Srinagar, May 26: Union Minister of State for Earth Science and Science & Technology, Ashwani Kumar Thursday said centre was keen to develop human resources in Kashmir.
 He said a massive Skill Development Programme has been initiated to increase their employability.
 Talking to media persons, he said his department will encourage university groups interested in specific research programmes to apply ‘Respond’ scheme.
 He said this will enable scientific groups working in the universities of J&K to pursue research activities in space technology, space applications including natural resources studies as well as space sciences. “The necessary support to make the proposals from the university could be made available from the department of Space, he added.
 The Minister, according to an official statement, said that centre for excellence in atmospheric sciences would be established in Jammu and Kashmir for promotion of specialized training in post graduate studies in atmospheric sciences and mountain meteorology with stimulation and modeling.
 He said opportunities will be provided to students interested in the research areas of Astronomy and atmospheric science and planetary science to seek short term positions in the department of space.
 Kumar said that initiatives will be taken to make SK University of Agriculture Science and Technology, Kashmir a model university for mountain agriculture education and research.
 He said training in key science and technology institutions in which every year 30 to 50 scientists from J and K will be trained for science and skills development for a period ranging from two months to two years, adding the support will be in the form of fellowships, institutional charges and expenses for stay in university and research support.
 The minister said international fellowship wherein DBT will provide up to 10 international fellowships to scientists from J and K for oversees training in specialized areas annually will also be facilitated.
 He said a special provision for selecting students of universities in J and K to work at the facility set up at Leh for astronomical observations will also be made.
 Ashwani said five institutions will be identified for imparting training to college teachers to enhance their skills in bio technology. The department will be happy to provide special orientation and training programmes to the interested post graduate students of the universities in Jammu and Kashmir so that they can take advantage of these laboratories /establishments to pursue first rate research.
 The Minister said ten star colleges one in each district will be supported for undertaking high quality research in life science. This will include support towards manpower, infrastructure and related costs, he added.
 Ashwani said improving corn multiplication technology in saffron will receive priority.
 On a point about vulnerability of J and K and forecasting of earthquakes, the Minister said the Centre is contemplating to establish a seismic centre in the State.
 To a question about electricity crisis, Ashwani stressed on reducing transmission and distributions losses.
 The Member (Science) Planning Commission, Government of India Dr K Kasturirangan, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University Dr Riyaz Punjabi, Secretary, Information and Science and Technology,   M K Dwedi, and other faculty members of the varsity were present on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 IST