Central science, innovation schemes to be rolled out in West Bengal: Dr Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, May 26
The government on Tuesday announced to integrate Central scientific and innovation schemes with educational institutions in West Bengal that would help create a stronger pipeline for innovation, scientific learning and research-oriented talent development among the youth.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, held an extensive meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata.
It was decided in the meeting that all major Central schemes related to science, research, innovation and startups would be implemented in West Bengal with immediate effect, according to an official statement.
The meeting also arrived at two key decisions of regional importance -- initiation of a dedicated study on arsenic poisoning in affected districts of West Bengal through CSIR institutions, and commencement of collaborative clinical and drug trial-related research on cancer and antimicrobial therapies involving premier scientific institutions, government medical colleges, cancer hospitals and AIIMS-linked medical networks.
Dr Singh said West Bengal possesses a strong scientific and academic ecosystem, with institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology already functioning across the state and contributing to advanced areas of research.
He said the state also holds enormous potential for scientific research, clinical trials and innovation-driven collaboration involving research institutions, medical colleges and healthcare networks.
A major focus of the discussions was the implementation of student-centric and women-centric schemes of the Department of Science & Technology in schools and colleges across West Bengal.
It was decided that flagship programmes including INSPIRE, INSPIRE MANAK, Vigyan Jyoti, KIRAN and WISE would be expanded and implemented in a coordinated manner to strengthen scientific temper, innovation and participation of students and women in science and technology sectors.
Dr Singh said the convergence of scientific institutions, academia, healthcare infrastructure and innovation ecosystems can create a new model of science-led regional development in eastern India.
It was further decided that a preliminary coordination meeting involving the State Science & Technology Department and senior officials from Central scientific ministries and departments would be convened within the next few days to prepare an implementation roadmap.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some focus on eastern India! The INSPIRE and Vigyan Jyoti programmes can really help young scientists from smaller towns. But we need proper infrastructure in colleges too - not just schemes on paper.
Good that they're addressing cancer research collaboration. Bengal has excellent medical colleges - this could accelerate clinical trials. But coordination between state and central agencies needs to improve. Too many delays in the past.
Also hope the arsenic study leads to actual remediation, not just data collection.
While I appreciate the intent, we've heard such announcements before. The real test is on-ground execution. Will CSIR actually set up labs in affected villages? Will women-centric schemes reach rural colleges? Let's see results after a year, not just press releases.
This is exactly what we need! Bengal has brilliant minds but many move to Bangalore or abroad due to lack of opportunities. If these schemes create local research ecosystems, we can retain talent. The KIRAN programme for women scientists is particularly important. 🇮🇳
All this sounds good but what about funds? Many central schemes remain underutilised because states don't release matching grants. Also, the cancer research collaboration is welcome but we need to ensure ethical standards in clinical trials - no shortcuts please.
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