Centre to give strong push for nano technology

BANGALORE: Centre would give a strong push for the growth of nano technology, which has potential to lift the quality of life of the poor, C N R Rao, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, has said.

Addressing the launch function of Bangalore Nano 2007, to be held on December six and seven, here last night and earlier addressing reporters, Rao noted that the Government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 1,000-crore to promote the sector.

"Nano technology and science have many potentially valuable societal applications for poor people, including the creation of more efficient filtering systems for producing clean drinking water (through the creation of filters that prevent viruses and toxins) and the provision of cheap and clean energy (through more efficient solar cells)," he said.

The Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI) in India has funded about 100 basic science projects to date (worth Rs 60 crore).

About Rs 20 crore has gone towards establishing six centres for nano science at institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, and different IITs.

The six centres aimed at producing a useful product or device within a reasonable time-frame.

Officals said in all, seven IITs and ten universities have been supported under the NSTI.

"The Government of India and States must support through policies and financial grants, research to pursue larger social and environmental goals that could build capacities of our nation", said Rao, also President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research.