Centre to set up science cities expand science and technology footprint

HYDERABAD: In order to expand science and technology footprint, the Centre plans to set up science cities across the country, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Y S Chowdary said here today.

"The whole idea is to ensure that science and technology footprint is available across the country. Today some states have got proper number of scientific and research labs while others don't have. The idea is to use a hub-and-spoke model to establish five to six zones covering science centres in all states," Chowdary told reporters here.

"The matter is under discussion. Each and every hub (zone), which will have a Science City and in turn it will serve scientific institutions across different states," he said, adding that the Science City in each zone will have all infrastructure facilities including research labs and convention centres where conferences can be organised.

Stating that the country has tremendous potential for promotion of science and technology, Chowdary said, "The proposed zones will not only promote research but impart education and inspire the students. We have to channelise the youngsters. If we attract them towards science and research side it will result in more enterpreneurship and that will finally result in increased economic activity."

"We are thinking of reorganisation of the entire ministry for achieving the Central government's aim on 'Swachh Bharat', 'Make in India' 'Jan Dhan Yojana' and other schemes to benefit the common man. I am in the process of discussion with Union Minister for Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan. Then we will move a cabinet note," Chowdary said.

The minister further said a decision will be shortly taken on establishing a mega 'solar research' institute in the country with international collaboration.

"It can be set up in either in Rajasthan or Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, and shortly a decision will be taken in this regard," he said.

Replying to a query, he said the ministry would seek 30 per cent more budgetary allocation in the forthcoming Union Budget.