FSSAI’s Engagement with Higher Education Institutes through the “Triple E” Strategy

New Delhi: In yet another important initiative to contextualize and update the food safety ecosystem in the country and build capacities of the food professionals of the future, FSSAI led a discussion with Vice Chancellors of various Universities, Academicians, Industry and Industry Associations on a comprehensive framework for Engagement with Higher Education Institutes on Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Amongst others, the distinguished participants included Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Deputy Director General, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities (AIU), President, AIU, Vice Chancellors of various private universities, and representatives from UGC, NIFTEM, IIFPT, CII, FICCI, and AOAC India.

The highlight of the discussion was the need to ensure that employable skills (i.e., skill-sets aligned with the requirements of the food industry) are delivered by Higher Education Institutions. Measures to co-develop and implement an updated curriculum that reflects the shift in thinking from merely preventing adulteration to a more holistic concept of ensuring safe and wholesome food were discussed. The framework adopts a comprehensive approach through mainstreaming relevant content in the course curriculum, enhancing practical learning through internships and fellowships, promoting interactive learning through opportunities for students to participate in socially relevant projects related to food safety and nutrition, advocating merit scholarships for deserving students, along with a programme for faculty training and development.

A triple E strategy (Engage, Excite, Enable) to engage effectively with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) was agreed on. To kick-start, the program, the annual international quiz contest on food safety conducted by CII-SKA with participation from over 160 colleges, both at the National and International level, will be used as a platform to sensitize participants about the food regulator’s initiative. The framework will be introduced to relevant stakeholders on 13th of August, 2018 – the day of the inauguration of the quiz contest, which will showcase the scope of collaboration between FSSAI and Higher Education Institutes.

FICCI has also committed to showcasing the proposed framework in its annual Higher Education Summit. FSSAI will explore opportunities for collaboration with MHRD and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for further dissemination of information.

Through this initiative, FSSAI believes that it will be able to create a future-ready skilled workforce for the sunrise food industry in India.

In Conversation with ‘Energy Chef’ Harpal Singh Sokhi

A win-win partnership

Comments

0