India is well-poised to reboot economy through S&T: Dr Harsh Vardhan
Published: May 12, 2020
NEW DELHI, MAY 12, THE Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, yesterday said that India's fight against the Covid-19 is moving fast ahead strongly and steadily. He was addressing a Digital Conference, RE-START - 'Reboot the Economy through Science, Technology and Research Translations ', organised to celebrate the National Technology Day here. The Conference was organised by the Technology Development Board (TDB) a statutory body of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
While applauding the Ministry of Science & Technology's response to epidemics like COVID in the country, Dr. Harsh Vardhan emphasized that the S&T response reflects the collaborative spirit of the entire S&T ecosystem. "Indian Government, academia, scientists, startups, entrepreneurs and industry have been working relentlessly to find solutions to combat this pandemic. We must appreciate the efforts of our scientists, our entrepreneurs and our institutions working to find quick and deployable solutions for Covid-19. New discoveries, industry partnerships, and enhanced researches have thus, been rapidly developed and adopted", said the minister.
"Within a short period of time, the nation has been able to mobilize a number of researchers to develop new testing kits, protective equipment, respiratory devices, etc", he added.
The Minister also apprised the audience about the 'COVID-19 Task Force' set up by the Government to map the COVID-19 related technology capabilities. "Our Government has vigorously supported the 'Make in India' Programme. This has brought in scientific institutions and startups to develop the Covid-19 tests, masks, sanitizers, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and ventilators," he further added.
On the theme for the National Technology Day this year, Dr. Harsh Vardhan pointed out, "We need to mitigate the widespread economic impact and prepare for a stronger recovery using self-reliance as the new mantra. Thus, we look towards new opportunities to galvanize growth in the technological and industrial sector."
While delivering his special address, Dr. V K Saraswat, member NITI Aayog pointed out the importance of technologies like new-age technologies, medical and manufacturing technologies in boosting the economy as the world adjusts to the new normal.
