Govt to more than quadruple number of plastic technology institutes to 100 in 5 years

The government proposes to increase the number of Central Institutes for Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET) from the current 23 to 100 over the next 5 years, union minister of chemicals and fertilizers Ananth Kumar has said.

Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of boys and girls hostels of CIPET in Murthal, Haryana today, the minister said it would help hone the skills of about 4 lakh students every year in the upcoming sector of plastics and polymers.

He said that the government is working to improve skill development and fulfill the PM's dream of `Make in India', which, he said, will be taken up throughout the country.

Ananth Kumar said CIPET, Murthal will be upgraded to a higher learning centre, which would be awarding B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD degrees, adding that Haryan would have more than one CIPET.

Stressing on ''Reduce, Reuse and Recycle'' mantra for plastic waste management, he said, specialised courses for such waste management will be started in the country.

The minister said the plastic industry is having a capacity of 12 million tonnes at present, which is likely to go up to 20 million tonnes by the end of this decade.

On the issue of fertilizer availability in the country, Ananth Kumar said there is no shortage of fertizers in the country, but there is the absence of a better distribution system. He said fertilizer security is the basis of food security, and the government would ensure timely and adequate availability of fertilizer.

CIPET, Murthal, spread over 10 acres of land. has about 1,000 students studying for various diploma and certificate courses.

CIPET is an accredited premier national institution devoted to academic, technology support and research (ATR) activities for the growth of polymer and allied industries in the country. CIPET operates on hub and spokes model with 23 locations spread across the length and breadth of the country.