We need new thinking for science: Sibal

The controversy regarding the four science institutes proposed by the former BJP government refuses to settle. While the NDA government is against the former BJP minister, Murli Manohar Joshi8217;s proposal of four National Institutes of Sciences, the Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal has said the institutes are essential for the future of pure science in India.

Speaking at a function in National Brain Research Centre, Sibal today said: 8216;8216;We need more oasis of excellence. There is a proposal of setting up of four National Institutes of Sciences and they are essential for future of science in the country. I have written to both the Prime Minister and HRD minister that we need a new thinking as far as science and technology is concerned,8217;8217; the minister said.

Joshi had proposed setting up of National institute of Sciences at Bhubneshwar, Pune, Allahabad and Chennai.

Stating that there should not be no constraints in availability of manpower in science and the country should have appropriate policies to empower its manpower Sibal said, 8216;8216;in the next 10-15 years, 400 million people would join the workforce. we need to empower them,8217;8217; he said.

8216;8216;We need more institutes of excellence as more multinationals are coming to India and recruiting people. If we have so many IITs, why is it that there is only one institute of science,8217;8217; he said.