KATRA: Commissioner Secretary, Science & Technology, Saurabh Bhagat, today visited Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Kakriyal, Katra, to explore possibilities of areas of mutual interest where Science and Technology Department & SMVDU can  take joint initiatives for augmenting the Science, Technology and Innovation eco-system in Jammu and Kashmir.

During a meeting held in this regard, Dr. R K Sinha, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, assured that the University would facilitate and cooperate in all the endeavours of the Department in order to make the UT robust in terms of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Later, Commissioner Secretary held detailed discussion with the Research Innovation Council members of the University headed by Dr. Vijay Bhat, Dean, Humanities and Professor of Mathematics. The discussion was held for development of Biotechnology with special focus on bio-fuels, aromatic and medicinal plants. The deliberation was held by Dr. Rakesh Kumar  and Dr. Sharada Potukuchi, who is a lead researcher in medicinal plants.

Bhagat discussed about the mission programmes  of the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council  and apprised of various schemes  of Government of India and PM’s initiatives regarding the upliftment of science through technology development.

Sanjay Kharoo, Joint Director,  discussed the potential collaboration  of University in the area of patents and start-ups  and reiterated that  very soon  both S&T Department and SMVDU, Katra,  will organise workshop  regarding the same where the experts would deliver about the intellectual property rights, procedure for patent filings its benefits to the researchers, innovators  and students.

Sunita Razdan, Joint Director, encouraged the faculty for applying in the Research and Development Project proposals sponsored by the J&K Science, Technology and Innovation Council.

Commissioner Secretary expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor Professor Sinha, Padma Shri, for sparing his time and wished the meeting will soon bear fruits.