SRINAGAR: Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, and IT, Satish Sharma, has requested the establishment of an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen the region’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
Sharma raised the proposal during a meeting with Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, where he discussed the region’s development scenario with a focus on rural and border areas. He highlighted the potential of IISER in fostering advanced research and education in the region, aligning with national and global scientific goals.
In addition to the IISER proposal, Sharma emphasised the urgent need to establish a Centre of Excellence for Rejuvenation of Water Bodies. He explained that the region’s iconic water bodies are vital to its ecology, economy, and tourism industry. The centre would focus on sustainable resource utilisation, environmental conservation, and socio-economic upliftment of local communities.
The Minister also pointed out Jammu and Kashmir’s abundant natural resources, including medicinal and aromatic plants, floriculture, and cash crops. He stressed the importance of completing two upcoming Industrial Biotech Parks and implementing the CSIR Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission. These initiatives, he said, would promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and a start-up ecosystem in the region.
Sharma further proposed the development of border areas with tourism potential, suggesting that these areas be highlighted on tourism maps to benefit local communities. He also discussed the overall development of refugees, urging the Union government to address their needs comprehensively.
Dr Jitendra Singh, while responding to the demands, assured prompt action and expressed support for the proposed initiatives, recognising their importance in addressing the developmental challenges of Jammu and Kashmir.
