Industry-lab Interface, key for 'Make in India': Minister

The Dollar Business Bureau Collaboration between private and state-run science and technology laboratories is the key to success of the government’s “Make in India” campaign, said Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science and Technology. The minister asked private players in the field of scientific research to look within to achieve technological competitiveness and breakthrough products. He said ‘‘Make in India’ is already happening in the laboratories of the Centre of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and other institutions. In his address to the media after visiting the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister expressed concern over the lack of cooperation between private science laboratory operators and the government in the country. “Our scientists are getting accolades at the highest forums abroad, but, sadly for the country, Indian industry is unresponsive,” he said. The minister said that the prime minister’s call for “Make in India” needs to be translated on the ground through collaborations between private players, who own more than 70% of the manufacturing sector, and science and technology laboratories, 85 % of which are in the government sector. Speaking on the role of CSIR-NIIST in providing technology benefits, the minister lauded the institution for its efforts in achieving agricultural breakthroughs, research in oil palms benefits showing the world an inexpensive way to tackle malnutrition. He said that in China, an institution under CSIR-NIIST will be perceived as a national asset and every manufacturing unit will be making a beeline for its processes and products. “Sadly, in this country, the emphasis has been on seeking foreign technology and the reality there is that foreigners seldom part with the best,” he added. Making a special case for the research into palm oil and fresh ginger used for health benefits of young children, the minister announced the setting up of a pilot plant aimed at increasing production of bio-ethanol from agricultural waste. This programme is vital for attaining self-reliance for the country in the energy sector, especially for transport sector, he added. Acknowledging that the Indian scientists have developed cutting edge technologies in various fields, the minister called upon the need to spread awareness about their achievements.    

May 16, 2015 | 5:15 pm IST.