Monday, January 3 2005 20:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Jan 3, 2005) announced that the Government will set up a Science Advisory Council with Dr C N R Rao as its head.

Addressing the 92nd session of the Indian Science Congress in Ahmedabad, he said, "I am happy to announce that we have constituted a Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister with Dr C N R Rao as its Chairman."

Singh said he looked forward to the Council's guidance in addressing the challenges facing Indian science.

He said Indian science "needs a new boost, a new lease of life, a push into the future" and asserted that his Government would ensure that the "most supportive policy environment is in place."

The Prime Minister said the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government was currently formulating programmes to launch a National Rural Healthcare Mission and asked the scientists to come forward with practical ideas to address the needs of the people.