GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 14
TO BE ANSWERED ON 2/7/2009

INDO-GERMAN SCIENCE EXPRESS

14. SHRI M.V. MYSURA REDDY:
SHRI NANADAMURI HARIKRISHNA

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) the aims and objectives of Indo-German Science Express; and

(b) in what manner the said express is helping in bringing back students to take up science stream which otherwise is falling back when compared to computer sciences?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) & (b): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERED IN REPLY TO RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.14 TO BE ANSWERED ON 2/7/2009 REGARDING 'INDO-GERMAN SCIENCE EXPRESS'

(a) The main objective of this science exhibition mounted in rail coaches is to generate awareness about science and popularize it amongst the masses, in general and students, in particular. The exhibition also aims at attracting students to opt for careers in science research and teaching by informing them about career prospects and challenges in various areas of science and technology. The mobile exhibition has travelled to over 100 towns and cities across the country in about 400 days since its launch on 30 October 2007. It has been visited by over 35 lakh people, mostly high school students and science teachers.

(b) This mobile exhibition helps to project the excitement of research for improving our knowledge in frontier areas. The visitors are encouraged to do hands-on activities and experiments. Outstanding achievements by Indian researchers are projected, opportunities for research in national laboratories are explained and counseling sessions for career guidance arranged. Factors that influence career choices of good students are numerous. This exhibition encourages decision making based on better information.