PM wants private sector to boost scientific research

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today called upon the private sector to help boost scienific development in the country, by providing a "new wave" of investments.

Speaking at the 96th Indian Science Congress at the North Eastern Hill University campus in Shillong, Meghalaya, he rued that India lagged behind even some newly-industrialising Asian nations in research.

Saying that the Indian science congress movement has been closely linked to the country's freedom struggle and its national movement for freedom, he  said, the fight for political freedom was alsoa battle for development and for modernisation of our economy, society and polity.

"The spread of science and of scientific temper, and the educational development of our people, was integral to our struggle for political and economic emancipation," he said.

"Each one of you is not just engaged in teaching and research in the respective scientific disciplines, you are engaged in the modernisation and development of a traditional society and culture as such your work is of immense societal importance and I salute each one of you for your contribution.

Dr Singh said Indian civilisation was built on the foundations of a knowledge-based society, but for centuries such knowledge remained the preserve of a few. "Democratic India has widened the base of this knowledge pyramid and raised its apex. The challenge before us is to ensure that both processes continue. And that the light of modern education touches all, and at the same time the pursuit of excellence is encouraged and cherished.

He said that the government had laid down the foundation to foster research, and now young talent should be attracted and promoted to boost scientific research as the best science is produced by young people.

Therfore, institutions must be receptive to the needs of the young people and promote younger talent and allow youth to lead Dr. Singh stresed.

He said the government can at best ease the supply side constraints on teaching and research and the demand side stimulus must come from institutions and the industry.

Citing the role of public investment in nuclear energy, space and defence related industry in creating a demand for science graduates, he said "we need a new wave of such investment from the private sector so that young people will be encouraged to seek a career in science''.

Prime Minister said while the government is doing its bit to ensure quantitative development, the leadership for qualitative development must come from the scientific community.  (Read more)