Cannot afford to ignore science: CNR

To ensure that science is encouraged, irrespective of which political party or coalition forms the next government, eminent scientist CNR proposed the setting up of a permanent National Science Board.

The Scientific Advisory Council to the prime minister (SAC to PM) led by Rao feels setting up of a permanent National Science Board can provide credible inputs on requirements for the development of science.

Minutes of the meetings of the SAC to PM states that the council has deliberated the issue in at least four recent meetings and also suggested the formation of a National Science Board under an Act of Parliament.

The council also constituted a sub-committee consisting of P Rama Rao, P Balaram and K Vijayraghavan for developing a concept note on the issue.

“The main focus of the National Science Board should be to provide an independent advisory mechanism, irrespective of the government in power, that would provide credible inputs on requirements for the development of science and its involvement in the developmental programme of the country,” the council stated.

The council has also envisaged having a science advisor, particularly, in the socio-economic ministries in the country, apart from having science advisor in the prime minister’s office, to provide independent input on various issues pertaining to science and technology.

Incidentally, the SAC to PM, the uppermost body that deliberates on various policy issues pertaining to science & technology and also on the role it can play in the upliftment of the Indian economy, was reconstituted in 2005 after a gap of 15 years.