Jaipur, Oct. 24 -- Rajasthan chief secretary V Srinivas on Friday directed officials to strengthen government polytechnic colleges, align their courses with industry requirements and improve students' placements and salary packages as the state seeks to develop into a manufacturing hub. Chairing a Samvad programme at the state secretariat to review the functioning of government polytechnic colleges, he stressed the need to bridge the gap between technical education and the changing requirements of industry amid rising industrial investment in Rajasthan. He directed officials to work towards establishing at least five centres of excellence (CoE) in the state in coordination with PSUs. The centres are expected to strengthen technical training and improve students' exposure to industry practices. The review meeting was attended by principals of 10 government polytechnic institutions in Jodhpur, Ajmer, Kota, Alwar, Bharatpur, Sikar, Bikaner and Jaipur, including the government women's polytechnic colleges in Jaipur and Kota. He said polytechnic colleges would play an important role in meeting the demand for skilled technical personnel as Rajasthan expands its industrial base. Emphasising placements and remuneration, the chief secretary asked officials to make special efforts to secure better job opportunities and salary packages for graduates. He said stronger coordination between educational institutions and industry was essential to ensure that students acquired skills relevant to employers....