JCKIF is infusing technology in traditional handicrafts by developing digitalization systems and techniques for traditional designs, creating a craft lab and museum.
Dr. G. S. Toteja, CEO of JCKIF, in conversation with TE Raja Simhan of The Hindu Businessline, craft is one of the six verticals for which JCKIF has been working as an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. He also added that the foundation, in the last 2 years, has been playing an active role in the upliftment of local artisans and promoting their craft by various trust-building exercises and exhibitions.

The annual report 2022-23 of the six city S & T clusters, established by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India was released by Prof. Ajay K Sood, PSA to the Govt. of India on August 3, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in the presence of Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, OPSA, Dr. Arun Bhardwaj, Scientist/Engineer-SG, OPSA and Chief Executive Officers of all the S&T Clusters. Dr. G.S. Toteja, CEO JCKIF spoke about the activities carried out by Jodhpur Cluster, that was appreciated by Prof. Sood, especially the initiatives taken for the Handicraft artisans of the unorganized sector.
Prof. Sood stressed on developing and deploying S & T solutions to address citizen-centric problems. Deliberations also happended on leveraging the existing #startupecosystem, especially the #deeptech and engage with them to deliver workable solutions using advanced technologies.

Two day specialized training programmes titled “GENERAL FINANCIAL RULES (GFR) 2017” and “GOVERNMENT E-MARKETPLACE (GEM)" were held at IIT Jodhpur in hybrid mode from 10th – 11th June, 2023 (GFR) and 17th – 18th June, 2023 (GeM) with an objective to gain an overall understanding of General System of Financial Management & Government e-Marketplace and acquire practical knowledge of the different procurement procedures & compliance with financial regulations. A total of 100+ participants from 25 different departments/offices from IIT Jodhpur, government organizations and other public sector organizations participated in this training.

The purpose of these specialized training programmes was to train participants on essential skills required for navigating the GeM platform and ensuring compliance with financial regulations in government departments. Also, to acquire valuable knowledge with a solid foundation to optimize procurement outcomes, promote transparency, and effectively manage financial matters.

The training methodology was interactive as the trainers ensured that knowledge was not only disseminated but accurately perceived and understood by the participants. And in order to ensure this, trainers engaged participants in discussions & hands on training and kept the forum open for feedback, queries and suggestions. These discussions and interactive sessions were supported through training material and power point presentations.

The team which delivered sessions during the training comprised of one external expert and one internal expert (Subject matter expert from IIT Jodhpur). Resource persons for GFR programme were Dr S. N. Venkatesan, renowned Management & Legal Consultant, Advocate - Madras High Court, RTI Trainer and Consultant from Chennai as external expert and Sh. Naresh Joshi, Deputy Registrar, IIT Jodhpur as internal expert and for GeM programme were Mr. Manender Singh Faculty, Government e Marketplace, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, GoI as external expert and Smt. Malati T. Assistant Registrar [R&D and HEFA] IIT Jodhpur as internal expert.