Question : INDO-CUBA SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATION

(a) whether certain joint projects are likely to be started with the scientific collaboration between India and Cuba;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which these projects are likely to be started?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE FORSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY(SHRI BACHI SINGH RAWAT)

(a) Yes, sir.

(b) The following nine joint projects have been identified for the collaborative activities under the programme of cooperation in Science & Technology between India and Cuba which was signed at Havana on 29 September 1999:

Calcination for Production of Lime from Calcareous Stone Cancer Radio-Immuno Therapy Induction of Mutation in Ornamental Plants Industrial Utilisation of medicinal plants Introduction of Bioleaching Technologies for the Recovery of Nickel and Cobalt from Low Grade Laterite Ores Neuroepidemiological Evaluation in Occupational and Community Health early Screening of Hearing, Problems in Children: Breaking Down Walls of Silence Utilisation of the Phosphodgypsum for Development of Gypsum Based Building Products Design and Development of an Archless Coke / Coal Fired Continuous Fixed Chimney Brick Kiln in Cuba.

(c) One project entitled `Cancer Radio-Immuno Therapy` implemented by Institute for Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi and Centre of Molecular Immunology (CIMAB), Havana has started in February, 2000. The other projects are scheduled for initiation in the financial year 2001-2002 depending on the availability of funds.