Extend support to research activities, pleads India March for Science

Basheerbagh: The Organising Committee of India March for Science (IMS) demanded that government extend its support to research activities in educational and scientific institutions at a symposium held at the Press Club here on Friday. Several educationists, intellectuals and college students raised the demand while participating in the symposium.

The speakers pointed out that the government assistance to the education sector and research activities was very low. They wanted allotment of GDP funds for taking up scientific research and special attention devoted to atmospheric pollution and implementation of scientific policies/strategies to check pollution.

The speakers demanded strict implementation of Article 51(A) to encourage the citizens to enjoy the right to question. They wanted allocation of 10 per cent of the Central funds and 30 per cent of States' budgets to the education sector for unearthing the hidden talents among students.

The other demand raised by the speakers included introduction of an Anti-Blackmagic Bill in view of the increasing instances of people believing in superstitions. Among the participants in the symposium were city convener Dr K Babu Rao, Jana Vignana Vedika State general secretary Sunil, R Gangadhar and Ravula Varaprasad.