Introduction
Science involves the systematic study of the natural world to uncover fundamental knowledge through observation and experimentation, while technology utilizes this scientific knowledge for practical purposes, creating solutions and tools to address human needs and solve real-world problems.
Science and technology play pivotal roles in shaping societies and economies, with their impact extending to every corner of the globe, including the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (U.P). In U.P, like in many regions, there are both opportunities and challenges associated with the ever-evolving landscape of science and technology.
Science & Technology
| Science and technology are related concepts, but they have distinct differences : –
1. Nature and Purpose : Science : Science is the systematic study of the natural world to understand its principles and behaviour. It aims to uncover fundamental knowledge about the universe, often through experimentation and observation. 2. Focus : Science : Science seeks to explain “why” and “how” things work in the natural world. It is driven by curiosity and a quest for knowledge. 3. Outcome : Science : The outcome of science is primarily knowledge and understanding of the natural world. It leads to discoveries, theories, and laws. 4. Methods : Science : Scientists use the scientific method, which includes systematic observation, experimentation, data collection, and analysis, to uncover natural laws and principles. 5. Examples : Science : Physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy are examples of scientific disciplines. In summary, science is concerned with understanding the natural world, while technology is focused on applying that understanding to solve specific problems and meet human needs. They are interdependent, with advances in science often driving technological innovations, and technology enabling new scientific discoveries. |
The Council of Science and Technology
For research and development related to science and technology, the Council of Science and Technology was constituted as an autonomous institution in 1975 under the ‘Department of Science and Technology’ of the state government.
At present this council is working on projects related to research promotion, science and technology popularisation, regional and state level infrastructure development, biotechnology development, planetarium development, entrepreneurship development, medical, agriculture and bio-related research and development etc.
Five Regional Science and Technology Centres have been established so far at Agra, Moradabad, Varanasi, Bareilly and Gautam Buddh Nagar to encourage state wide field programs of the Council. Some of the major programmes/projects run by the Council are as follows –
- Research Promotion Scheme.
- The Young Scientist Scheme.
- The Young Scientist Visiting Fellowship.
Research Promotion Scheme
Under this scheme, evaluation and monitoring are conducted for the implementation of research projects on various subjects in the field of science and technology. The Research Promotion Scheme covers various fields, including Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Medical Science, Agricultural Science, Geology, and more. Evaluation and monitoring of research project implementation in the selected areas are carried out through the universities located in the state, agricultural universities, King George’s Medical University, Technical University of Uttar Pradesh, as well as research institutions, post-graduate colleges, and other research laboratories and institutions affiliated with them. Research projects are typically approved for a duration of 3 years.
The Young Scientist Scheme
The Young Scientist Scheme was initiated in 2007-08 to encourage scientists under the age of 35 to conduct research. Under this scheme, grants are provided for a period of 3 years to young scientists conducting research in institutions located within the state.
The Young Scientist Visiting Fellowship
The Young Scientist Visiting Fellowship was also launched in 2007-08 to promote research among scientists up to the age of 40. This scheme offers a benefit of up to 6 months and is accessible to researchers engaged in research at institutions located outside the state (but not abroad).
Technological development, upgrading, and transfer
These projects necessitate technology transfer and public participation, involving the collaboration of technical experts and voluntary organisations.
Some of the projects completed so far include the development of aluminium-lead alloy, the creation of a new model of India Mark-2 hand pump, the modernisation of rice hullers, and the development of a micro hydel demonstration unit, among others.
National Children’s Science Congress
The Children’s Science Congress is organised every year through the state-level organisation ‘Vikas’(Prayagraj). This has been happening since 1993.
It operates under the joint oversight of the Science and Technology Communication Council and the State Science and Technology Council of the Government of India.
During this event, projects presented by children in the age groups of 10 to 14 and 14 to 17 years are featured.
EduSat
Under the joint aegis of two central organisations, ISRO and the Council for Science and Technology Communication, as well as the State Science and Technology Council, a Satellite Way Computer Interactive Centre has been established in the auditorium of the Council, located in Lucknow.
Since April 2009, this centre has been conducting lectures on various subjects of science.
Scientific Honours
The State Science and Technology Council awards the following honours to scientists born in the state who have worked for at least 10 years in any institution or department within the state :
- Vigyaan Gaurav Sammaan (5 lakhs, 1 scientist)
- Vigyaan Ratna Award (2.50 – 2.50 lakh, two scientists)
- Young Scientist Award (1 lakh each, 5 scientists)
- New Innovator Award (25 – 25 thousand, 5 teachers)
- Child Scientist Award (25 thousand each, for 5 child scientists below 18 years of age)
- Science Student Honours.
Centre of Excellence
In the 11th Plan, many Centres of Excellence are planned to be established in the state. These centres are aimed at enhancing infrastructure, building capacity, and upgrading human resources for research and development in specific areas of science and technology.
In this sequence, three Centres of Excellence have been established so far :
- The first one is at PGI-Lucknow, focusing on research in encephalitis.
- The second is located at Aligarh M.U.V., specialising in research on material science.
- The third is at Agricultural University, Meerut, with a focus on agri-biotechnology.
Planetariums
To raise awareness and interest in astronomy among the people of the state, there are three permanent and two mobile planetariums under the supervision of the Council. The Prayagraj Planetarium operates independently of the Council’s control.
- Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow – Located near the Gomti River in Lucknow, with a capacity of 224 seats, the Indira Gandhi Planetarium has been operational since May 9, 2003.
- Veer Bahadur Singh Planetarium, Gorakhpur – Situated under the Ramgarh Tal Pariyojna, this planetarium with a capacity of 400 seats is operated by the Council.
- Aryabhatta Planetarium – Based on laser technology in Rampur, this is India’s first planetarium. It was originally named Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Planetarium and was inaugurated on September 18, 2012.
- Mobile Planetariums – In remote districts for the dissemination of astronomy, two mobile planetariums are active in the state.
- Jawahar Planetarium – Located in the Anand Bhavan complex in Prayagraj, this planetarium was inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on November 29, 1980. In March 2012, modern equipment (digital system) was installed, increasing the number of seats from 80 to 96.
Remote Sensing Technology
With the aim of obtaining accurate data related to natural resources, the Remote Sensing Utilisation Centre was established in Lucknow in 1982.
Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Park
Its objective is to provide necessary information and inspiration to young individuals undergoing technical education to establish their own industries. Several parks of this kind have been established in the state.
Scientific Awareness Programs
The Council regularly organises various programs in the state to promote scientific awareness. These include events such as organising programs on National Technology Day, lectures by scientists, scientific essay competitions, intellectual property awareness campaigns, scientific model competitions, training workshops, and more.
Science Clubs
Under the Council’s supervision, science clubs have been established in nearly all districts of the state to encourage scientific activities.
Patent Cell
Patent cells have been established in 5 universities in the state to work as Patent Information Centres and for various programs related to the protection of intellectual property.
Biotechnology
The state initiated a special effort related to the multidimensional use of biotechnology in areas such as agriculture, industry, food and nutrition management, healthcare, environment, and energy, among others, for the first time in 1998-99.
In the 89th Indian Science Congress of 2002, Lucknow was declared as India’s Biotechnology City.
Biotechnology Policy – 2004
This policy was announced with several objectives. These include establishing the state as a leader in the field of biotechnology, attracting industrial investments based on biotechnology, conserving and efficiently utilising biological resources for long-term commercial use, promoting biotechnology research and development, and establishing leading research centres in pioneering scientific fields. Additionally, this policy includes provisions for the formation of a Biotechnology Development Board.
Biotechnology Development Board – Under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, the formation of a 33-member Biotechnology Development Board was carried out on October 3, 2004. The primary objective of the board is to establish the state as a leader in the field of biotechnology.
Biotechnology Park, Lucknow
The Biotech Park in Lucknow is being developed primarily to commercialise research outcomes related to the extensive production of biotechnology-based materials. These materials include bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides, organic acids, organic solvents, antibiotics, diagnostic kits, and plant tissue culture beyond natural products. The development of this BioTech Park is primarily supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, in the form of pilot facilities located in Lucknow.
The Biotech Park, located in Lucknow, has been established as an autonomous institution. Its establishment took place within the premises of the Biotech Park in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Bio-fertiliser Project
Since 2006, the ‘Production, Training, Exhibition, and Development of Blue Green Algal Bio-fertilisers’ project has been operational at the BioTech Networking Facility Centre located at Bakshi Talab. Here, the production of bio-fertilisers and training of farmers in bio-fertiliser production, among other activities, are carried out.
Jatropha Cloning Garden Project
At the BioTech Networking Facility Centre located at Bakshi Talab, with the assistance of the Central Government, work is underway on a 10-acre land for the ‘Improvement of Jatropha Curcas L. through Evaluation of Diversity and Establishment of Clone/Seed Orchards and Developing Quality Planting Stocks’ project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Uttar Pradesh stands at the crossroads of embracing science and technology to address its challenges and drive progress. While it faces issues like digital divide and infrastructure gaps, its efforts in promoting research, education, and innovation are commendable. With continued investment and strategic planning, UP has the potential to harness the full benefits of science and technology for the betterment of its people and the state’s development.