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Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma
Minister, Science & Technology &
Vice President,
Assam Science Technology & Environment Council |
The state of Assam has tremendous potential for utilization of natural resources for uplifting the state’s economy. But to make it a reality we need regular inputs from the Science & Technology community so that all the development process becomes sustainable. The North Eastern Region including Assam falls within one of the thirty four biodiversity hotspots in the world. The rich biological diversity includes thousands of species of flora and fauna. Economic importance of some of these floristic resources has already assessed and such assessment of many such species is yet to be made. The need for conservation and sustainable use of these important species demands comprehensive research and development works.
Similarly, we have a storehouse of indigenous technological knowledge (ITK), which is in practice for many years by different community and tribes throughout the state. Inventorisation of ITK and necessary S&T input in some of these practices may open the door for income generating avenues and self employment opportunities to a large section of unemployed youths and traditional communities.
Science & Technology awareness and sensitization is an area through which a society can be transformed towards progress with a scientific outlook. If our society is scientifically not aware it is difficult to inject new technology and scientific ideas.
Looking at these ideas and needs my department has taken initiative to formulate a Science & Technology Vision Document for the state of Assam and Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) has started the process by interacting with a large section of scientists and technocrats in the state. Our Government has already constituted a State Vision Council involving experts and senior government functionaries to give the vision document a formal shape. The proposed vision document will give necessary guidelines in prioritization, identification of potentials, preparation of vision plan and implementation mechanism for various science & technology programmes.
Through ASTEC my department has already initiated a series of scientific awareness and sensitization programmes from this year itself. These include orientation of school science teachers, special educational programme on climate and weather, organization of Jan Vigyan Mela, establishment of sub-regional science centres, establishment of two more planetariums, establishment of Aaryabhatta Block Level Science Centres, publication of popular science books in local languages, etc. to name some of these initiatives.
I hope the entire scientific community of the state will come forward to help ASTEC and the Vision Council to prepare a comprehensive Vision Plan for S&T development in Assam. |
