Jammu, August 24: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, on Monday commenced an 11-week National Skill Development and Capacity Building Programme on pharmaceutical manufacturing under the CSIR-Integrated Skill Initiative.
The programme, sponsored by the National SC-ST Hub under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, has brought together more than 30 participants, including a significant number of women, from different parts of the country.
The training programme focuses on Production Machine Operator (Non-Sterile Formulation), covering granulation, packaging, tablets and capsules. A souvenir commemorating the programme was also released during the inaugural event.
Addressing the participants, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu and CSIR-NBRI Lucknow, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, highlighted the importance of skill development and practical exposure to modern pharmaceutical manufacturing practices.
He said the programme would provide trainees with theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience and exposure to industrial practices, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
“After completing this training, the participants will be equipped with the skills and confidence required to work in industries associated with GMP-based manufacturing,” Dr Ahmed said.
He also highlighted CSIR-IIIM’s research activities in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, natural products, drug discovery, phytopharmaceuticals and the modernisation of traditional medicines.
Er. Anil Kumar Katare, Scientist-F, Quality Management & Instrumentation Division, said the course combines classroom instruction with practical training in pharmaceutical and herbal formulation manufacturing.
The curriculum includes extraction techniques such as hydro-distillation, steam distillation and solvent-based extraction, besides hands-on training in the manufacturing of tablets, capsules, syrups and churna formulations.
Participants will also receive practical exposure to tablet presses, capsule-filling machines, sifters, extractors, pulverisers and other pharmaceutical processing equipment, besides industrial utilities including boilers, chillers and cooling systems.
Earlier, Dr Nasir ul Rasheed, Scientist-E and Nodal Officer, CSIR-Skill India Initiative, said the programme had been designed as an intensive, industry-oriented training initiative and would provide participants with practical knowledge and recognised certification.
Kaushal Kumar, Controller of Administration, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, said skill development was essential to converting India’s demographic potential into employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
“Skill bridges the gap between education and employment,” he said, urging trainees to make full use of the institute’s scientists, technical personnel and advanced facilities.
Administrative Officer Rajesh Gupta, scientists, officials and members of the organising team were also present on the occasion.
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