By P.Vijian, NNN-Bernama,
New Delhi : India, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, is in need of more scientists and researchers.
India’s vice-president Hamid Ansari said science and technology was an important instrument of the modern state but there were insufficient researchers in the field of science.
“It has to be admitted that our scientific output today in terms of researchers in basic sciences is insufficient for our requirements.
“This has a direct impact on our contribution to innovations and patents. It compares unfavourably with our peers and competitors on the world stage. One reason for this is our lack of focus on the priority that should be accorded to the pursuit of science,” Ansari said at the 17th National Children Science Congress, held in Gujarat.
He said the growing biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nuclear energy, space and defence related industries had created a huge demand for science graduates in the country.
“Many students in urban and metropolitan areas, I hear, are dropping out of the formal education set-up after secondary schooling to pursue jobs in call centres and other service industries. If true, this is a trend that must be arrested and reversed,” said Ansari.
The supply of high quality scientific and technological manpower was a fundamental requirement for any modern nation to avail of the opportunities of the scientific and technological age, he pointed out.
Ansari said more private-sector investments and incentives ought to be given to young students to encourage them to pursue a career in science.