Thiruvananthapuram: Scientists in the country are about to organise ‘March for Science’ similar to the one held all over the world in April.
A collective called ‘Breakthrough Science Society’ is holding it in Thiruvananthapuram and other cities on August 9 mainly demanding at least 3% of GDP to scientific and technological research, and ensure policies based on scientific research. When the global event was held on April 22, Indian scientists were not able to join the movement. But as there have been drastic cuts in funds, they decided on a similar march in India.
In June, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) director general Girish Sahni had declared a financial emergency at CSIR.
After meeting salaries, pensions and such expenses, only a minuscule amount was left for its labs.
IITs and IISERs have been forced to raise the students’ fees to meet the expenses.
They say science is important not just for the scientific advancement of the country, but for its social health.
“Even mob lynchings and honour killings are expressions of a lack of scientific temper. People’s conduct will be rational when their thinking stems out of rational reflection,” says Soumitra Banerjee.
