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Why has the Indian Science Congress been postponed? from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

By : Author Desk Updated : 2024-01-06 17:28:58

Why has the Indian Science Congress been postponed?

Context- The Indian Science Congress, a significant event that annually brings together a large number of scientists and science students from across the country, has been delayed. This event, which has been a consistent part of the participants’ calendar for over a hundred years, will not commence on its usual date of January 3rd. The five-day conference’s new date is currently uncertain, and it remains unclear if the congress will take place this year. Is the postponement of the Indian Science Congress a big deal? Why?
  • The Indian Science Congress, an annual event since 1914, has been postponed in an unprecedented move. Except for 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the congress has been held every year, with the 108th edition taking place in Nagpur from January 3-7, 2023.
  • The Prime Minister, who usually inaugurates the congress as the first public engagement of the new year, addressed the last congress via video link. The event is unique, bringing together scientists, researchers, and science teachers from across the country, providing a platform for interaction with students and the public.
  • The congress has a rich history, with prominent figures in Indian science participating and organizing the event.
So why then has the Science Congress been postponed this year?
  • The Indian Science Congress is facing a crisis due to an unresolved dispute between the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), the event’s organizer, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), its main funder. In September 2023, DST withdrew funding due to alleged “financial irregularities”, a claim ISCA denies and has challenged in court.
  • The DST’s contribution, which was increased to Rs 5 crore in 2023, covers most of the event’s costs. ISCA also receives funds from other government bodies and through member contributions and event space rentals.
  • This year, ISCA planned to move the congress from Lucknow University to Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, hoping for additional funding. However, amidst disagreements over the venue choice, LPU withdrew its offer to host the event last month.
Was this crisis for the Science Congress not foreseen by the organisers?
  • The Science Congress has been experiencing a steady decline over the years, with its golden era seemingly over. Recently, it has been more associated with controversies than meaningful scientific discourse or outcomes.
  • The platform has been misused by some to make outrageous claims and propagate pseudoscience, attracting criticism. The presentations and talks often do not reflect the latest scientific advancements. Many of India’s reputable scientists now avoid the event, and leading scientific institutions have minimal presence.
  • The majority of attendees are from colleges and universities with limited scientific credentials. Some top scientists have suggested discontinuing the event or withdrawing government support. Despite discussions about reforms for decades, little has changed.
But what exactly is the government’s dilemma here?
  • The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) is an independent entity, and the government does not influence the selection of panelists, speakers, papers, or discussion topics at the Science Congress.
  • However, the ISCA operates with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which provides an annual grant for the Science Congress and pays the salaries of ISCA’s permanent staff.
  • The event, inaugurated by the Prime Minister and attended by other ministers and senior officials, is often seen as closely tied to the government. Consequently, the government is often blamed when the event becomes controversial.
  • Despite being a showcase scientific forum in India, the event’s proceedings frequently project a less than flattering image of Indian science on the international stage.
And what has the government done about this situation?
  • There has been a longstanding sentiment within the government to reconsider its association with the Science Congress, dating back to 2008 when then Science Minister Kapil Sibal considered discontinuing government support due to concerns about the congress.
  • However, governments have been hesitant to take this step, fearing accusations of being “anti-science” and recognizing the event’s importance for students nationwide to interact with renowned scientists and learn about new scientific developments.
  • The government has gradually reduced its involvement in the Science Congress, with the Prime Minister no longer presenting awards at the inaugural plenary due to past controversies over awardees’ credentials, and fewer people sharing the stage with the PM at the inauguration.
Is this year’s postponement a signal that the Science Congress could be approaching the end of the road?
  • ISCA General Secretary Ranjit Kumar Verma has stated that the postponement of the Science Congress is regrettable but not its end.
  • Scientists suggest that reform could involve creating an alternative forum to invite top Indian and global scientists to discuss the latest scientific developments and their societal impacts.
  • Such forums, popular in many countries, engage the public and young people in science, fostering a scientific temperament. This alternative could enhance the competitiveness of Indian science and promote collaborative research with leading scientific groups and institutions.