The Centre will formulate a new science and technology policy, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said here today. The new policy will be drafted during the year.
“Over the course of the year, we hope to formulate a new science and technology policy that will update the existing policy document of 2003 in the light of the rapidly changing environment in the country and the world,” he said.
Dr Singh was addressing a ceremony to mark his installation as the General President of the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA). According to the Prime Minister, he hoped that by the time the centenary session of the science congress is held (in January 2013), the Centre would be able to give a “concrete shape to ideas” to define the country's future path.
“The burden on science will only increase. Our problems are overwhelming and need scientific solutions,” he said.
High-impact discoveries
According to him, plans are afoot to bring out a well-researched publication on 100 high impact-making discoveries in Indian science over the last 100 years. A ‘Hall of Fame' in cyberspace will highlight the contribution of Indian science. “There has been some discussion and we are setting up a Science Academy for the young during the centenary year (of ISCA).We should follow up on this proposal after due deliberations,” the Prime Minister said.
Beginning 2012, a special scheme for 100 doctoral research fellowships every year will be launched on a public-private partnership basis between the Ministry of Science and Technology and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Science museums
The West Bengal Chief Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee, requested the Prime Minister to set up Science Museums in Kolkata and other parts of the country. The museums should highlight the achievements of Indian scientists and their contribution in building a modern India.
“It's not right that we remember these great people only on the centenary year or a particular day,” she said during the ceremony.