Hyderabad: The wait for Indian Science Congress got longer

Hyderabad: Science enthusiasts and the scientific community hoping to attend the 109º Indian Scientific Congress (ISC) in Hyderabad will not have much to expect, as it is unlikely that the prestigious event will be held in February. Universidad Tecnológica Jawaharlal Nehru (JNTU) – Hyderabad, which has been selected to host the event, is still awaiting permission from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), as well as a response from the Prime Minister’s Office to inaugurate the event. Is also available. , Celebration. JNTU-H proposed the dates of 22, 23 and 24 February to celebrate this event and wrote to DST and PMO for approval and Vice-Rector, Professor Katta Narasimha Reddy met DST officials in New Delhi recently . To deal with organizing the event. According to university officials, the response from DST is positive, but permission has not been granted yet. “DST permission is required for the program so that scientific laboratories under CSIR can participate,” said a senior official. Given the current situation, according to officials, the event will be postponed to March or may be celebrated after the parliamentary elections in June or July. “Once we get permission, we will discuss possible dates with the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) and finalize the calendar,” the official said. The 109th ISC will be held with a central theme: “Global Perspectives of Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future”. Since the 108th edition received around 5,000 entries, the university expects to host 6,000 to 7,000 participants. According to initial estimates, at least Rs 20 crore is required for the event. As a result, it has requested permission and funding from the state government, which has given the green light for the event, but is awaiting funds. Earlier, after Lucknow University withdrew from the seat of 109º ISC, Lovely Professional University, Punjab was presented to celebrate the event from 3rd to 5th January 2024. However, LPU also backed out. After this ISCA contacted JNTU-Hyderabad and also agreed.