DST Clarifies Media Reports on State Science Policy Responses
ECONOMY & POLICY

DST Clarifies Media Reports on State Science Policy Responses

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has issued a clarification concerning recent media reports alleging a contradiction in its responses to Parliamentary questions regarding the first Indian state to implement a science policy. The department emphasised that the two queries raised in 2022 and 2025 differed in both scope and intent, and that the replies provided were accurate and aligned with the specific questions posed.

In response to a Parliamentary Question dated 21 July 2022, which sought to ascertain whether any state government had ever initiated a science policy since India’s independence, the DST cited Gujarat’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy of 2018. This response did not claim Gujarat as the first state chronologically but served as a representative example, which was consistent with the wording and requirements of the original query.

By contrast, a Parliamentary Question answered on 13 March 2025 sought details of all states that had implemented science policies and specifically asked which was the first to do so post-independence. In reply, the DST provided a detailed list of states and their respective policy years:

Kerala (1974 & 2002) Gujarat (2018) Himachal Pradesh (2021) Madhya Pradesh (2022)

DST further clarified that Kerala was the first state to implement a science policy in 1974, thus directly and factually addressing the revised scope of the 2025 question.

The department underlined that no contradiction exists between the two responses. The apparent disparity stems from the differing context and phrasing of the questions raised in Parliament. The DST reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, factual accuracy, and accountability in all official communications and responses, especially in the context of Parliamentary proceedings

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has issued a clarification concerning recent media reports alleging a contradiction in its responses to Parliamentary questions regarding the first Indian state to implement a science policy. The department emphasised that the two queries raised in 2022 and 2025 differed in both scope and intent, and that the replies provided were accurate and aligned with the specific questions posed. In response to a Parliamentary Question dated 21 July 2022, which sought to ascertain whether any state government had ever initiated a science policy since India’s independence, the DST cited Gujarat’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy of 2018. This response did not claim Gujarat as the first state chronologically but served as a representative example, which was consistent with the wording and requirements of the original query. By contrast, a Parliamentary Question answered on 13 March 2025 sought details of all states that had implemented science policies and specifically asked which was the first to do so post-independence. In reply, the DST provided a detailed list of states and their respective policy years: Kerala (1974 & 2002) Gujarat (2018) Himachal Pradesh (2021) Madhya Pradesh (2022) DST further clarified that Kerala was the first state to implement a science policy in 1974, thus directly and factually addressing the revised scope of the 2025 question. The department underlined that no contradiction exists between the two responses. The apparent disparity stems from the differing context and phrasing of the questions raised in Parliament. The DST reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, factual accuracy, and accountability in all official communications and responses, especially in the context of Parliamentary proceedings

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

New Expressway to Cut Pune-Bengaluru Travel Time by Half

The upcoming Pune-Bengaluru Expressway is expected to significantly improve connectivity and economic opportunities across Maharashtra and Karnataka. This 700-kilometre greenfield, access-controlled highway will cut the travel time between Pune and Bengaluru from 15 hours to just 7 hours, facilitating easier movement for both commuters and businesses. Starting from Bommanal in Karnataka’s Athani Taluk, the expressway will traverse important districts such as Belagavi, Bagalkot, and Jamakhandi. It will then enter Maharashtra at Kanjle, connect with the proposed Pune Ring Road, and pass throug..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Nagpur’s Koradi Naka to Get Y-Shaped Flyover for Safer, Smoother Traffic

To alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety at Koradi Naka in Nagpur, a Y-shaped flyover is currently being constructed on National Highway 47. Demolition work has already commenced, with the main construction scheduled to start on June 20, 2025.The project, costing Rs 430.37 billion, involves building a 1,090-meter-long flyover that will connect Farsa, the Mahadula Railway Overbridge (ROB), and Bokhara Road, and will also feature an underpass. The existing structure will be repurposed into a service road to facilitate local traffic.Koradi Naka has been identified as a significant "blac..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Avinashi Flyover: Huge Iron Span to be Placed Over Railway Overbridge

A senior official from the Special Project Wing explained that a concrete deck of such length was not practical across active railway lines. Therefore, the department had decided to opt for a specially fabricated iron span.With the span now ready, its installation is awaiting railway clearance. The Salem Division of Southern Railway has already given its approval, while the final clearance is still pending from the Southern Railway headquarters in Chennai. For the installation process, railway operations under the ROB will need to be suspended for at least five days.The official also mentioned..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?