(a) whether the Union Government proposes to set up more Nano Technology Centres in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the time by which they are likely to be set up, State-wise including Gujarat; and
(c) the funds allocated and released in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS(PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) Yes, Madam. The Union Government has already supported seven Centres for Nano Technology in various institutions within the country. A separate independent Institute of Nano Science and Technology is set up at Mohali. The Union Government also proposes to support a Centre for Nano Science and Technology as part of an existing institute in Bangalore.
(b) & (c): The proposed Centre for Nano Science and Technology at Bangalore will focus on research on novel nanomaterials. This Centre will be set up by May, 2010. The proposed budget for this Centre is Rs.113 crore for the remaining period of the XI Plan. However, no funds have been released so far, as the project is yet to receive sanction of the Government.