Date:04/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100451220300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Engineering graduates urged to enter power sector

Staff Reporter

Wishing luck: Puducherry Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam handing over degree to a student at the convocation of Arunai Engineering College, Tiruvannamalai, on Friday.

Tiruvannamalai: Countries the world over are facing the problem of energy security and young engineering graduates should take up this challenge, Chief Minister of Puducherry V.Vaithilingam has said.

He was presenting degrees to 613 engineering graduates at a convocation held at Arunai Engineering College, Tiruvannamalai, on Friday.

Mr. Vaithilingam said, “We are also thinking on how to handle and rectify the power crisis in the place where we live. We face a 30 per cent shortage in supply.”

He said that Puducherry was planning to start a 2,000-MW power generation project in Orisa in co-ordination with Gujarat. Tamil Nadu was also aiming to accomplish a goal of 35,000 MW in power generation. There are plenty of petroleum resources in the Krishna and Godhavari basins and a lot of opportunities for engineering graduates to work in this sector, Mr. Vaithilingam said.

A total of 19 students who got degrees secured university ranks, sources said.

Principal M. Kaarmegam delivered the welcome address. College vice-chairman E.V. Kumaran, Managing Director E.V.V. Kamban, Director (R&D) Arumugam participated.