LUCKNOW, Oct 7 - Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday assured the students of the Northeast that the Government of India would develop best science facilities in the region.
The minister was addressing the North East Students Conclave at the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, the main venue of the ongoing India International Science Festival (IISF) 2018, this afternoon. At least 250 students from the Northeast, including 24 from Assam, all drawn from different districts of the region accompanied by their teachers, are attending the IISF 2018.
The minister�s response came after experts pointed out that though the students of the Northeast are motivated and talented, the region lacks good science teachers. It was also pointed out that only 10 per cent of the schools in the Northeast have access to computers.
Earlier, in an interaction with newsmen, the minister when asked about the problems faced by the northeastern states said that laboratories and equipment have to be made available. He said in keeping with the directions of the Prime Minister, two-three Union ministers are regularly visiting the Northeast. �The development of science and technology in the Northeast is Prime Minister�s passion area,� he added.
The Conclave, attended by students, teachers, researchers and subject experts from the Northeast, was also joined by Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Y Jaikumar Singh.
Addressing the Conclave, Dr Vardhan said that connection within the Northeast and connection between the Northeast and mainland India will become much more easier. �The very fact that you have come this long distance to take part in the IISF itself speaks about your commitment to science,� the minister said.
He said the visit to the IISF by the students would give them good exposure. �You have become messengers of science,� he said, advising the students to spend time in the festival and try to see science from the closest quarters.
The 24 student participants from Assam will display their innovations, water management projects, posters, power point presentations, anti-pollution devices and share scientific ideas tomorrow.
Rinku Barman, one of the six teachers accompanying the students, said that participation in such science festivals is very beneficial for the students. �It boosts their scientific temperament,� he said.
Meanwhile, the students from the Northeast were today were taken around the CSIR laboratories located in Lucknow and given a glimpse of the sophisticated equipment and other facilities there.
