The Government has taken several measures to make use of technology applications for drinking water, literacy, immunization, housing and sanitation in the country. Under Water Technology Initiative, technology elements such as remote monitoring of desalination systems, faster in-situ detection of contaminants as in some of the developed nations and integration of renewable sources of energy for water treatment have been introduced.
An Indo-European Commission (EC) technology applications programme for purification of water and detection of contaminants in water has been initiated. A web enabled Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS) has been introduced for strengthening follow up of children for full immunization coverage in the country. The technology applications programme on water, sanitation and hygiene is involved in creating awareness amongst various stakeholders, through print and electronic media, as in the western world.
In order to introduce technology elements for enhanced energy efficiency in buildings, a joint Indo-US programme entitled “Centre for Building Engineering Research and Development (CBERD)” has been launched. Programmes for demystifying technologies and introducing new technology elements through demonstrations related to sanitation including recycling/reuse of waste water, soak pits, low cost toilets, etc, are being implemented nationally as well as globally with identified EC countries, etc, through exchange visits of scientists/engineers between India and some of the European nations.
The present level of investment in the country for science and technology sector is 0.88 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As per the Thomson Reuters Report 2012, India’s share in global research output has increased from 2.2 % in 2000 to 3.5 % in 2010. Also, the plan-wise S&T allocation in the country has increased, from Rs 12,022 crore in IX Plan (1997-2002) to Rs 75,304 crore in XI Plan (2007-2012).
The Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Shri S.Jaipal Reddy gave this information in reply to a written question in the Lok Sabha today.
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