Govt. launching Nano (tech.) Mission over next five years

New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) The government is planning to launch a Nano Science and Technology Mission (Nano Mission) with a Rs 1000 crore public investment over the next five years to further intensify its promotional efforts in the field, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal said in a written reply that as part of the Nano Mission, the government is also cosnsidering launching educational, HRD and R and D programmes, establish centres of excellence, promote institution-industry linked projects through increased private-public partnerships and promote entrepreneurship through establishment of business incubators.

The Nano Mission will also involve special eefforts for development and commercialisation of nano-technology.

To another question the Minister said the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation had submitted a Note for Cabinet for setting up a National Bio-technology Regulatory Authority (NBRA) and re-submitted a revised Note for Cabinet after the proposal was considered by the Committee of Secretaries (COS).

''The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation is taking necessary followup action as per the recommendations of the COS,'' the Minister added.

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