Few takers for DRDO research schemes in Bihar

‘Any institution cannot grow without research development’

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has often expressed concern that proposals for research from Bihar are few and far between. On Sunday, it was the turn of country's apex research organsiation, Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), ministry of defence to share similar concern.

HT Image

"We have a budget of Rs. 150 cr for boosting research and development on nano-technology and other allied fields, but from Bihar is hardly any proposal," said DRDO director Chandra Prakash. He was speaking at the semimar on 'development of nonotechnology sensors for defence application', organized by Vidyadan Institute of Technology and Management, Dumraon.

The seminar was sponsored by DRDO - first in the state. The only funding DRDO has done in Bihar for nanotechnology is to Prof NK Singh of Veer Kuer Singh University (VKSU), Ara. Chandra Prakash, who has over 350 published research papers, exhorted the institutions to carry out research and development, for which DRDO could give financial assistance.

"Any institution cannot grow without research development. There should be more and more collaborative programmes," he said. Vidyadan Institute director AK verma, who himself worked at DRDO for several years, said that institution would soon be sending a proposal for research on nanotech sensors.

Bihar legislative assembly chairman Amrendra Pratap Singh, who was the chief guest on the occasion, dwelt on the growing role of nanotech, especially in the field of defence. He also assured all possible help to the institute for it. A large number of professors and researchers, including Dr NK Nischal, Dr Ajay Thakur from IIT, Patna and Prof NP Lal from NIT, Patna participated in the conference.

The institute, which is affiliated to Aryabhatt Knowledge University has leading names from the field of science and technology, including scientists from the DRDO, in its board of governors. "We are planning serious research on nanotech. The DRDO has assured assistance. For smaller projects, they give Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 3 crore. For bigger projects, they can give up to Rs. 20 crore," said Verma.