Lecture On"Technology A Key Factor In Rural Development Of J&K State".

Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) J&K Regional Branch today organized a lecture on “Technology a key factor in Rural Development of J&K” which was attended by officers of Rural Development, members of IIPA and civil society. Dr Sudershan Kumar, Former Director General DRDO, Ministry of Defence, GOI was the key resource person. Shri Ravinder Kumar Bhat, Director, Rural Development Dept., Jammu was the Guest of Honor. Dr. Ashok Bhan, Patron, IIPA presided over the function. Dr. Sudershan Kumar is his lecture highlighted the role of grassroot innovation which can transform rural societies and lead towards economic growth. While sharing his experience of DRDO, he said that the role of technology in the domains of education, healthcare and agriculture can bring in prosperity making our rural societies more competitive. He said that an integrated approach is required to ensure that local communities participate in the development process and reap the benefits. Shri Ravinder Kumar Bhat in his address highlighted the various initiatives taken by the department and emphasized that they have already taken a huge leap by bringing in technology interventions towards rural development. He said that present emphasis on digitalization has created empowerment among rural citizens and with capacity building initiatives can catalyze the development process. Dr. Ashok Bhan in his presidential remarks emphasized on equitable and all round development. He said that all the stakeholders will have to come together and work in mission mode to transform rural areas. He further said that our educational institutions should focus on applied research and the technology transfer process should be institutionalized. The lecture was organized under the guidance of Dr. C M Seth, Vice-Chairman, IIPA and Sh. J B S Johar, Honorary Secretary, IIPA Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary IIPA conducted the proceedings of the function. Sh. V N Sharma presented the formal vote of thanks.