(a) whether Science Congress recently held at Pune has reviewed Science and Technology in the context of globalisation and perspective needs of the nation;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) details of new National Policy on Science and Technology alongwith new action plan in this regard; and
(d) the major schemes formulated for promotion of science among children, youngsters and industry?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI)
(a) Yes, Sir
(b) & (c) The Indian Science Congress has been deliberating over a range of policy issues concerning the development of Science & Technology in its annual sessions and making appropriate recommendations. These recommendations form a valuable input to policy formulation which is a continuous and on going process. Some of the major recommendations relate to -
(i) closer Academia - industry - research institution linkages
(ii) collaborative ties with industry and institutions in the field of - agriculture, food, water management, energy and material conservation, low-cost housing, and, environment protection
(iii) establishment of Awards for brilliant young scientists
(iv) training of young science students in the national laboratories
(v) support to basic research in bio-sciences.
(d) the major schemes formulated for promotion of science among children, youngsters and industry are -
(i) National Children`s Science Congress
Emphasis is given on learning through cooperative science projects to children of age group of 10 to 17 years.
(ii) Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana
Offers fellowships in science, engineering and medicines to attract exceptionally bright and highly motivated students at 10+2 level and second year of B.Sc. for taking careers in research in these areas.
(iii) Swarna Jayanti Fellowships
Offers fellowship alongwith a project proposal for carrying out world class basic research by scientists of age group of 30 to 40 years, in science and engineering.
(iv) Fast Track Proposals for Young Scientists
For providing a quick decision and support on a project mode basis to young scientist of age group of 35 years.
(v) Better opportunities for Young Scientists in chosen Areas of Science and Technology (BOYSCAST)
Provides training abroad in advanced identified ares of science and engineering upto the age group of 35 years.
(vi) Fund for Technology Development and Application
For the purpose of Development and application of indigenous technology in a dynamic economic environment, the Government of India enabled the placing of the proceed of an existant cess on the import of technology into a fund to be administered by the Technology Development Board constituted for the purpose.
(vii) Promoting R&D in Drugs and Pharmaceutical Sector
The programme supports selectively collaborative projects between an industry and a publicly funded research institute/university for drug development for all type of medicinal system.
(viii) Home Grown Technology Programme
Promotes commercialisation of indigenous technologies in the country.
(ix) Programme Aimed at Technological Self-Reliance (PATSER)
Promoting industry`s efforts in development and demonstration of indigenous technology, development of capital goods and absorption of imported technologies.
(x) CSIR Programme on Youth for Leadership in Science
A Scheme known as CSIR Programme on Youth for Leadership in Science has been formulated.