BNAGALORE: Union Minister of Science Technology Krishna Palemar had a few words of praise for the department's impressive contribution to Karnataka at the state awards ceremony for scientists and engineers for 2008 and 2009, held here on Wednesday.
"There are about 112 departments under the state government. Of them all, the science technology department, as urban development, is doing exemplary work," lauded Palemar, pointing out that the government funds to promote science had increased fourfold over the past few years.
On the occasion, Prof M I Savadatti the recipient of Sir M Visvesvaraya Award for Senior Scientist for 2009 criticised Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's "indifference" towards S T, for he failed to make it to the programme. "It seems that science is not on the priority list of the CM," accused Savadatti.
He said the allocation for scientific research should increase by about 2530 times. The former vicechancellor of Mangalore University spoke against scientists and researchers retracting portions of their published work for fresh projects.
The state awarded 17 scientists and engineers for their contributions in various fields of science and technology. A government committee headed by Prof C N R Rao, comprising eminent scientists, selected the awardees for Sir M Visvesvaraya Award for Senior Scientists, Dr Raja Ramanna Award for Scientists/Engineers, Sir C V Raman Award for Young Scientists, Prof Satish Dhawan Award for Young Engineers and Dr Kalpana Chawla Award for Young Women Scientists/Engineers.
"Over the years, the science councils have made a lot of contributions to various sectors. Now, energy, health, water and environment are critical areas of concern that they should focus on," Director of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Prof P Balaram, said.
Rao, on the occasion, said that the state was the best in science technology and, "Bangalore is originally a science centre, not just an IT hub."
Awarded
Retired professor Prof S V Subramanyam of the IISc bagged the Dr Raja Ramanna Award for Scientists for 2008. For 2009, Karnataka State Open University ViceChancellor Prof K S Rangappa won it. Four engineers were honoured with Prof Satish Dhawan Young Engineers Award for 2008 and 2009.
Prof T N Sathyaprabha received the Dr Kalpana Chawla Young Women Scientists/Engineers Award for 2008, Dr Asna Urooj from Mysore University was the winner for 2009.
