New Delhi: To encouraging scientific research and infuse new energy into research institutions of the government will be our prime focus, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday said as he took charge as the Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences.
Vardhan, a Cabinet rank minister, was moved to Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences in the reshuffle yesterday.
After taking charge he spent his day meeting officials and scientists of the Ministry.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given me an opportunity to serve as the Minister of Science and Technology and I am happy about this. I am from science background and I will work to promote research in the field of Science and Technology," he said while taking charge at the Anusandhan Bhavan.
Vardhan, who was BJP's chief ministerial candidate in Delhi Assembly polls last year and later the Leader of Opposition in Delhi Legislative Assembly before being elected as an MP from Chandni Chowk, refused to comment on the current political scenario of Delhi or whether he would play any role in state politics.
Vardhan said the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which is the world's largest network of public-funded, R&D institutions, needs to be oriented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' programme.
Talking to reporters he said, "Today is World Science Day for Peace and Development ? a time to renew our pledge to consolidate the bridge between science and society. I am overwhelmed by the significance of this being my first day in my new office being a man of science myself and having as my life's mission reaching the benefits of scientific research for the benefit of the common man".
The Minister said he will visit the institutions and talk to the scientists and other staff there to understand what can be done to make them more vibrant.
"I will put research into better monsoon and weather prediction and all other activities into mission mode," he said as he took charge as of MoES at Prithvi Bhavan.
A doctor himself, Vardhan pointed out that the need of the hour is robust research into disease prevention and cure using the most modern developments.
"Indian bio-technologists are considered one of the best in the world and are staffing the major research institutions abroad. It was time such talent was harnessed for development of India's fight against the communicable and non-communicable disease burden," the minister said.
