Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM to convene Chief Ministers' conference on state of Indian Science

The Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) to the Prime Minister appraised the Prime Minister on the current status of science research and teaching in India and drew the Prime Minister's attention to the urgent need for increasing investment in science, improving research output of universities and scientific research institutions and making science a more attractive career option for youth.

The SAC to PM expressed concern at the sharp decline in India's share in high quality science research, according to various estimates, and drew the attention of the PM to the rapid progress being made in other East Asian economies, particularly China. The SAC to PM called for bold measures to revitalize science in India ad complimented the Prime Minister for his decision to create two more Indian Institutes of Science at Kolkata and Pune.

Dr. C N R Rao, Chairman, SAC to PM urged the Prime Minister to give greater professional autonomy to universities and research institutions so that they can take measures to attract more talent and offer better incentives to scientists. He raised alarm at the dramatic increase in science research in China and warned that India may be losing its edge in many frontier areas of science. The SAC also expressed its concern with excessive bureaucratic and political interference in the functioning of research institutions and universities.

The Prime Minister assured the SAC that the Government would take all steps to improve India's competitive position in science research. He said he will convene a conference of Chief Ministers to discuss issues pertaining to science teaching and research and improvement of higher education in India.