New Delhi, Dec 20 : Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today highlighted the role of technology in supporting the counter terrorism and internal security efforts.

Speaking after giving away the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards for the year 2007-08 here, Dr. Singh said, "The role of technology in supporting the counter terrorism and internal security efforts is not adequately appreciated. Other countries have used modern science and technology in their security structures with great effect. It acts not only as a force multiplier but can also provide solutions to human problems relating to command, coordination and communication.

" We have to address ourselves as a nation to the larger challenge before us. The science, industry and government work as one efficient and integrated machine to deliver to the people the benefits of these scientific and technological advances," he added

He said this is an area where countries such as China and Japan have scored over us. Unless we apply ourselves to this task, the powerful scientific tools of social and economic change will remain confined to our laboratories and to our institutions.

"Our scientists should work to connect science to the daily lives of millions of our people. S&T based entrepreneurships and innovation in industry should be encouraged at all levels. Government should create a favourable enabling environment for this to take place," he added.

Dr. Singh further said that the Government has proposed the creation of a National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

"Our government has worked hard for the rejuvenation of the S&T establishment in our country, including through a huge expansion of the learning infrastructure. This is a very important national priority and we will spare no resource to ensure that we realize the huge potential of our S& T capability," he added.

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awards are named after one of our scientific pioneers and institution builders. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, along with Homi Bhaba, P. C. Mahalanobis and Vikram Sarabhai among others created the scientific infrastructure of our country.

He was a visionary and laid the foundation of the great institution that is today the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, a pride of India. (ANI)