Question : HIGH QUALITY MANPOWER IN BIO-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR



(a) the details of facilities available for training of manpower in the field of Bio- Technology; and

(b) the measures taken / being taken by the Government to boost the availability of high quality manpower in Bio-Technology sector ?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) The Department of Biotechnology is supporting an integrated human resource development programme in biotechnology comprising of postgraduate teaching programmes in over 60 universities in the country, postgraduate diploma courses in 7 institutions , DBT Junior Research Fellowship for Ph.D. programme and DBT Post Doctoral fellowship for pursuing post doctoral work in best laboratories in the country. The Department provides grants for specialized laboratories, equipment, books & journals , liberal recurring grants for consumables , travel, studentship , thesis grant and summer training for students, guest faculty. The students are selected on the basis of All India Common Entrance Test to ensure the best quality. University Grants Commission also provides support for undergraduate & postgraduate teaching programmes in biotechnology under `innovative programme`.

(b) The Government has a number of short term training programmes inspecialized techniques for upgrading the skills of mid-career scientists as well as faculty involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. The Department of Biotechnology runs an overseas short and long term training programme through which 150 scientists are supported annually for training in best overseas laboratories in specialized and niche areas as well as inviting visiting scientists from overseas laboratories for providing an opportunity for interaction for our faculty and students. Grants are provided for organizing national and international seminars, symposia and travel grants for participation in important international events. All these programmes result in boosting the quality of manpower in biotechnology.