Harsh Vardhan pitches for more investments in research from

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan has called for more investments in research from the private sector and said India could leapfrog to top two-three "scientific nations" in the world in terms of scientific advancements.

There has been increased science research activities in the country in the past few years with both government and private organisations chipping in, Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Earth Sciences and Environment, told PTI here on Monday night.

"There is need for more investments in research from private sector. It will add to the research outcome in the country," he said.

With the help of both government and private organisations India could leapfrog into top two-three "scientific nations" in the world in terms of scientific advancements, the union minister said.

"One pointer to this fact is the 14 per cent growth rate in science publications in the country in recent times," he said.

In space research India is in the top bracket, he said adding "We are the first nation in the world to reach the Mars orbit in the first attempt. This shows our overall advancement in space research."
Stating that research vessels procured by National Institute of Ocean Technology are meant basically for public research institutions, the minister said, "I think there are around 60 research institutions (government) in India which can use the research data of such vessels."
Asked if the government will procure more research vessels from Indian private sector to conduct various oceanographic missions, Harsh Vardhan said, "We will procure more vessels through due tendering process."