RGCB seeks Union Minister's support for upgradation

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology today reiterated its plea to Union Science and Technology minister Harsh Vardhan for upgradation as Centre of Excellence and National Importance.
The plea was made to the minister when he visited the RGCB's lab facility at nearby Poojappura today.
The minister responded positively to the request for upgrading.
"We have a Prime Minister who wants to deliver at a fast pace and Narendra Modi respects science and technology," said Vardhan.
Appreciating the work being done at the centre, he said it can contribute not just to India, but to the world as well.
"We would like to help in all possible ways. Recognition as a centre of national importance is worth getting very soon," he said.

RGCB director M Radhakrishna Pillai outlined the research work done in pure, medical and technological sciences to Vardhan, who will inaugurate the first phase of RGCB's Bio-Innovation Centre tomorrow at a function to be held at the KINFRA Film and Video Park at nearby Kazhakootam.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will also be present on the occasion.
"There is a draft act pending with the Department of Biotechnology," said Pillai.
"Becoming a national level institute will allow us to carry out and promote advanced research in biotechnology," he said.
The Department of Biotechnology has already approved Rs 100 crore to the RGCB, which has done research in cervical and oral cancer and public health.