Review Meeting of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, had a review meeting with the Scientific Advisory Council on Saturday, 21st April 2007. The meeting was attended by Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister for S&T and Earth Sciences. The Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Professor C.N.R. Rao, made a presentation of the progress made on various fronts.

Some of the major accomplishments in the last two years arising from the deliberations of the Scientific Advisory Council are the establishment of the new Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, establishment of Earth Commission, setting up of the empowered Committee on University Education, creation of J.C. Bose and Ramanujam Fellowships to reward talented scientists etc. The proposal to set up the National Science Engineering and Research Board responsible for funding of scientific research in the country is expected to be submitted to the Parliament soon. Based on the recommendation of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Home Ministry is organizing a national agency for forensic science. The restructuring of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is being undertaken by Mr. Ramdoss, Minister of Health to ensure that medical research and education get adequate support and are also properly directed in the years to come.

There was discussion on some of the important issues being examined at present by the Scientific Advisory Council. One of them pertained to the bureaucratic impediments in governing scientific institutions, particularly the appointment/promotion of scientists. A proposal to establish an appropriate institutional mechanism for promoting technology innovation and management was discussed. Other important issues discussed included the need for a knowledge TV channel in the country making use of public-private partnership and the need for a national science & technology commission.

The Prime Minister commended the progress made by the Council on various fronts and the positive results that have emerged. He urged the Council to proceed with its good work and to come out with appropriate recommendations related to several other important aspects of S&T in the country.

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : April 23, 2007