DST Clarifies Media Reports on State Science Policy Responses

04 Apr 2025 CW Team

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

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..