Scientific Advisory Council in MP

Bhopal, Sep 17 (UNI) Announcing the formation of a Scientific Advisory Council in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said a task force was constituted -- under Bangalore-based IIS Director T I Vasu -- for drafting a fresh science and technology development policy within three months.

''Besides enhancing employment, the policy will hone rural talent and lay further stress on increasing development opportunities in other sectors,'' Mr Chouhan told mediapersons here after a general body meeting of the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology.

Expressing regret over the fact that the state's rich mineral, forest and other resources were not properly utilised, the Chief Minister said it was the reason why the state could not achieve the expected quantum of development in science and technology.

''My government is resolved to achieve Madhya Pradesh's overall development as outlined by President A P J Abdul Kalam,'' he said.

Announcing institutional and individual awards, Mr Chouhan said rural institutes making scientific discoveries would receive prizes of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 while individuals would receive Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000.

''Rural knowledge will be documented and a Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology will be formed. For this purpose, a four-member committee has been constituted under JNU's Prof S K Kar.

On January 12, on the occasion of Swami Vivekanand Jayanti, an entrepreneurs' convention will also be organised for people associated with Khadi Gramodyog,'' the Chief Minister announced.

The government would also encourage 'jatropha' cultivation on about 12 lakh hectares of barren land, he said.

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