New Delhi: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on July 12 expressed concern over the declining interest in science among students and feared that in a few years' time top Indian research organisations would face a shortage of good science graduates.

"In 1950s and 60's, the best students chose to go for science education. Today's bright students seem to be shying away from science.... This issue needs to be addressed effectively, imaginatively and comprehensively," he said presenting the prestigious Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Awards to 12 eminent scientists for their outstanding research contributions.

Stating that it was not enough to attract the best and brightest students to science education, he said it was equally important to create sufficient employment opportunities for them in the country.

Vajpayee asked the science and technology establishment, public and private sector industry as well as the government agencies to collectively address this issue.

Noting that some international firms have started to set up their research and development centres in the country employing large numbers of PhDs, he said that this trend could be broadened by actively encouraging location in the country of R and D activities of big and small corporations abroad. "Our aim should be to make India a global R and D hub."

PTI