Union Minister JP Nadda Inaugurates New Facilities at CIPET to Bolster Innovation and Sustainability

Ahmedabad: The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Jagat Prakash Nadda, inaugurated several key facilities of the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) during a program held at its Ahmedabad campus today. The projects include the Calibration Laboratory at CIPET Ahmedabad, the Centre for Skilling and Technical Support and the Plastic Waste Management Centre at Bhagalpur, and a boys’ hostel at CIPET Madurai. The event was attended by the Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, senior officials, students, industry leaders, and faculty members. Participants from CIPET centers in Bhagalpur and Madurai joined online.

Speaking at the event, Nadda commended CIPET’s contributions to fostering technical innovation and skill development. He highlighted the institute’s pivotal role in advancing the government’s vision of initiatives like “Startup India” and “Standup India.” Emphasizing the importance of balancing skill, speed, and scale for industrial growth, Nadda noted that CIPET is instrumental in equipping the petrochemical sector with the technical expertise needed to support India’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy.

The minister urged CIPET to further strengthen its collaboration with industry leaders to address evolving skill requirements and enhance ties between academia and industry. He expressed satisfaction with CIPET’s self-reliance in resource generation and noted that the new projects inaugurated today would significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The Calibration Laboratory at CIPET Ahmedabad, established with a project cost of ₹1.43 crore, funded primarily by the Gujarat government, is designed to ensure precision and accuracy in industrial measurement. Equipped with advanced instruments and staffed by skilled professionals, the laboratory will enhance operational efficiency in various industries through accurate calibration of critical parameters.

The Centre for Skilling and Technical Support at Bhagalpur, set up at a cost of ₹40.10 crore, equally funded by the Central Government and the Government of Bihar, will offer diploma programs in Plastics Technology and Plastics Mould Technology. It will also provide specialized skill development courses in injection moulding and plastic processing, creating a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the plastics and petrochemical industries.

The Plastic Waste Management Centre at Bhagalpur aims to demonstrate innovative recycling techniques and effective waste management solutions while developing eco-friendly recyclates. The center will support startups and entrepreneurs in the field, promote awareness of sustainable recycling practices, and offer digital demonstration facilities for plastic waste management.

At CIPET Madurai, the boys’ hostel, constructed at a cost of ₹6.40 crore through a grant from the Government of India, has the capacity to house 120 students. The facility will expand the training capacity of the center, allowing more students to benefit from CIPET’s programs.

The Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals highlighted ongoing reforms at CIPET to improve the quality and quantity of its skilling initiatives, optimize fund utilization, address manpower challenges, and enhance monitoring of projects. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position CIPET as a leader in technical education and innovation.

Nadda praised the establishment of the Plastic Waste Management Centre as a crucial step towards sustainability, aligning with India’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting CIPET through policy measures and reforms that enhance its capacity to drive industrial and economic growth.