STIP-2021 draft is aligned with NEP-2020 to foster transdisciplinary research – Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
Bathinda: The Department of Botany, Central University of Punjab (C.U.P.) under the patronage of honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari organized New Year Webinar with Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology (D.S.T.), Government of India. The theme of this Webinar was ‘Fostering transdisciplinary research focused on nationally relevant issues’.
In his keynote address, D.S.T. Secretary Prof. Ashutosh Sharma emphasized that the draft of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021 (STIP 2021) is in line with National Education Policy 2020 to support transdisciplinary research in country. Prof. Sharma stated that the Draft of 5th National STIP formulated by DST along with Prime Minister’s Principal Scientific Advisor’s Office is inclusive and is aimed at democratization of science. He added that the draft STIP is open to the public for suggestions till 25th January 2021. He highlighted that several innovative reforms of the draft STIP 2021 will revolutionize the scientific research in the country including much-lauded “One Nation, One Subscription” program that is aimed to provide free nation-wide access of paid academic journals through the Centralized National Gateway. This ambitious project that comes under the ethical framework of OpenAccess and OpenScience initiative will ensure access to top academic journals that cost thousands of dollars completely free of cost to the end-users throughout the nation. During his lecture, Prof. Sharma discussed the other several key aspects of STIP such as 30% reservation for women in policy-making bodies, Dual recruitment for Couples, Modification/Waiver of General Financial Rules (GFR) for research projects of national importance, Ensuring a minimum 25% lateral recruitment of professionals & subject matter experts in ministries, promoting scientific temper, sensitizing academia on fake news, and Promoting ‘ease of doing research’ in the nation.
On this occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari highlighted the importance of Indianization of Indian science to channelize scientific research towards nationally relevant themes such as environmental issues. He lauded the efforts of DST to bring the synergy among STIP 2021 with NEP 2020. Faculty, Research Scholars and Students from across the country attended this program online. The talk received over 500 views and is archived on C.U.P. official Youtube Channel.