PM urges scientists to help government

“We have a vision that minimum services should be available to all, particularly to the poorest of the poor. We also realise it is a stupendous challenge in which science and technology has a very important role,” he said.

He said efficient water drawal and distribution system, aquifier management, modern immunologicals and drugs, community health and education, communication and management systems, cheap, effective and aesthetically pleasing housing material and nutrition strategies and systems, were all important scientific issues of great social relevance.

“These are the real problems of today, which have to be addressed on a war-footing. The National Council for Science museums must seriously consider what it can do through its projects to increase public awareness and interest in solving these problems,” he said.

Earlier, Gujral assured the West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu to consider the implementation of the ambitious Sankosh river project with required Central funds, by including it in the Ninth Plan. During his 40-minute discussion with the Prime Minister at Raj Bhavan, Basu emphasized the need for an early decision on the Sankosh project “which is very important for augmenting water supply at Farakka point of the Ganga”.The project bore considerable significance with regard to generation of 4,000 mw for the North-Eastern states. Basu also urged Gujral to ensure funds to check unabated erosion of the Padma and Bhagirathi in Malda, Murshidabad and adjacent districts.