Rs 19-cr project to boost science & research in govt, aided colleges

The state government has announced seven programmes, including opening centres of excellence, to further science education and research in government and aided colleges in Karnataka.

The programmes are based on the recommendations of the Vision Group on Science and Technology (VGST) headed by renowned scientist C N R Rao. Rs 19 crore has been earmarked this fiscal year for implementing the programmes.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Science and Technology Minister M R Seetharam said the Centre of Excellence in Science, Engineering and Medicine would be opened at three select colleges in the state. A grant of Rs 20 lakh per year for each centre will be provided for the next three years.

In an effort to provide the facilities needed for the promotion of research activities besides utilising latest teaching aids in science and engineering colleges, Centres of Innovative Science and Engineering Education will be set up in three colleges. Seed money of up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided for promoting research among young faculty members in colleges and universities.

Seetharam said a reward of Rs 25,000 would be given to 20 faculty members for the research. He added that the Karnataka Fund for Infrastructure Strengthening in Science and Technology in Higher Education Institutions would be set up for financial support for higher education institutions for improving basic infrastructure.

The programmes will be implemented in association with government departments, autonomous institutions, universities, non-governmental organisations and educational institutions, the minister said and added that construction of India’s first 3D planetarium in Mangaluru was in full swing and it would be completed by December.

DH News Service