Scientists seek more govt aid in agri, IT, biotech, R&D

Scientists and technologists on Wednesday demanded an increase in government support to agriculture, biotech, information technology and research and development for the industry as part of efforts to promote the socio-economic sectors.

"We have asked the government to increase (its) support to agriculture, biotech, information technology and grants to the universities," secretary of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research R A Mashelkar said after the pre-Budget meeting with Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha in New Delhi.

He said experts proposed various measures to promote science and technology for social and economic benefits.

"We also stressed on R and D, especially in the industrial sector," Mashelkar said.

Science and technology experts from the Indian Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science, All India Council for Technical Education, Tata Consultancy Services, VSNL, Nicholas Piramal, and other research bodies were present in the pre-Budget meeting.

PTI

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