New Delhi, Sept 03: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Minister of State PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today chaired a high-level periodic review meeting of all the Science Secretaries at the newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan, here. This was the first such combined meeting in the new premises after the Ministry’s shift from North Block.
The meeting was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, along with Science Secretaries and senior officials from the Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Reviewing the preparations for the upcoming Indian International Science Festival (IISF), Dr. Jitendra Singh directed all departments to handhold and nurture startups, ensuring their integration into national science festivals. IISF, held annually in different parts of the country, has emerged as a people-centric platform for promoting inclusive growth in science and technology.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also gave detailed inputs on the upcoming Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), India’s flagship annual platform that brings together ministries, innovators, Nobel Laureates, global experts, and young leaders.
He said ESTIC will showcase cutting-edge research, deep-tech breakthroughs, and thought-provoking discussions, igniting a new era of scientific leadership towards “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
During the review, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the Bio-E³ (Bio-Economy, employment, environment) Policy and called upon all departments to step up efforts in biotechnology and related sunrise sectors, which hold immense potential for value addition to the Indian economy.
The Minister reviewed the functioning of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in the backdrop of heavy rains across several regions. He stressed the importance of strengthening real-time information dissemination and early warning systems to ensure better preparedness and public safety.
Dr. Jitendra Singh took a comprehensive review of the action taken by DST, DBT, CSIR, ISRO, and MoES on directions given in the previous monthly meeting. A special presentation on enhancing science communication from the government was also made, followed by a brainstorming session with all Secretaries.
Participants at the meeting included Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO (who joined virtually); Sh. Sunil Kumar, Additional Secretary, DST; and Dr. Mrityunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD, along with senior officials from DST, DBT, CSIR, ISRO, MoES, and other science departments.
MoS Dr Jitendra Chairs Joint Meeting of Union Secretaries, Emphasises Hand-Holding of StartUps
