V-C: Optimum utilisation of natural resources can create enough jobs

The answer to the lack of employment opportunities in the State of Uttarakhand lies in proper utilisation of its natural resources, said the Vice-Chancellor(VC) of Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University, Dr US Rawat while addressing students on fourth and penultimate day of Topper’s conclave at Raj Bhawan on Thursday. He said that if the forest resources in the State are utilised in a planned manner, many employment opportunities can be created.

Dr Rawat said that cash crop, dairy farming, poultry farming, rearing sheep, fisheries and food processing have a lot of scope in Uttarakhand. He emphasised on the need of adoption of scientific techniques to increase productivity in the above mentioned fields and thus improve employment and creation of self employment opportunities.

Dr Rawat said that an action plan should be made which should be based on geographical and local aspects. He said that there are many opportunities for employment in the tourism sector in the state as Uttarakhand has good pilgrim, adventure and leisure tourism.

Former VC of HNB Garhwal central University, Dr AN Purohit spoke about the Herbal wealth of the state and said that medicinal and aromatic plants are  abundantly available in the state and if used properly they can give a fillip to the economy. He said that the entire world is now interested in natural medicines as well as cosmetics made from herbs and Uttarakhand should capitalize this great opportunity.

In the second session, lokesh Ohri, an academician, spoke on art and cultural heritage and creativity in Uttarakhand. He said that our cultural heritage is part of our identity and must be linked to museums and tourism, creating employment.

The secretary to the Governor, VK Dhaundiyal, VCs of various universities and Director General (DG) Uttarakhand State Council of Science and Technology (UCOST), Dr Rajendra Dobhal were present on the IV day of the conclave.  The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Harish Rawat would address the toppers of different universities on the last day of conclave on Friday.