Department of Biotechnology Celebrates 22nd Foundation Day

The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India today celebrated its 22nd Foundation Day. Inaugurating the function organized in New Delhi to mark the occasion, Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences appreciated the initiatives taken by the Department of Biotechnology for promoting biotechnology in India through various schemes/programmes. Recalling the efforts of the visionary leader late Rajiv Gandhi who set up the Department in 1986, the Minister said that in a short span of 22 years the Biotechnology Department has made great contribution to nation building. He, however, stressed the need for expanding the physical and technical sources of the Department in near future so as to meet emerging challenges effectively. The Minister informed the gathering that new institutions are being located in 4 technology clusters namely Agri-Food Technology at Mohali, Punjab; Health Science Biotechnology at Faridabad, Haryana; Animal Science and Biotechnology in Hyderabad and Marine Science and Technology in Tamil Nadu. Observing that the influx of woman in biotechnology sector is unprecedented and that over 100 companies in the sector are run by young technocrats, Shri Sibal projected that by the end of 11th Plan the biotechnology sector would be worth 10 billion dollars. Reiterating the commitment of the government to promote rapid growth in biotechnology he said 1000 positions of Ph.D. would be created in next five year. He also emphasized that biotechnology has great potential in delivering social goods for health care, agriculture/animal productivity, employment generation, and contribution to national economy.

National Bioscience Award for Career Development, Innovative Young Biotechnologist Awards and DBT Biology Scholarships (for students scoring highest marks in biology at 10+2 level in central and state board examinations and opting for biological courses at graduate level) were also given away on the occasion.

Several dignitaries, Directors of premier institutions, Government officials, Scientists and Students were present on the occasion.

Source: Press Inormation Bureau
Date: March 17, 2008