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 Urban

Coal Ministry Achieves Milestones under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved notable milestones under the Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. During the implementation phase from 2–31 October 2025, over 1,205 sites were cleaned, covering 68,04,087 sq ft, nearing the target of 82,51,511 sq ft. Scrap disposal of 5,813 MT against a target of 8,678 MT generated Rs 228.7 million in revenue. In addition, 1,11,248 physical and 30,331 electronic files were reviewed, with 74,123 weeded out or closed. Key initiatives showc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vesting Orders Issued for Three Coal Blocks under Commercial Auctions

The Ministry of Coal’s Nominated Authority has issued vesting orders for three coal blocks under commercial coal block auctions on 23 October 2025. The Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for these mines were earlier signed on 21 August 2025. The three blocks include Rajgamar Dipside (Deavnara), Tangardihi North, and Mahuagarhi. Of these, two are partially explored while one is fully explored, with a combined peak rated capacity of around 1 MTPA and geological reserves of approximately 1,484.41 million tonnes. These mines are expected to generate annual revenue of abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

TEC, IIT-Hyderabad Partner to Boost 6G and Telecom Standards

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) for joint research and technical collaboration in advanced telecom technologies and standardisation. The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and test frameworks for next-generation networks, including 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It also aims to enhance India’s participation in international standardisation f..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?