The Ministry of Science & Technology reviewed preparations for the nationwide coastal cleanliness campaign Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar, scheduled from 10 to 19 September 2026. The meeting also examined how scientific institutions, digital outreach, and inter-departmental coordination can be aligned with national priorities.
What happened
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, chaired a high-level review meeting of Secretaries and senior officials from science ministries and departments at the CSIR-Science Centre, New Delhi. The meeting reviewed Action Taken Reports from an earlier coordination meeting and stressed that scientific departments should function as an integrated ecosystem rather than isolated institutions.
The meeting was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood; Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare; Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale; and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, along with senior officials.
Key themes discussed
The review focused on four linked areas: coordination among science departments, the coastal cleanliness campaign, public communication on scientific achievements, and progress on the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Related current affairs
- Sah-SANKALP progress reviewed: grassroots deployment and high TRL technologies showcased; enterprises interested in adopting technologies
- RDI review: expand strategic sector scope and strengthen inter-departmental collaboration and information sharing across science ecosystem
- Science for villages: CSIR’s efforts
- CSIR-NBRI dedicates ‘Eco-Educational Hub’ ‘Prakriti Gyan Dham’ at Lucknow
- Conflict of interest in start-up panel ‘unavoidable’: Pathak
- Private R&D spends should be used to bolster manufacturing