Though ITI authorities have been trying to make this programme a big success and have been making many local arrangements, including appointing the staff, it is feared that lack of funds may affect the scheme adversely.

The basic course in the “chemical sector” is of one year, after which the students can go for four different types of specialisations courses, with each course to last for six months.

J.S. Gidda, group instructor (GI) at the ITI, and who is also looking after the CoE along with principal Jaswant Singh informed that the CoE had been set up in Nawanshahr by the government after holding consultations with big private companies which deal in chemical sector including Ranbaxy, Max India, DSM and Sri Hans Paper Mill. He added that the students trained at the centre were expected to be absorbed by these companies. He said there was an acute shortage of trained staff in “chemical sector” in the region and this centre would ease the situation for the companies.

The classes for the students, hailing from the state and outside, were started recently but the centre needs funds and staff for its smooth functioning.

Two staff members have been provided by the Punjab government while two (as per the guidelines of the government) have been appointed by the principal of the college. Two more staff members are required to be appointed.

The government has announced a grant of Rs 3.5 crore for constructing a separate building, six laboratories, a meeting hall and for purchasing equipment for the centre.