Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
PAU hosts Special Advisory Committee meeting to review DBT-Supported M.S.C Biotechnology Program
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), January 28, 2025: A meeting of the Special Advisory Committee was held in a hybrid mode at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to review the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-supported M.Sc. Biotechnology program.
Chairing the meeting, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal provided an overview of the Biotechnology program, acknowledging DBT’s sustained support and highlighting its contributions to academic and research excellence.
Dr. Yogesh Vikal, Program Coordinator, presented the annual progress report, showcasing the program's achievements and milestones. Dr. Parveen Chhuneja, former Coordinator and Director of the G.S. Khush Institute, offered valuable suggestions to ensure the smooth functioning of the GAT-B teaching program.
The committee conducted a detailed review of the program’s progress, infrastructure, and student facilities.They praised the students for their exceptional efforts, reflected in high-quality thesis research, impactful publications, active conference participation, and database generation.
Dr. Ajit Dua, CEO of the Punjab Biotechnology Incubator, Mohali, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance skill development in biotechnology for Punjab’s youth.
Academic expert Dr. R.S. Sethi, Associate Director of Research at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, advocated for increasing student exposure to industrial linkages and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Industrial representative Dr. Malvinder Singh Malhi expressed readiness to support students by fostering industrial linkages for training and professional exposure.
Dr. Rishi Pal Singh (IAS), Registrar of PAU, underlined the need for industrial collaboration and suggested exploring the integration of artificial intelligence in biotechnology.
Dr. Vinita Choudhary, DBT nominee, applauded the achievements of PAU’s core faculty and students in the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, appreciating the quality of the DBT-supported program and outcomes.The committee recommended raising the student fellowship amount to ₹7,500 per month, aligning it with other universities offering M.Sc.
Agricultural Biotechnology through the DBT PG Teaching program.In his concluding remarks, Dr. S.S. Gosal emphasized the importance of continued DBT support for PAU’s teaching and research initiatives.
He commended the committee members for their constructive feedback and stressed the significance of strengthening collaborations with the agro-industry to amplify the program’s impact.