In a high-level meeting with Secretaries of Scientific Ministries, Departments, and Organizations and other higher officials,  Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the need for a structured competency framework for individuals working in scientific institutions. The Minister directed that the framework, developed in coordination with the Capacity Building Commission, should incorporate both functional and domain-specific competencies. Emphasizing the importance of outreach, he insisted that "how much is my outreach to the public stakeholders" be included as a key performance indicator (KPI), a facet often overlooked by science ministries.

Taking stock of the ambitious “Vigyan Shakti” initiative, the Minister reviewed its progress and reiterated its role as a unified repository aimed at catalysing scientific efforts into developmental outcomes. Built on pillars such as inter-agency collaboration, industry-academia interactions and leadership and governance, the initiative seeks to maximize returns on investment in science. As part of this, he assessed the India Science, Technology, and Innovation (ISTI) Portal, which is envisioned to consolidate the database of India’s science and technology ecosystem and enhance accessibility to critical research resources.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also reviewed the status of the Common Fellowship Portal, designed as a one-stop platform for research grants  India. According to the latest data, the portal has garnered over 5,000 registered users, with more than 1,500 having completed their profiles and being eligible to apply for fellowships. The Minister expressed satisfaction at the growing participation and encouraged further awareness efforts to make research grants more accessible to young scientists.

In a push to bridge the gap between research and industry, Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed that all scientific labs under various ministries develop a dedicated calendar for industrial meets. He highlighted that a structured engagement with the private sector would not only accelerate the commercialization of scientific discoveries but also enhance their impact on public welfare. Such an Initiative, he stated, would ensure that technological breakthroughs reach the masses faster and more efficiently.

In a move to promote inclusivity in scientific research, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged all departments to explore opportunities for attaching tribal students to various scientific institutes for internships and exposure. He stressed that such initiatives would provide underprivileged students with valuable insights into research and innovation, fostering a more diverse and inclusive scientific community.

The meeting was attended by Dr. A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, along with Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Biotechnology; Shri Ravi Chandran, Secretary, Earth Sciences; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG, CSIR; Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space and other senior officials.

The meeting marked a significant step towards institutionalizing structured scientific engagement, fostering innovation, and ensuring that the benefits of research extend beyond laboratories to public stakeholders.

 

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NKR/PSM

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