Bhubaneswar: Minister of Science and Technology Krushna Chandra Patra has suggested officials that the Pathani Samanta Planetarium here be renovated into a world-class standard institution with new features in galleries. The minister paid a visit to the planetarium Monday and planted mango saplings on its premises, while taking stock of the facilities available at the scientific establishment. The planetarium draws hundreds of visitors, especially children and students, every day.
Earlier during the day, the minister attended a review meeting of Science and Technology department and emphasised on the visibility of the presence of the department in the state through promotion of scientific temper, science communication, establishment of science centres, science parks, thematic science museum, innovation hubs, and organisation of science fests and conclaves. During a visit to the department to review its activities, Patra also suggested to give more priority on promotion of Biotechnology, research and development. Suggesting to promote schemes on green energy in coastal farming system, the minister said that the department should explore solar wind hybrid system (SWHS) to save the environment and costs. During the review meeting, Chithra Arumugam, Principal Secretary of the department made a presentation of the various schemes and programmes of the department, and organisations under its administrative control. Minister was briefed on the activities of Odisha State Council on Science and Technology, Odisha Big yan Academy, Institute of Mathematics and Applications, Odisha Space Applications Centre and the Pathani Samanta Planetarium.
Arumugam described the activities of various agencies that include grants of financial assistance for studies, research and fellowship, UNESCOKALINGA Science Award, quality training for Mathematics and Science teachers, various publications of Odisha Bigyan Academy and felicitation of state awards. She also highlighted the activities of Institute of Mathematics and Applications as a Centre of fundamental research in mathematics. The minister was also apprised of the planetariums, science centres and museums in the state. Special mention was made on the new Biotechnology Policy 2024 and Biotechnology Cell in the department. The Principal Secretary said the department envisages creating the Odisha Marine Biotechnology and Innovation Corridor, establishing a science city with a world-class state-of-the-art science museum and transforming the Institute of Mathematics and Application.