Guwahati: Gauhati University and the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan (CMAAA) Society on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen entrepreneurship, innovation and skill development in Assam through a work-linked academic programme and collaborative research.
The MoU was signed by Gauhati University Registrar Utpal Sarma on behalf of the Department of Business Administration and Joint Director (TS), Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Department, Santanu Deuri, on behalf of the CMAAA Society at the office of the Vice-Chancellor.
Under the agreement, the Department of Business Administration will continue to implement the two-year work-linked Post Graduate Diploma in New Venture Development and Management for 130 Chief Minister’s Fellows sponsored by the Assam government. The programme combines classroom teaching, case-based learning, mentoring and field engagement with entrepreneurs across the state.
Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta said the collaboration would help bridge academic learning with practical enterprise development by equipping Chief Minister’s Fellows with professional skills in mentoring, business development and enterprise management.
The partnership also provides for the preparation of real-life case studies, curriculum development and the establishment of a Research and Development Centre on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Department of Business Administration. The University said the initiative is expected to strengthen research, policy support and capacity building in entrepreneurship and small business development.
Samir Sarkar, Associate Professor in the Department of Business Administration and academic coordinator of the CMAAA programme, said the initiative would contribute to employment generation, strengthen the MSME sector and promote innovation in the state.
The MoU also lays down a framework for academic delivery, mentoring, periodic review, evaluation, knowledge creation, intellectual property management and institutional cooperation to ensure the long-term implementation of the programme.
Among those present at the signing ceremony were Monoshree Mahanta, Head of the Department of Business Administration, Chandan Talukdar, Treasurer of Gauhati University, Mrinal Jyoti Deka, Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor and Public Relations Officer, and officials of the University and the CMAAA Society.