India has to identify new opportunities and mechanisms to expand and upscale in-house as well as external cooperation route through creating a value based relationship which can contribute to making India, a vibrant 21st century knowledge economy. The country has to maintain its scientific temper and assert optimum efforts to reap benefits from it.
India’s Policy on Science and Technology (S&T) needs to be implemented at a fast pace. The initiatives under taken by the previous federal governments now require even better care and active encouragement.
India’s Science, Technology & Innovation Policy 2013 is waiting for effective implementation by visionary political and scientific leaders. The integration of Science, Technology & Innovation Policy 2013 and Science Education mission can be catalyst of change.
The country needs mass level awareness programme and projects on its Science, Technology & Innovation Policy and mission. The states have significant role to play in ensuring and charting the course of Science and Technology policy, programme and projects at ground level—across the country.
Science, Technology & Innovation Policy, 2013 recognizes the role of Science, Technology and Innovations in the progress and how it needs to be encouraged, “Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) has emerged as the major drivers of development. As India aspires for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth, the Indian STI system, with the advantages of large demographic dividend and the huge talent pool, will need to play a defining role in achieving these national goals. The national STI enterprise must become central to national development.”
STI Policy needs robust plan with phased manner implementation strategy and clearly defined goals. Youth-led Science, Technology and Innovation programme has potential to engage larger young population.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations defines the role of Science and Technology in solving issues and converting challenges into opportunities, it says, “Expansions in science and technology have marked the onset of the Third Millennium. If harnessed rationally and effectively, these could help eradicate hunger, poverty, destitution and indignity.”
India is positioned as one of the top five nations in the field of space exploration, which brings great value to the nation. The country has regularly undertaken space missions, including missions to the moon and the famed Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
According to the previous Union Budget of India, the allocation to the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been increased by 4.03% to Rs 5,321.01 crore as against the previous budget. Funding to the Ministry of Science and Technology has reached to Rs 12,796 crore, the 133% increase as compared to the previous budgets. Establishment of 5000 Atal Tinkering Labs are imparting practical exposure to students in 3D printing and robotics, fostering a culture of scientific innovation.
India needs a strong base for STEM Education to avail optimum advantage of Science, Technology and Innovation. Education system can be a prime enabler in STEM Learning.
A well-executed STEM Education creates critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and next generation innovators, which is imperative for next-gen Science, Technology and Innovation. India produces maximum number of scientists and engineers. The growth of STEM Education has picked up significantly over the past few years.
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