JAMMU: Under the CSIR-Integrated Skill Initiative, a 11-weeks Skill Development and Capacity Building Programme on “Production Machine Operator (Non-Sterile Formulation) – Granulation, Packaging, Tablets and Capsules” sponsored by the National SC-ST Hub of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSME), GoI was launched at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, here today, which brought together more than 30 participants, including a significant number of women, from different parts of the country. The dignitaries present have also released the training manual covering the detail of lectures to be delivered and the hands-on-training sessions designed to be conducted during the course.
The inaugural programme was addressed by the Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu and CSIR- NBRI Lucknow, Dr Zabeer Ahmed who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of skill development, scientific training and exposure to modern pharmaceutical manufacturing practices.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Ahmed said CSIR-IIIM has developed strong linkages not only with scientists and research institutions but also with farmers, startups and communities across different regions. He said the diversity of participants reflected thenational character and outreach of the institute.
He said the next two-and-a-half months would provide the trainees with a valuable opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge, practical experience and exposure to industrial practices.
“After completing this training, the participants will be equipped with the skills and confidence required to work in industries associated with GMP-based manufacturing,” he said, adding that the programme had been carefully designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial requirements.
The Director also highlighted the wide-ranging research and development activities of CSIR-IIIM, including work in areas such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, natural products, drug discovery and the modernisation of traditional medicines.
He said the institute plays an important role in connecting India’s traditional knowledge systems with modern science and is also contributing to the development of phytopharmaceuticals and evidence-based herbal products.
The participants, he said, would not only receive training in manufacturing processes but would also get an opportunity to understand the advanced scientific facilities, technologies and research programmes being undertaken at CSIR-IIIM.
Giving a detailed brief about the programme, Er. Anil Kumar Katare, Scientist-F, Quality Management & Instrumentation Division, said the 11-week course has been designed to provide comprehensive theoretical as well as practical training in pharmaceutical and herbal formulation manufacturing.
He said the curriculum has been divided into classroom sessions and hands-on practical modules, covering various aspects of GMP and manufacturing operations.
The participants will receive training in extraction techniques, including hydro- distillation, steam distillation and solvent-based extraction, besides practical exposure to the manufacturing of tablets, capsules, syrups and churna formulations.
They will also receive hands-on experience in operating various equipment and machines used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, including tablet presses, capsule-filling machines, sifters, extractors, pulverisers and other processing equipment.
Katare said the programme would also familiarise participants with essential industrial utilities such as boilers, chillers and cooling systems, helping them understand their role in ensuring smooth and efficient manufacturing operations.
He assured the trainees that the faculty and organising team would remain available throughout the programme to guide and support them.
Earlier, Dr. Nasir ul Rasheed, Scientist-E, RMBD&IST Division and Nodal Officer, CSIR-Skill India Initiative, delivered the welcome address.
He said the programme has been organised as an intensive hands-on training initiative for the next two-and-a-half months and is sponsored by the National SC-ST Hub under the Ministry of MSME, with support from the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative.
Dr. Nasir said the programme curriculum has been developed with industry relevance in mind and the training is affiliated with the appropriate skill development framework, enabling participants to gain valuable practical knowledge and recognised certification.
Kaushal Kumar, Controller of Administration, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, proposed the vote of thanks and congratulated the selected participants, noting that they had earned the opportunity from among a large number of applicants.
Addressing the trainees, he emphasised that India’s large youth population represents a major demographic advantage and that skill development is crucial for converting this potential into meaningful employment, entrepreneurship and national development. He urged the participants to make the best use of the 11-week programme and focus on acquiring practical skills.
“Skill bridges the gap between education and employment. Such opportunities should not only be viewed as a means to secure a job but also as a platform to develop entrepreneurial capabilities and contribute to national growth,” he said.
He further encouraged the participants to utilise the expertise of scientists, technical personnel and advanced facilities available at CSIR-IIIM and focus on learning and professional growth during their stay at the institute.
Rajesh Gupta, Administrative Officer, Dr. A. P. Gupta along with other officials, scientists and members of the organising team, was also present on the occasion.
