Approach:

Introduction: Describe the context of the 108^th National Science Congress.

Body: Mention how Science & Technology can ensure self-reliance, also mention challenges in this sector and issues for translation of S&T for Atma-nirbharta.

Conclusion: Mention suggestions connecting with the theme of the science congress.

Answer:

The Prime Minister recently remarked at the 108th national science congress that science in India should make the country atma-nirbhar, further suggesting that fulfilling India’s requirements should be the root of all inspiration for the entire scientific community as science plays a crucial role in the advancement of any country towards great heights.

Potential of science and technology for making India Atma-Nirbhar:

• Will help find solutions to the most pressing challenges such as energy security through energy innovation, for example, the scientific community’s focus on National Hydrogen Mission.
• Self-reliance in health by research in medicines to emerging diseases and vaccines. CoVID times demonstrated our capacity with India now becoming the first country to roll out a nasal vaccine for COVID.
• Atma-nirbharta by empowering people through inclusive development by bringing efforts from lab to land such as through research in millets by boosting the incomes of small and marginal farmers.
• Atma-nirbharta in ensuring sustainable development -Role in promoting circular economy for example through better waste management by new technologies like PUSA’s bio-decomposer to tackle stubble burning.
• Decreased external dependence by utilisation of emerging technologies like quantum computing, augmented reality etc. For example- Use of Internet of Things and robotics by industries will boost output.
• Atma-nirbharat in Defence-Strategic self-reliance such as by innovations in semiconductor chips, rare earth materials like Yttrium is used in armaments

Challenges in science and technology contributing to Atma-Nirbharta:

• Low research expenditure- India’s Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) is currently around 0.6% of GDP is quite low compared to the US and China (more than 2%). This affects fundamental as well as applied research for growth.
  1. There is low private sector contribution. Most research led by large institutions unconnected with surrounding problems
• Traditionally less focus on innovation due to theory-based learning in education, and less focus on hands-on learning. Atal Innovation Mission is being implemented to change this.
• Lack of availability of critical mineral resources such as dependency on China for lithium-ion batteries for the manufacture of electric vehicles.
• Traditional Intellectual Property Regime is not in sync with innovation with the need for legislation to strengthen IP rights and promote further research as also emphasised frequently by US Trade Representative Reports.
• Under-representation of marginalised groups such as women in research due to coinciding career and biological clocks, mindsets of people etc. With few women in the field, the quality of science and the advancement of society are both affected. Steps such as the KIRAN and CURIE schemes to promote women-led scientific development.

It is not just the responsibility of government and industries to promote scientific advancement for self-reliance but of everyone such as students, parents etc. to promote scientific temperament as stated in Article 51A(h) as our fundamental duty.