PM Modi inaugurates Centre-State Science Conclave

New Delhi, Sep 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Centre- State Science Conclave today at 10:30 am via video conferencing.

Addressing via video link the inaugural session of the Centre-State Science Conclave organised here, Modi said India is going ahead with the mantra of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan'.'

'We have to work together on various fronts to make India a global centre of research and innovation in this 'amrit kaal'. We have to take our research in the fields of science and technology to the local level. It is the need of the hour for all the states to give emphasis on innovation to find local solutions to local problems,'' he said.

Urging the state governments to frame modern policies related to science, innovation and technology to find solutions to local problems, he stressed the need for more cooperation and collaboration with scientists.

''In order to encourage innovation, the state governments should give emphasis on creation of more and more scientific institutions and on simplification of processes. The number of innovation labs should also be increased in the institutions of higher education in the states,'' he said. The prime minister noted that India's Global Innovation Index ranking improved from 81 in 2015 to 46 due to the efforts of the central government.

The conclave is in line with the Prime Minister's relentless efforts to facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. It will strengthen Centre-State coordination and collaboration mechanisms and the spirit of cooperative federalism to build a robust science, technology & innovation (STI) ecosystem across the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will grace the concluding session of the conclave tomorrow. The two-day conclave will witness the participation of more than 250 delegates from across the country.

The two day Conclave is being organised at Science City, Ahmedabad on 10-11 September 2022. It will include sessions on different thematic areas including STI Vision 2047; Future Growth Pathways and Vision for STI in States; Health - Digital Health Care for All; Doubling Private Sector investment in R&D by 2030; Agriculture - Technological interventions for improving farmers' income; Water - Innovation for producing potable drinking water; Energy- Clean Energy for All including S&T role in Hydrogen mission; Deep Ocean Mission and its relevance for Coastal States/UTs as well as country's future economy.

The first of its kind Conclave will witness the participation of Gujarat CM, Union MoS Science & Technology (S&T), S&T Ministers and Secretaries of States & Union Territories, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, NGOs, young scientists and students.