Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM reviews Space and Atomic Energy programmes

The Prime Minister reviewed India's space and atomic energy programmes on October 17, 2006. Detailed presentations were made by the Chairmen of the Space Commission and the Atomic Energy Commission.

The plans of the Department of Space including upcoming launch missions in the near term, a profile of missions proposed up to 2013, the project for development of a regional navigational system, as well as futuristic plans covering air-breathing propulsion systems, heavy lift launches and advanced communication technologies were reviewed . The possibility of the department developing a manned space programme was also discussed.

The presentation on nuclear power focussed on the scenario for its development, on the cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability of nulcear power, on the three stage nuclear programme and the approach of the Department of Atomic Energy which has adopted an integrated approcah encompassing the gamut from R&D to operations with emphasis on HR development. An introduction to advanced technologies under development for meeting India's energy needs was also provided.

The imperative to offer attractive career incentives for scientists in the space and atomic energy programmes was underlined during the review by the Prime Minister.