JOIN USThe scheme announced by the Union minister for science and technology Jitendra Singh by which scientists working with departments under the ministry will have to teach students of schools and colleges for a specified period of time every year is a welcome initiative.
The aim is to develop a link between laboratories and technology centres where the scientists work and class rooms where future scientific talent has to be groomed. In the existing system in the country there is a disconnect between these two important segments. In all countries where science and technology have developed there is an organic and productive link between academic institutions on the one side and industry and centres of science on the other. India should have taken steps to develop such linkages much earlier than now.
According to the plan, scientists from the S&T and allied departments and the laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research will have to take classes in schools and undergraduate colleges for 12 hours every year. The requirement is mandatory and the scientists’ record of performance may even be evaluated. It will not affect the scientists’ work in their institutions because they need to set apart only 12 hours in an year for engagement with students. It will certainly help students to widen their horizons of knowledge and develop scientific temper. For most students in India scientists are distant and unreal entities. Experiences of direct and personal interaction with them will benefit the students a lot. Many of them may get more interested in science and may be encouraged to choose scientific research as a career opportunity in future.
It is well known that the state of science education in the country is in a bad state. This has much to do with the lack of infrastructure and the absence of adequate number of trained teachers. While these need to be improved, it is also necessary to give students a better understanding of science and give them more perspectives about it. Scientists, with their knowledge and real experience of research, will be able to do it. They will also stand to gain from their interaction with growing and inquisitive minds.
The initiative should not be reduced to a routine government scheme devoid of spirit and a sense of purpose. It should also be planned and structured well so that schools in both towns and villages are involved in it. Since the idea is good and innovative, it should be implemented well.