Minister for S&T & Earth Sciences takes charge
On 04th June 2019, Dr. HarshVardhan assumed charge as minister for S&T and Earth Sciences in New Delhi. He first took charge as the minister of Science and Technology at the Anusandhan Bhavan and later as the minister for Earth Sciences at the Prithvi Bhavan. He was greeted at the office by Secretary Department of Science & Technology (DST), Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Rajeevan, Secretary Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Dr. Renu Swaroop, DG Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr. Shekhar C Mande, and other senior officials of the ministry.
Briefing the media after assuming the charge, the Union Minister said that he is grateful to Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi for once again bestowing his trust and giving him the portfolio for a second term.
“Last four-and-a-half years were an excellent experience as the minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences. I got a lot of support from scientists and we did some excellent work. In the next five years, we have to increase the pace of our work,” said Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan praised the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for accurate prediction of cyclone FANI. He said that currently, about 42 million farmers are receiving crop specific agro-meteorological advisories in vernacular languages. “We are in the process of formulating the “Deep Ocean Mission” program encompassing various aspects of oceans in an integrated framework and is one of the focus areas for the coming days,” said Dr. Vardhan.
After assuming the charge, the Minister also held a meeting with the senior officers of the Ministry where he was briefed on the key initiatives and policy issues of the Ministry. The minister asked the officials to work with increased vigour and intensity and make India a top country in weather prediction among the world.
“Several important programmes planned by the government in its first tenure are already in the implementation stage - supercomputers, upgradation of infrastructure for weather and other earth sciences-related institutes, big data initiatives. The focus this time is expected to give these crucial projects a push”, says the minister.