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

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.411
TO BE ANSWERED ON 3.3.2005

OVERHAULING OF INDIAN METEOROLOGCAL DEPARTMENT

411. SHRI MANOJ BHATTACHARYA:

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

(a) whether Government’s attention has been drawn to an article authorized by Chairman "Inter-governmental Panel on Climate change" wherein he has pleaded for an overhaul of the Indian Meteorological Department in the wake of Tsunami disaster; and

(b) if so, Government’s reaction thereto?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) India Meteorological Department requires an overhaul in terms of personnel and upgradation of equipment, both prior to and after Tsunami. The Ministry of Science & Technology is thinking of various possibilities. As regards upgradation Ministry has already taken steps in that direction. Once details are finalized appropriate steps will be taken.