Rekha Dixit
Science is too serious a subject to be left to scientists alone. This was the first sentiment Dr Jitendra Singh articulated as he took charge as Minister of State for Science and Technology (independent) in the Narendra Modi Government. Over the next 100 days, people around him were to realise that this is his pet phrase, one he repeats almost at every public event.
Singh, however, is a man of science himself, having been a national professor of diabetology and a professor of endocrinology at Jammu’s Government Medical College till he left it for full-time politics some years ago. The 57-year-old first-time MP, who represents Udhampur constituency, was part of a nationwide group of endocrinologists who developed the protocols for management of gestational diabetes in expectant mothers. “It is a matter of pride that the World Health Organisation accepted these guidelines,” he says.
Singh, however, wears several hats. He is not just a doctor turned politician. Somewhere in between he has squeezed in a career as a journalist, too. “I used to write a syndicated column. I would also contribute regularly to the Press Trust of India and a features agency. But, because of lack of time, I have had to give up on it,” he rues, but adds brightly, “I have several friends in the Press Club.”
A sound knowledge of science as well as a way with words¯no wonder the minister is making good effort in bridging the gap between the scientific community and general public. “Our scientists do good research, it is not talked about though,” says Singh. “Our weather forecasting system is on par with the best in the world now. We have been able to accurately predict the performance of this year’s monsoon, including the active and break cycles.” He says he is the right man for the job, given that he has had experience with the ministry’s micro-level functioning when he collaborated with it during his medical research projects. The ease and rapport he shares with the top officials of his ministries come with his background. “Our aim of becoming a world power has to be firmly based on science and technology, yet we have ignored this aspect for far too long,” he says.
Samanvaya or creating a confluence between various allied science ministries is also top on his agenda. He has various ministries and departments like earth sciences, biotechnology (independent charge), as well as the departments of atomic energy and space under him. He is also making bridges with the ministries of health and human resources and development. His 100-day report card shows his efforts on this front. The Science and Technology Ministry, along with the Health Ministry, has launched a research into preterm birth and complications at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad. “We need to be able to predict the chances of a pregnancy being preterm to reduce loss of life and complications,” he says. Another initiative between the two ministries was the launch of a nationwide project on research and treatment of cancer from the Indian perspective. Also, when it was noticed that ores of thorium were being pilfered from the mines, he suggested that the weather tracking radar be used, along with other tracking mechanisms, to monitor the movement of the radioactive ore.
The teacher in him comes naturally. Singh is comfortable explaining complicated jargon in simplified terms, which he does often during press interactions. The minister recently announced a scheme that makes it mandatory for government scientists to conduct a minimum of 12 hours of classes every year for school and college students. “We have a talent pool of scientists. Why shouldn’t their work inspire young minds?” he asks. “I believe in catching them young, at the mid-school level before they are forced into competitive exams. Another point at which to inspire them is at the undergraduate level. This will also give scientists the opportunity of interacting with young minds and sharing their work.” The nitty-gritty of the scheme is yet to be worked out as the HRD Ministry has to be roped in, but Singh says he would love to conduct some lectures himself.
He has also launched KIRAN or Knowledge, Involvement in Research, Advancement through Nurturing, a scheme for facilitating women scientists who drop out because of family and other issues. “We have lost hundreds of women scientists, we need to re-involve them,” he says. Attracting NRI scientists back into the fold is another passionate goal for him. When pointed out that similar schemes already exist, he quips, “This is new wine in new bottle. Taste it first, before you pass your verdict.” There are contentious issues, too, like the impasse over the government’s stand on genetically modified crops. “But these are inter-ministerial issues. My ministries deal only with science, not policy,” he says.
For someone whose political activities were limited to his home state, the move to Delhi as well as being entrusted with a ministry has been a big change. “But perhaps it is good for my wife, who has spent the last several years shuttling between cities to take care of her three men¯me and our two sons,” chuckles Singh. One son is a banker in Gurgaon, the other, a telecom engineer, has recently moved from Mumbai to Delhi. “So finally, we are all in the NCR, and now she should have no excuse not to spend more time with me,” he says.
Singh has had to give up his medical practice, but his patients haven’t given up on him. “I have been a doctor for long. I have three generations of patients; they chase me everywhere,” he says. “I try to do some consultations for them for free or recommend them to other doctors. But many want to consult only me; they won’t take no for an answer.”
Singh is also ensuring that the electorate, which made him the giant killer, defeating Ghulam Nabi Azad, continues to remember him. Of the numerous biotechnology parks he has announced, at least two will be set up in his home state. He has also been quick to announce the setting up of weather forecasting facility at Vaishno Devi. The Minister’s brother, Devender Singh Rana, is a member of the National Conference and quite close to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Does this ever create any issue? “No. I remain unaffected by all this. I only concentrate on my work,” he says.
Singh also shares a rather dubious distinction with Modi. He, too, was denied a US visa in 2011. “Oh, you still remember it? I think it was because of the Amarnath issue [He had led an agitation in 2008 to restore forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, which had polarised the valley on communal lines].” But he says all that is history now. “There has been a sea change in the world’s outlook towards India over the last 100 days,” he says.
He has only taken his first steps into his ministry, but Singh is clear how he would like to see it at the end of his tenure. “I want science and technology to make headlines regularly,” he says. “I don’t want our scientific news to be tucked in some inside corner.”
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
* Special schemes to encourage women and NRI scientists
* Synergy between various scientific ministries and departments
* Catch-them-young schemes to inspire students to take up science
* Make science a hot news topic
* Scale up technology, tie up with manufacturing
* Use science as a tool for development
(Courtesy: The Week)
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