Date:05/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/05/stories/2006010500570700.htm

Back Sibal for multi-dimensional strategy to boost research

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , Jan. 4

THE Union Science and Technology Minister, Mr Kapil Sibal, has advocated a multi-dimensional strategy for science and technology that builds on a seven-point agenda for 2006.

These include strengthening of the country's research network, creating regional clusters, national biotechnology development strategy, a legislation for intellectual property rights (IPR) and autonomy for Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Speaking at the 93rd Indian Science Congress here on Wednesday, Mr Sibal said, "It is proposed to set up an autonomous board of science and engineering research with enhanced level of funding and create an initial pool of over 1,000 scientific positions for young researchers in India and abroad for quality scientific research." As a part of this agenda for 2006, the Government plans to establish regional clusters for developing linkages between industry and research and the first such international cluster will be set up in Chandigarh with a focus on nano-biology within a national nano-technology institute. It is proposed to transform the CSIR and allow greater initiatives for public-private partnership and investing knowledge as equity. This transformation will be completed in 2006 and make the CSIR a nimble, accountable and a performance-oriented organisation, serving nation better, he said.

A national biotechnology development strategy will allow India to create 50 centres of excellence, a national pool of 500 research positions in next five years, exclusively for life sciences and biotechnology and institutions of animal biotechnology, seri-biotechnology and for research on technology relating to public health.

Mr Sibal said: "The Government plans to bring forth a legislation to make Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) central in the functioning of our research establishments. This will assure investors and organisations where research is carried out."

The Government plans to form an Earth Commission and Earth System Science Organisation.