Inaugrating the 92nd Indian Science Congress, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said science must come to the aid of the needy, and called upon the scientific community to ensure that the fruits of research go to the common man.In his inaugural address, Singh also expressed concern about the youngsters’ dwindling interest in science.‘‘Less than 3 per cent of students in the country want to pursue a career in science. The best minds are not turning to science and even those who do, do not stay with the subject for long. To overcome this, we need to improve teaching of Science and Maths in our schools and make it exciting for the students.’’‘‘Besides, we also need to address the two issues of brain drain and tyranny of bureaucracy in scientific institutions.We need to ask ourselves whether the bureaucratic environment in our laboratories is stifling creativity,’’ he added. The PM also exhorted the gathering to usher in a second green revolution and concentrate on research and development in agriculture sector to increase productivity.Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Education Minister Anandiben Patel and other Cabinet ministers were present at the function.The also PM promised the setting up of a Science Advisory Council (SAC), which will be headed by C.N.R. Rao and a national rural health care programme, among other things.
