The Hindu Business Line : `XI Plan should focus on science, technology'

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Madurai March 4 International research publications from India in science from Indian universities has come down from 50 per cent in 1985 to 15 per cent at present and the country's ranking has also gone down from eighth position in 1985 to fourteenth position.

There is a need to create interest in science and upgrade levels of research in science and technology to global standards by strengthening infrastructure.

The Department of Science and Technology has envisaged a plan of action for the purpose and sought sufficient allocation of funds from the Government during the Eleventh Plan period to sustain the leadership that India has gained in the emerging fields of development, according to Mr T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Elaborating the plan of action in an interview to Business Line and The Hindu at the sidelines of his Rectoral Address at the 117th College Day Celebrations of The Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai, held here on Saturday, Mr Ramasami said the department has drawn a programme `Inspire (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspiring Research)' for implementation over the next five years.

Ten lakh school-going children across the country in the age group 10-17 years, evincing an interest in science will be presented cash awards of Rs 5,000 each. Further, a grant of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to 10,000 students who pursue science up to the post-graduate level. The top one per cent of Standard X students from all the 35 boards in the country will be brought under a summer camp for an interaction with 60 Noble Laureates and 200 eminent personalities. These camps would be held in 100 places across the country so that the students get motivated to pursue science, he said.

To rejuvenate universities, a proposal has been drawn to strengthen infrastructure in ten universities and 50 departments with a funding of Rs 200 crore each to strive at original contribution in the fields of research and development. The allocation for R&D in the country is just 0.8 per cent of the GDP (around $5 billion). This needs to be raised to higher levels. The expenditure in R&D is $300 billion in the US, $124 billion in Japan and China has announced an allocation of $130 billion, he pointed out.

Responding to a query on the scope for speedy industrialisation of the southern districts in the State, he said that models of growth would vary with the inherent strength of the regions and should become inclusive. Low levels of investment that can generate high volumes of employment such as food processing should do the trick as land costs are low and naturally should attract more people to invest, he added.

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