Separate funds for research, says PM

Talking to a correspondent onboard the special aircraft from New Delhi to Hyderabad, Gujral said India is one of the few countries which had achieved self-reliance in space technology. The very fact that some countries need India8217;s help is the proof of the recognition. 8220;India scientists have really made India proud, especially during the year of golden jubillee celebrations of the country,8221; he said.

The satellite launching capacity exhibited by Indian scientists has convinced 8220;the world that we are one of the very few countries which has wide launch capacities,8221; Gujral said.

Gujral spoke extensively about the importance of the scientific community and their achievements. 8220;I give the Science Congress a great deal of importance because Indian scientists have turned the corner with a great deal of promise. Our achievements in the year, particularly in space and missiles, has been remarkable,8221; he said.

The scientists were able to make a spectacular mark by their own contribution, especially the super computer which is in great demand in some countries which otherwise are known for their technological advancement, he said.

The government had taken several steps to give scientists a respectable position8217; by making their salary and allowance independent of bureaucratic system. He said a separate fund itself had been set up to be exclusively utilised by the scientists for Research and Development R and D programmes.

The prime minister8217;s scientific advisory committee met twice during the current financial year and chalked out several programmes. He himself had chaired the meetings.

8220;The government attached great importance to agriucltural research.8220;There is an apprehension that unless we pay more attention to the new variety of seeds, there is a danger to the green revolution not keeping the same pace of growth,8221; Gujral said.

Gujral said that the agricultural scientists have been asked to focus on this dimension and on dry farming technology. He has also requested them to interact more and create an ambience and atmosphere to attract more talent.Gujral said he was happy that the private sector was taking interest in the R and D and even cooperating with various government departments in the field of space.

The prime minister disclosed that he has asked the scientists to work out a curriculam at school level so that a scientific temper could be inculcated in the children. With this in mind, the government has decided to set up Science Cities and one has already been inaugurated in Calcutta and the foundation was laid for another in Jalandhar, from where the prime minister is likely to contest.

Turning to environment and pollution, Gujral said the problems were enormous. In this context, he said water should get greater attention from the scientists. 8220;We have set up some missions to focus on these areas. Several villages still do not get potable drinking water, which is causing concern to the government. Water pollution is another area which has to get priority.8221;

The society has three sections 8211; the affluent who can afford to have expensive bottled water, some consume tap water which is not very safe and a large number still resort to polluted water from reservoirs.

8220;This is a pity and our scientists could do better to make available potable drinking water in all villages,8221; he added.