Exclusive Research On Deadly JE Need Of Hour: Union Minister

Bhubaneswar: Attending a special workshop at the Institute of Life Science here on Friday after inaugurating a new research and development building on the premises, Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan called upon scientists at the institute to do exclusive research on the deadly disease Japanese Encephalitis (JE) that has so far claimed many precious lives in the Malkangiri district in the State here.

“As the Health Minister earlier, I’d spent two-three nights in Bihar and UP. The deadly disease Japanese Encephalitis has been taking a toll on many precious lives of children in the States over the years. It has also surfaced in Odisha. Exclusive research on the deadly disease is need of the hour so that precious lives can be saved in future. I’d also discussed the sensitive case then in America. It’s true that vaccine is there, but a remedy is needed and would be more helpful.”

Later addressing a press meet at the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) here on Friday, the Union Minister said, “Research papers are important, but more important is the research helping the common man. Thus, research by the scientists shouldn’t be limited to the four walls of laboratories.”

Urging the scientists to think out-of-box, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that several government programmes need support of the scientific community.

“Modi Government has come up with schemes like ‘Swachh Bharat’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Startup India’, ‘Standup India’, Bio-Toilet and others. All these people-oriented schemes need support of the scientific community. Hence, the scientists should think out-of-box to help the people,” he added.

Addressing the scientists and students, the Union Minister for Science and Technology stressed on exploring the possibilities of using more and more scientific skills for proper utilisation of mineral resources.

He further said India has achieved a key position in the global science and research fields for which over 250 Indian scientists have returned to the country in the last 2-3 years.

Laying foundation stone for the Iron Ore Pelletisation Pilot Plant at the IMMT premises and later discussing with the scientists and researchers there, the Union Minister for Science and Technology said, “A pilot project for pelletisation of iron ore is a major initiative undertaken by Institute of Mineral and Materials Technology (IMMT) Bhubaneswar”.

“China is the only other country that has honed this technology. Our success can save a lot of foreign exchange in terms of import,” the Minister added addressing a gathering there.

He also reviewed the ongoing work on mineral processing and seabed minerals’ programme at the institute and focused on the need for science and technology to aid to progress of the under-privileged and tribal areas of the country.

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