CHANDIGARH, March 15, 2008: Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Union Minister of State for Finance emphasized the need for innovations to enhance productivity,
empowerment and in making the nation a super power. He was addressing the delegates at the Valedictory function of the 2nd Chandigarh Science Congress (CHASCON) at P.U. Campus here today. He hoped that such efforts would go a long way in bringing the tricity on the international map
Shri Bansal complimented the organizers for successfully organizing such conferences which would fulfill the dream of Pt. Nehru in developing
scientific temper and awareness necessary for sustained development. He expressed his concern for the agriculture sector which needed more
productivity at affordable expense for the masses.
Shri Bansal informed that the Union Government had increased the budget allocation for education by 20 per cent. In addition the Govt. was
committed to setting up new Institutes of Sciences & Research, Central Universities, three new I.I.T.’s, and had plans to support the I.T.I.’s.
The Govt. will be giving one lakh scholarships to the needy during one year.
Shri Bansal in response to Vice-Chancellor’s request announced to provide funds from his M.P.L.A.D. Fund for the purchase of shuttle service.
He released the Science Document of the CHASCON, gave prizes to the students who stood first and second in various scientific competitions.
Earlier during the Morning session of the concluding day of the Chandigarh Science Congress started with a plenary lecture by Prof. R C
Sobti, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University on conference theme ‘Empowering India by Scientific Integration, Innovation and Invention’. He stressed on
the need to integrate and put our gray matter together for innovation and invention. He emphasized to put together the 3 ‘I’s’ (integration,
innovation and invention) together for building a knowledge based society.
This was followed by a series of Popular Science lectures with varying and stimulating themes like genetic engineering; stress management; water crisis
in Punjab and challenges of drug development. An interactive and meaningful panel discussion in the afternoon session thrashed out several burning
issues related to the theme of the congress. Directors of various institutes from in and around Chandigarh discussed the various ways by which science
can empower India and assist the country in becoming a hub of scientific knowledge.
Prof. K K Bhasin, Dean Faculty of Sciences, Panjab University,presented a vote of thanks.