File Photo: Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan
Union Minister Harsh Vardhan today asked the state governments to make optimal usage of science to solve problems at all sectors and to take the benefit of scientific research to the masses.
"I noticed some sort of apathy in state governments for having a ministry or department on science. Important research works are happening at different level but its benefit should reach the common people," Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said.
"I appeal to all the Chief Ministers, science and technology ministers of different states to work on it," he said at the National Conclave of State Science and Technology Councils in Jaipur.
The minister stated that technology innovation, research or getting a patent becomes futile when these things are not connected with people and not applied for their benefit.
"Science has a lot meaning and solution to problems the country is facing in areas like water, agriculture, medicines, energy among others," Dr Vardhan said.
"So much good quality work is going on in laboratories but we are probably not being able to connect it to people," the minister said, adding, "Today, it is not policy for science but science for policy is important. We need to have scientific output for government policies."
The minister said that there is no dearth of talent in the country as many innovations have taken place in recent years and innovators, ranging from a tribal of a remote village to a sophisticated IIT graduate, received national awards but the problem was of coordination.
"When it comes to convert technology to a useful application, there is a lack of coordination. But the gap can be bridged by paying some extra attention," he said.
Highlighting the government's moves in science and development, Dr Vardhan said, "We are coming up with supercomputing mission, working with other countries to build the world's largest telescope, a significant part of which would be manufactured under Make in India initiative."
India's early warning system of Tsunami was also guiding other nations, which shows the capabilities of the country, the minister said.
"There is so much in offing as the PM is taking visionary steps and introducing schemes and programmes and scientific support is important for the success of these projects," he said.
Secretary of the Central Government's Department of Science and Technology, Ashutosh Sharma who also took part in the programme said, states should promote local, traditional practices which are scientific, like methods of water purification, desalination among others.