Today PM Modi inaugurated the 105th Indian Science Congress at Manipur University. He also introduced 'Prime Minister’s Research Fellows' scheme in which IISc, IIT, NIT, IISER & IIIT students will be offered direct admission in PhD.

“We have approved a 'Prime Minister’s Research Fellows' scheme. Under this, bright minds from the best Institutions in the country, like IISc, IIT, NIT, IISER & IIIT will be offered direct admission in PhD in IIT & IISc. This will help address brain-drain from our country, “PM Modi announced.

“The time is ripe to redefine ‘R&D’ as ‘Research’ for the ‘Development’ of the nation. Science is after all, but a means to a far greater end; of making a difference in the lives of others, of furthering human progress and welfare, “PM urged all scientists to do research for the development of Humankind.

 He added,”Our Government has already given the go-ahead to establish 3rd LIGO detector in the country. It will expand our knowledge in basic sciences in the areas of lasers, light waves & computing. I am told that our scientists are tirelessly working towards making this a reality”.

 PM Modi also lauded his initiative towards International Solar Alliance and asserted,” We are committed to increasing the share of non-fossil fuel based capacity in the electricity mix above 40% by 2030. India is a leader in the multi-country Solar Alliance and in Mission Innovation. These groupings are providing a thrust to R&D for clean energy”.

“Our scientific achievements need to be communicated to society. This will help inculcate scientific temper among youth. We have to throw open our institutions & laboratories to our children. I call upon scientists to develop a mechanism for interaction with school-children,” PM further said.

An 'Ethno-Medicinal Research Centre' has been set up in Manipur to undertake research on the wild herbs available in the North-East region, which have unique medicinal and aromatic properties along with State Climate Change Centers in 7 North-Eastern States.