UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Briefly explain the status of science and technology in Uttar Pradesh. Discuss the efforts made by Uttar Pradesh for the advancement of science and technology. Highlight the issues involved. Conclude with the way forward.

Introduction

Uttar Pradesh (UP) has a rich legacy in the field of science and technology. From Jaunpur born Lalji Singh, known as the “Father of Indian DNA fingerprinting” to Muzaffarnagar born Brahma Singh, a great Indian horticulture scientist, the contribution of the state in scientific advancements is significant.

The Council of Science and Technology, Uttar Pradesh (CST, UP) was established on 1st May 1975 by the Government of Uttar Pradesh under the Department of Science and Environment. CST, UP was given an autonomous status as a registered body under the Societies Registration Act 1860.

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The following efforts made by Uttar Pradesh for the advancement of science and technology:

• Establishment of Scientific and Research-based Institutions: Several prominent institutions have been established in the State like SGPGI Lucknow, IIT Kanpur, AIIMS Gorakhpur, Kalyan Singh Cancer Institute Lucknow, etc.
• R&D Promotion: CST, UP has started ‘Summer Research Fellowships’ for bright students of M.Sc. 1st & 2nd year (studying in Uttar Pradesh) to work with renowned Professors/Scientists from premier institutes of India. In the budget 2023-24, it is announced that Uttar Pradesh will establish the State Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development and a sum of Rs 20 crore has been allocated for the purpose.
• Biotechnology: Infrastructure & Capability Development in the State for Biotechnology is an initiative that provides financial assistance to R&D projects in various areas (Agri-Biotech, Biopharma & Diagnostics, Bioinformatics, Environment & Bioremediation, Bioenergy, Industrial Biotech) of Biotechnology.
• Science Popularization- Science for All: Its objective is to disseminate scientific knowledge, to create a scientific attitude, and to develop a scientific temper among the masses in rural and urban areas (District-level children’s science festival, Science and Technology Exhibition and Mela).
• Planetarium: Indira Gandhi Planetarium has an exhibit gallery on the ground floor with models and displays based on the Indian space program and astronomy. Veer Bahadur Singh Planetarium serves as a learning center for children in the city. Aryabhata Planetarium, Rampur, is in operation for the public.
• Innovation Promotion: CST, UP is working to recognize, respect, and reward grassroots innovators and traditional knowledge experts. Target Groups are Farmers, Artisans, Workers, Mechanics, Traditional Medicine Practitioners, and Students.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): A Patent Information Centre has been set up by CST, UP, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, to provide regional-level services regarding intellectual property rights.
• Data Centre: UP has established North India’s first hyper-scale data centre ‘Yotta D1’ in Greater Noida.
• Mapping of Science and Technology Needs in Uttar Pradesh: To make an inventory of the problems in relevant sectoral areas of the entire state requiring S&T intervention.
• Training In Frontier Areas of Science and Technology: This is an Entrepreneurship Development Programme. Under this programme, unemployed youths are motivated and trained for the creation of their own business/enterprises or self-employment. Training provided by experts in selected / important sectors like Agricultural Technologies, Biotechnology, Herbal Pharmaceutical, Electricals, and Electronics.

Issues related to the advancement of science and technology in Uttar Pradesh:

• Lack of Funding: One of the main reasons for R&D inadequacies in the state is the lack of adequate funding for research and development, especially private investment.
• Lack of Infrastructure: There are few well-equipped laboratories and research facilities in the state, which limits the ability of researchers to carry out advanced research.
• Limited Collaboration between Academia and Industry: It hinders innovation and the commercialization of research. There is also a lack of focus on applied research, which is critical for the development of new products and technologies.
• Inadequate Education and Training: There is also a lack of training opportunities for researchers to improve their skills and keep up with the latest advances in their fields.

Conclusion

Thus, Uttar Pradesh is emphasizing the promotion of science and technology, realizing that it is a key element for socio-economic growth. Hence, there is a need to bring a state-specific Science and Technology Policy’ for the comprehensive and inclusive development of science and technology in the state.