While announcing a doubling of the investment in science from 1 to 2 per cent of the national income, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday, 3 January, 2008, urged the Indian industry to invest in research and development aimed at boosting science and technology so that young minds are attracted to seeking a career in science.
"We need a new wave of investment from the private sector so that young people will be encouraged to seek a career in science," the prime minister said while inaugurating the 96th Indian Science Congress at the Northeastern Hill University in Shillong.
"India is lagging behind not just in comparison to developed Western nations, but also the new industrialising economies of Asia. While the government is doing its bit to ensure quantitative development, the leadership for qualitative development must come from you (students, researchers and scientists)," Manmohan Singh said.
"Today we can say with pride that we have launched five new institutions dedicated to teaching and research in sciences," he said. "New institutes for research in Himalayan glaciology, molecular materials, nano science and technology are to be created."
Stressing that the central government was committed to enhancing the budgetary allocations for science and technology, Manmohan Singh said the budget outlay for the ministries of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences have been trebled in the last four years (2004-2008).
Singh said the parliament recently announced the setting up of a National Science and Engineering Research Board that would work towards formulating plans for scientific research funding in the country.
Stating that the government has placed the highest emphasis on making a career in science attractive to young students, the Prime Minister said that his government has widened the higher education base of the country by investing in the creation of 30 new central universities, five new Indian Institutes of Science, Education and Research, eight new Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and 20 new Indian Institutes of Information Technology.
There are also proposals from the Ministry of Science and Technology to adopt a Cancer Research Institute in Chennai, Institute for Advanced Study in Science and Technology in Guwahati and the National Innovation Foundation as grantee institutions.
A large number of scientists, engineers and technologists from India and abroad have gathered for the annual science congress, which this year is on the theme of 'Science education and attraction of talent for excellence in research'.
Sibal Calls For Utilitarian And Result Oriented Research: Emphasing that research should be utilitarian and result oriented, Union Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal said on 3 January, 2008 that resources should be spent on projects which can offer quick and lasting solutions.
Delivering a key-note address at the 96th edition of the Indian Science Congress held at North Eastern Hill University in Shillong, Mr Sibal said the country needed to continue with its efforts to ensure a strong future supply of scientists, engineers and technologists and to unlock the talents of all people in the country to use science and technology to help them lead their lives more richly.
Expressing concern over the misuse of technology for destructive purpose, the Union Minister said the answer to the problem lies not in embracing a technology denial regime, but act in the belief that technology alone can provide answers to those who seek to misuse it.
Mr Sibal said the challenges for society are formidable and will require substantial information, knowledge, wisdom, and above all collaboration between the scientific community, policy makers and the public.
Observing that the importance of scientific engagement across society and the potential for science to contribute to good policy making and sound governance has never been greater, the Union Minister expressed confidence that it is only science which will help the nation address the challenges facing it.
In this regard, Mr Sibal believed that there is a pressing need to strengthen the level of high quality engagement with the public on all major scientific issues; and increase the number of people who choose to study science subjects and to take up research and scientific careers.
Sibal said scientists of Indian origin scattered in various parts of the world were willing to contribute to Indian science.
"We are devising special programmes to encourage return of scientists to India and work in areas related to life sciences and bio-technology," he said.
The five-day congress will see a galaxy of eminent scientists taking part in various seminars.
Sources: IANS, UNI
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