Mumbai, Oct 8 (UNI) Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna today observed that in the wake of globalisation, the state government should invest in capacity building of engineers which would fetch rich dividends for the government and ultimately society.

Speaking at the Engineers' Day celebrations, organised by the state government, at Ravindra Natya Mandir here, Mr Krishna said traditional technologies were fast making way for sophisticated and breakthrough technologies. In such a scenario, possessing the knowledge of engineering alone may not be sufficient for engineers while handling big projects. It will be equally necessary for them to acquire managerial skills for providing effective leadership.

In this connection, the Governor felt that the state government should invest in capacity building of engineers.

The two departments, he said, play a significant role in the development of the state and the nation.

Mentioning that engineers are the agents of change, Mr Krishna said the engineering fraternity should equip itself to deal with the opportunities and challenges thrown up by globalisation.

Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil and Minister for Public Works Chhagan Bhujbal also addressed the engineers.

On the occasion of 'Engineers' Day', the state government rewards engineers from the Public Works and the Water Resources Department who have done outstanding work.

The Governor presented the 'Best Engineer' awards for the year 2006 and 2007 to engineers from the Public Works and Water Resources Departments and also gave away the Team Performance Awards for the two years.

Complimenting the government for instituting the awards, Mr Krishna said the work done by the Public Works and Water Resources Department was visible and directly linked to the welfare of the people.

UNI