Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 4: Elaborating on efforts being initiated to optimally harness the potential of science and technology as an instrument for socio-economic growth, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Feroz Ahmad Khan, today said that development of this vital sector is not only restricted to laboratories and academic institutions but it is being extended to every important sector like agriculture and infrastructural development in the State.
The Minister was speaking at Science Scholarship Award distribution function organized by the State Council for Science and Technology under the scheme “Science Talent Promotion” at Government Women College, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
He said that the objective of the scheme is to provide incentives in the form of scholarships to the students during their academics at post-matric, graduation and post-graduation level so that they may pursue and continue science subjects besides studying in any area of science and technology for generating human resource and technology.
The Minister said that these incentives will attract and encourage the students to fully exploit their scientific talent in a more organized manner. “This will also help the State to produce best scientists and researchers”, he maintained.
On the occasion, the Minister distributed cheques worth Rs 4.50 lakh among 75 students of Jammu Division pursuing science subjects at post-matric, graduation and post-graduation levels as a token of appreciation and encouragement of the selected students. He stressed upon the students to work hard and prove their metal in every field of life to face the challenges of present day with added vigour and courage.
Giving details of the programme, Joint Director Science and Technology, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad said that under the scheme 55 meritorious science students including 25 each from Kashmir and Jammu besides 5 from Ladakh region, who secure 60% marks, are being provided scholarship of Rs. 300, Rs 500 and Rs 700 per month at post-matric, graduation and post-graduation level respectively with the aim to promotion and development of human resources in the State.
Besides Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology Vipul Pathak and Principal GWC Gandhi Nagar, Dr. Kiran Bakhshi, a large number of students, parents, faculty members and staff of the college were present on the occasion.