Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that De-Silosation not only of work but also workplaces needed for better and cost-effective outcomes.
Inaugurating the New State of the Art Building constructed at Technology Bhawan campus for the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) in New Delhi on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the long journey has found a new milestone on India’s 75th Independence Day Celebrations.
The inauguration ceremony attended by Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary DST & DBT, Dr Shekhar Mande, Secretary, DSIR & DG, CSIR, Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Former Secretary, DST Dr Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Adviser, DST; Shri Vishwajit Sahay, AS &FA, Dr Anju Bhalla, Joint Secretary, DST and several senior officials from DST & DSIR.
Referring to Prime Minister’s vision of Central Vista Project, Dr Jitendra Singh said, even after 74 year of independence, the nation does not have a central secretariat and various ministries have hired premises and thousands of crore of rent is paid for the same. He said, this project will not only save money, but will also bring better cohesion in Administration and Output. Similarly, he gave the example of Gatishakti launched by PM Modi yesterday, a beautiful illustration of synergy as the initiative will bring 16 infrastructure-related central departments on the same platform.
Recalling that the buildings occupied by DST were originally constructed as warehouses used for storage of food-grains imported by USAID under PL-480 "Public Law-480", Dr Jitendra Singh said that the New Building Complex symbolizes the march of India from the state of deficiency to Self-sufficiency under the present regime, as India has not only become Atmanirbhar in food grain production but has also emerged as one of the leading exporting countries.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, we had eminent scientists and towering personalities in the decades of 60s and 70s, but they lacked the world class facilities being created now. He asked the planners and architects to use the open space in the complex to showcase India’s Ethos and its Scientific Prowess. He also asked officials to cater to and reach out to young Start-ups through the state of the art facilities.
Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the new buildings will accommodate DST, DSIR and also five Autonomous Institutes under DST located at Delhi i.e. Science Engineering Research Board (SERB), Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), Technology Development Board (TDB), VigyanPrasar, Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) as they were functioning from rented premises.
The new campus when completed will have a built-up area of 35,576 Square Meter, comprising of two new Office Blocks, a 500 seater Auditorium, Canteen, Reception, CISF Block (office & single living), Post office, Bank and other facilities as authorized under norms of MoUD (Ministry of Urban Development). The buildings are targeted to achieve Green Ratings as per IGBC, USGBC and GRIHA standards. The State-of-the-art Buildings harness solar power for its lighting needs; a Building Management System (BMS), an STP for use of recycled water for horticulture and other purposes, a State-of-the-art Auditorium having capacity of 500; basement parking space for 400 vehicles; LED lighting system to reduce power consumption.
DST established on May 3, 1971, commenced functioning from the existing Technology Bhawan campus which was originally constructed as a warehouse for storage of food-grains imported by USAID under PL-480 "Public Law-480". The buildings were handed over to Govt. of India on 17th February 1970 DST & DSIR started operating from there.
The proposal for construction of new buildings for DST & DSIR and autonomous institutions under DST was approved in the year 2017. An MOU was signed with IRCON Infrastructure & Services LTD (A Government of India Undertaking, Ministry of Railways) to function as Project Management Consultant. Project for construction commenced in November, 2018.
