TECHNICAL EDUCATION
 

Manpower Needs and Technical Education

7.1. In the area of technical education, an efficient national manpower information system is necessary, which should be developed within the next five years. In view of the changed priorities of socioeconomic development, a more balanced technical education system at all stages should be organised. The programme of technical education should be on a more efficient and meaningful basis.

Restructuring of Courses

7.2. Technical education institutions, especially polytechnics, will form the focal points where problems of rural areas will be studied and solutions found. Programmes will be designed to ensure meaningful interaction and collaboration with industry. Laboratories and workshops should be strengthened and the qualify of training should be improved. Technical education courses should be designed also to impart entrepreneurial skills. Courses in management education should be restructured to provide for managerial manpower for villages, small and medium sized industries and also for sectoral needs such as transport, power, health, agriculture, cooperation and rural development. Appropriate courses in humanities and social studies should be provided in technical education institutions to Promote a sound value system.

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7.3. In. view of the fact that the country has already achieved a highly diversified industrial structure, both in public and private sector, industries should play a larger role in maintaining a balance system of technical education and in the optimum utilization of technical manpower in the building up of a research and development base.

Research

7.4. Emphasis in research will be on industrial and rural development. Institutions will be expected to undertake advanced reasearch in areas of vital importance to the nation, such as energy resources and technology for rural development.