PM Modi for greater scientific cooperation between state, central institutions

Mysuru : Calling for greater scientific cooperation between the state and central institutions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that his government would strive to make scientific activities and research easier in the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of 103rd Indian Science Congress in Mysuru, the Prime Minister said the government would increase the level of resources for science and deploy them in accordance with strategic priorities.

“We will make it easier to do science and research in India…I am encouraging greater scientific collaboration between the central and state institutions and agencies… We will try to increase the level of resources for science and deploy them in accordance with our strategic priorities,” he said.

He said that the government would launch ‘start-up India’ programme to encourage innovation and enterprise.

Highlighting the impact that the digital India campaign has had on the nation, Prime Minister Modi said, “Our digital networks are expanding the quality and reach of public services and social benefits for the poor.”

He also said good governance is the key to integrate science and technology activities in the nation.

“For me, good governance is not just about policy and decision-making, transparency and accountability. As we increase the level of our ambition for our people, we will also have to increase the scale of our efforts,” he said.

“Innovation must not be just the goal of our science. Innovation must also drive the scientific process…And we are once again turning towards scientists and innovators to realize our goals of human welfare and economic development,” he added.

Emphasising that innovation is the key for combating climate change, the Prime Minister further said that clean energy technology must be made available to all.

“Innovation is important not just for combating climate change, but also for climate justice. We need research and innovation to make clean energy technology available, accessible and affordable for all,” he said.

“We have to develop climate resilient agriculture. We must understand impact of climate change on our bio-diversity, oceans and glaciers. We need innovation to make renewable energy much cheaper, more reliable and easier to connect to transmission grids,” he added.

He urged the scientific community to develop better scientific tools to improve city planning with sensitivity to local ecology and heritage.

Prime Minister Modi said the impact of science will be the strongest when scientists keep five Es: economy, environment, energy, empathy and equity in mind.

The Prime Minister also lauded the University of Mysore for maintaining high standards of education.

“Some of the tallest leaders of India have passed through the doors of this respected institution,” he said. (ANI)