‘Science Cities’ to be set up in six zones across the country

Plans are afoot to set up ‘Science Cities’ in five to six zones across the country in a hub-and-spoke method as part of efforts to have science and technology footprint in every State, according to Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Y.S. Chowdary.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, he said each ‘Science City’ would cater to scientific institutions/ labs located in different States in that particular zone. The ‘Science City’ would have the required infrastructure and other facilities, including a convention centre, high-end research laboratories and hotels. It would cater to scientific institutions of States covered by that zone and international researchers could also make use of the available facilities.

He said the blueprint for Science Cities was in the initial stages of preparation.s

Mr. Chowdary said a solar research institution was also planned to be established with funding from Centre, States and international agencies.

Asked if there was a likelihood of setting up the institute in Andhra Pradesh, he said both Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have good potential for its location.

Emphasising that science and technology should benefit common people and improve their living standards, he said his Ministry was reorienting itself to achieve the government’s objectives in regard to Swach Bharat, Skill Development and Make in India programmes.

Solid waste management

On Swach Bharat, his Ministry would focus on solid waste management.

Pollution control was another important area of attention. Replying to a question, he said the process of digitising ancient Sanskrit and holy texts of various religions was under under way.

Mr. Chowdary said a 30 per cent increase in the allocation to his Ministry in the Union Budget was sought.

He said the National Science Day would be celebrated all over the country on February 28 to mark the novel discovery of Raman Effect by Sir C V Raman on February 28, 1928. The importance of science and its application in providing clean drinking water, eradicating contagious diseases, increasing crop production, among others, would be highlighted.