The Union Minister for Human Resource Development (MHRD) has launched the third edition of the Smart India Hackathon 2019 (SIH-2019) – World’s Biggest Open Innovation Model. This nationwide initiative encourages students to come up with innovative solutions for prevalent issues. It is spearheaded by MHRD in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Persistent Systems, and Inter Institutional Inclusive Innovation Centre (i4C).
Participating Institutes and First-Time Inclusion of Outside Organizations
This year’s competition sees participation from top educational institutes like IISc, IITs, NITs, and other AICTE/UGC approved institutions. They will compete to address problems creatively and propose technical solutions. In a new move this year, private industry, organizations, and NGOs also have the opportunity to submit their problem statements to be tackled during the SIH-2019.
Dual Sub-Editions of the Hackathon
The Smart India Hackathon- 2019 consists of two sub-editions. The Software edition is a 36-hour software product development competition, while the Hardware edition is a hardware product development competition that spans five days.
The Concept of Open Innovation Model
The essence of the Open Innovation Model is to look for solutions beyond an organization’s internal pool of employees and experts. It offers an architecture that connects the external and internal pools for the emergence of new technologies.
About PRAGATI
PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a platform launched in 2015. The Prime Minister uses PRAGATI to discuss issues with relevant Central and State officials equipped with thorough information and the latest ground level visuals. It encompasses a three-tier system integrating the PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States.
Objectives and Structure of PRAGATI
PRAGATI was designed with three primary objectives: Grievance Redressal, Programme Implementation, and Project Monitoring. It merges three technologies – digital data management, videoconferencing, and geo-spatial technology. This unique blend promotes cooperative federalism, bringing together the Secretaries of Government of India and the Chief Secretaries of the States on one platform. The platform has, however, faced criticism for undermining the State political executive by allowing the PM to directly interact with state secretaries.
Aranmula Boat Race
In an unprecedented move, the annual ‘Aranmula Vallamkali’ boat race was conducted without any celebration this year due to recent floods in Kerala. Known as the oldest river boat festival in Kerala, it takes place during Onam (August–September) at Aranmula in Pampa river. The event typically features ‘palliyodams’ (snake boats) gliding in pairs to the rhythm of traditional singing, viewed by an eager crowd.
