic Institutes and IIT Patna aims to modernize technical education in the state. By providing advanced training, monitoring mechanisms, and structured placement opportunities, the initiative seeks to enhance skill development, ensure high-quality education, and increase employability among students.
