Question : CSIR-IMTECH

(a) whether the National Research Laboratory CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH) is considering to establish “High End Skill Development Centres” equipped with next generation technologies, like gene editing and single-molecule biomarker detection;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of High End Skill Development Centres proposed to be set up;
(d) whether the Government has identified the places where these centres are likely to be set up, if so, the details thereof and the progress made so far in this regard;
(e) the facilities proposed to be provided in these centres; and
(f) the extent to which it is likely to help in scaling employability skills for graduates and post graduates who are aspiring to make a career in the life science sector?

MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE; MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
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(a) Yes, Sir. The constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) namely CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH), Chandigarh is setting up a “High End Skill Development Centre” equipped with next generation technologies, like gene editing and single-molecule biomarker detection.

(b) The objective of the proposed centre is to facilitate development and imparting training to scientists, academicians, researchers, students, and others in the field of life sciences. The Centre intends to focus on research, development and training in the areas of New Drug Discovery; Affordable Healthcare; Diagnostics; and Agriculture Biotechnology.
(c)to(e) In addition to CSIR-IMTECH, the other constituent laboratories namely CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad would establish skill development centers in their respective campuses to provide training in the areas of life sciences. Currently, CSIR-IGIB is running Skill Development training programs in genomics and molecular technologies. The Laboratory is equipped with all essential equipments and instruments to carry out PCR based molecular technologies. Additional instruments used are available in Central facilities.
(e) High End Skill Development Centres shall enable to create a platform which shall help researchers and students to enhance their skill set and develop advanced competencies & analytical skills required for research in the area of life sciences. The centres shall help to create a unique talent pool of young researchers/students who will have hands on experience in operating high-end state-of-the-art equipment in real time environment and thereby increase their employability chances with reputed organizations working in the area of Life Sciences.
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