SRINAGAR: Minister for Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, today convened a review meeting regarding functioning of the department at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology, Saurabh Bhagat and other senior officers of the department.
Regarding establishment of the Science Centre at Jammu, the Minister directed for early identification of suitable piece of land and assured full support for allotment of the same. He was briefed about the latest status of upcoming Sub-Regional Science Centre Srinagar and was informed that the said centre would be ready for inauguration by March 2025.
Regarding the Industrial Biotechnology Parks, Handwara and Kathua, the Minister was apprised of the latest status of these parks viz- a-viz completion of construction work, release of funds and engagement of staff for making these two parks functional. He instructed for taking up the matter with DBT, GoI and IIIM-CSIR, Jammu for their early completion and subsequent handover to JKST&IC.
The Minister was given a brief presentation about the progress achieved by the department in implementation of programs like IEC-Science popularization activities, Science talent promotion, transfer of land for establishment of demonstration farms of aromatic and medicinal plants and innovation dissemination centre, Srinagar.
Satish Sharma was also apprised of other issues related to the department, employees strength and their DPCs. He assured his full support and cooperation in the removal of bottlenecks/impediments.
The Minister appreciated the department of Science and Technology for receiving an award from MNRE for highest installed solar and Renewable Energy Capacity.
The Commissioner Secretary gave a brief presentation about working and other aspects of the department of Science and Technology. Additional Director, JKST&IC, Dr. Nasir Shah gave a presentation on JK Science Technology & Innovation Council and briefed the Minister about various schemes and programmes being implemented by the JKST&IC.
Dr. P. R Dhar, Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA, also gave a detailed presentation about various schemes being implemented by the agency in the UT of J&K including solarization of government buildings and Jammu City under Jammu Solar City Mission.
The Minister was also informed about the implementation of different components of the PM-KUSUM scheme. He laid emphasis on the role of renewable energy in the agricultural sector.