Prime Minister Modi exhorted scientists: extend their research from "labs to the land"

Imphal, Mar 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi today exhorted scientists to extend their research from "the labs to the land" for the greater benefit of the people and said time was ready to redefine R&D' as research for development of the country.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 105th Indian Science Congress here, he said India has a rich custom and a long history of both revelation and use of science and technology.

"The time has come to recover our rightful place among the front-line nations in this field," he stated, calling upon scientific community to extend its research from "the labs to the land".

Modi said the nation must be "future ready" in implementing technologies vital for the development and prosperity of the country.

"Technology will permit far more penetration of services such as education, health care and banking to our citizens," he said.

There is require, the prime minister stated, to communicate our scientific achievements to society.

This, he stated, will help inculcate scientific temper among the youth.

"We need to throw open our establishments and research centers to our children. I call upon scientists to build up a component for connection with school-children," he said.

He said it was his "own demand" that scientists spend 100 hours for every annum with 100 students of classes 9 to 12 to talk about science and technology as it could help nurture scientific temperament among the youth.

The government has set a target of 100 GW (giga watt) of installed solar power by 2022, Modi told the gathering.

"Efficiency of solar modules as of now accessible in the market is around 17-18 for every penny. Can our researchers take a test to think of a more proficient sun powered module, which can be delivered in India at a similar cost," he asked.

He also said the government is focused on expanding the offer of non-fossil fuel source based limit in the electricity mix above 40 percent by 2030.

India is a leader in the multi-nation Solar Alliance and in Mission Innovation. These groupings are giving a push to R and D for clean vitality, the prime minister pointed out.