IIT Kanpur launches online course to train the workforce for managing oxygen generation plants

In a move to augment the technically equipped workforce for operating oxygen production units, IIT Kanpur has developed a week-long program for training such individuals. Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the institute has developed an online coaching course. Through this initiative, the IIT-K aims to ready a group of trained professionals for operating and maintaining the oxygen plants.

Classes for the inaugural batch initiated on Wednesday

Abhay Karandikar, Director of IIT-K informed through his Twitter account that 500 PSA oxygen generation plants are being set up across the country. With this, there is an urgent need for trained manpower to make sure that the plants operate efficiently, which will be facilitated with the launch of the latest course.

On Wednesday, the training program started on the virtual platform for the first batch of trainees. This inaugural event was marked by the presence of Ms Neelam Shammi Rao, Director General, Directorate General of Training and Shri. Suresh Puri, DG & CEO, Central Medical Services Society. It has been stated that a total of 100 nominated individuals from MoSDE will be tutored through this scheme. Subsequently, they would aid in the training of operators and technicians, to be deployed at the new plants.

"The training is being coordinated by Dr Sameer Khandekar and Dr Malay K. Das, with active support from Mr Chandra Shekhar Goswami (Technical Superintendent), from the Department of Mechanical Engineering", stated the director through a tweet. He also informed that IIT's own online teaching-learning platform MOOKIIT is being used for this program.