'Science Not Their Priority,' J'khand, Bihar Raise Questions by Skipping PM Modi's Event

Jharkhand and Bihar opted out of the inaugural Centre-State Science Conclave, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened on Saturday in Ahmedabad.

Except for the two eastern states, which have not yet provided an official explanation for their absence, every state attended the event, which was held in Science City in Ahmedabad. According to BJP insiders who spoke to News18, "this proves that science and innovation are not a priority for these two state administrations."

Political instability is present in both states during the time of the absence. Hemant Soren, the chief minister of Jharkhand, just won a floor test in the Assembly but is now in danger of losing his seat because he granted a mining lease to himself while he was in office. Regarding the scandal, the BJP had filed a complaint with the Election Commission.

The BJP was charged of attempting to overthrow the government, similar to what happened in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, by the ruling JMM-Congress alliance.

On the other hand, Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar, recently ended the coalition with the BJP and established a new administration with the Rashtriya Janata Dal of Tejashwi Yadav, the Congress, and other smaller parties.

Young scientists, innovators, and business executives were also present at the Ahmedabad event. According to PM Modi, the two-day conference intends to improve cooperation between the federal government and the states in order to "form contemporary policies linked to research, innovation, and technology to find solutions to local problems."

In his remarks at the conclave, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the government's goal of "science-based growth" and discussed the increasing investment in the field of science and technology since 2014.

The prime minister stated that all states must embrace innovation in order to develop regional solutions to regional issues. He continued, "This calls for greater collaboration and cooperation with the scientists."

This occurs as India's position on the Global Innovation Index rose from 81 in 2015 to 46 in 2016.

The slogan of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, and Jai Anusandhan," which fundamentally believes in the coordination of many sectors to make India a global hub of research and innovation, is being followed, according to PM Modi. He has pleaded with people to bravely appreciate and recognise the accomplishments of Indian scientists.