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CHAPTER 3

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTES IN ASSAM

3.1. Introduction

There is no denying the fact that S & T have profoundly influenced the course of human

civilization. Science has provided remarkable insights to the human being living in the world.

The scientific revolutions of the 21st centaury have led to many technologies, which promise

to herald wholly new eras in many fields. Today, we the human beings have to ensure

maximum use of S & T for the development and welfare of the society at large.

S & T have been an integral part of culture & civilization of India over the past several

millennia. Few are aware that India was the fountainhead of important foundational scientific

developments and approaches. These cover many great scientific discoveries and

technological achievements in Mathematics, Astronomy, Architecture, Chemistry,

Metallurgy, Medicine, Natural Philosophy and other areas. A great deal of this traveled

outwards from India. Equally, India also assimilated scientific ideas and techniques from

elsewhere, with open-mindedness and rational attitude characteristics of a scientific ethos.

India’s traditions have been founded on the principles of universal harmony, respect for all

creation, and an integrated holistic approach. The background is likely to provide valuable

insights for future scientific advances. During the century prior to independence, there was

an awakening of modern science in India through the efforts of number of outstanding

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scientists. They were responsible for great scientific advances of the highest international

caliber.

India has been committed to the task of promoting the spread of science since independence.

The key role of technology as an important element of national development is also well

recognized. The scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 and the Technology Policy Statement of

1983 enunciated the principles on which the growth of S & T in India has been based over

the past several decades. These policies have emphasized self-reliance, as also sustainable

and equitable development. They embody a vision and strategy that are applicable today, and

would continue to inspire us in our endeavors.

With the encouragement and support that has been provided, there appears today a sound

infrastructural base for S & T. These include research laboratories, higher educational

institutions and highly skilled human resource. Indian capabilities in S & T cover an

impressive range of diverse disciplines, areas of competence and applications. India’s

strength in basic research is recognized internationally. Successes in Agriculture, Health care,

Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Nuclear Energy, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Space

Technology and applications, Defense research, Biotechnology, Electronics, Information

Technology and Oceanography are widely acknowledged. Major national achievements

include very significant increase in food production, eradication or control of several diseases

and increase life expectancy of our citizens.

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While these developments have been highly satisfying, one is also aware of the dramatic

changes that have taken place, and continue to do so, in the practice of S & T development,

and their relationships with, and impact on, society.

In India a large percentage of people is illiterate and below the poverty line without access to

pure drinking water, proper sanitation or adequate shelter. The absolute number of such

people is continuously increasing. These people are yet to benefit from modern S & T. Today

we have to look beyond self-reliance, because the industrial scenario demands that we should

be internationally competitive or significant at least in a few selected areas. This cannot be

attained without the support provided by powerful indigenous capabilities in many areas of S

& T. S & T is yet to make a dent in many important sectors involving heavy investments.

Be what it may, progressively increasing applications of S & T are improving the standard of

living, life expectancy, eradication of endemic diseases, agricultural production and creation

of additional self-employment opportunities (Khanna, 1996, 12-18). While such applications

have already brought about stunning changes in the developed western world, in our country

too, the most enterprising groups are taking advantage of these developments to improve the

quality of life.

3.2 Expansion of Science & Technology

Technology is no new development in the history of mankind. From his first mastery over

fire and the wheel in the unrecorded eons of pre-history, and his early successes in shaping

stones, metal, and pottery to serve his needs, man has been on the trail of technological

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progress. Science representing the systematic attempt to study natural phenomena in an open-

minded, experimental manner is a somewhat later development. This is because it depends

on a level of literacy and numeracy which was not attained until the early civilizations had

been established. But it certainly dates back to classical Greek civilization, and in respects,

such as in mathematics and astronomical observations, antecedents can be discovered much

earlier.

Despite these differences of origin, S & T are very closely related to each other. In fact, they

should be understood as two sides of the same coin, representing roughly the theoretical and

practical aspects respectively of the same body of knowledge. The earliest technological

innovations, which are mentioned, were probably the result of accident or inspired

guesswork, unrelated to any theoretical understanding of natural phenomena. With the rise of

science, however, technology has come to rely heavily upon it, and science in turn has

benefited greatly from new knowledge and techniques of investigation make possible by

technology. For all practical purposes, therefore, technology may now be regarded as applied

science.

Although S & T are as old as human civilization, it is only in recent centuries that they have

become, in western civilization, dominant features of industrial society. The reasons for this

novel emphasis are of great importance for an understanding of the nature of modern society,

and it will be worth while trying to analyze them. To begin with, it is only in the last two or

three hundred years that the interrelationship of S & T has been recognized. For many

centuries the attempt was made to keep them separate, and in some quarters the attempts has

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even now not been entirely abandoned. In consequence, both were severely restricted in their

influence, with science tending to concentrate on abstract speculation, particularly of a

mathematical nature, whilst technology was considered to be the providence of artisans and

other lower classes. Apart from some notable building works, therefore, and some ingenious

weapons of war attributed to such great inventors as Archimedes, the civilizations of the

ancient world gave little attention to technological innovation.

The rise of development of political and intellectual environment of nations is created more

favourable to study of science, and nation’s self-interest put a premium on technological

innovation, particularly weapons and new sources of power. These developments coincided

with the discovery of the new world and the consequent competition between the nations to

increase prosperity & prestige by the acquisition of colonies. The exploitation of the vast

resources of the world came to depend upon the perfection of new techniques and processes,

demanding the combined talents of scientists and technologists. Thus the pursuit and

application of scientific knowledge became socially respectful and increasingly influential in

Western European industrial society.

3.3 Nature of Science & Technology

The roots of the term, ‘Science’ derives from the Latin scientia meaning ‘knowledge’. Over

time, however, the term has become more restricted in its usage to refer to the natural and

physical sciences, including metaphysics and theology which were one part of it. Broadly, it

is the study, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of the nature

and behavior of phenomena in the physical and natural world. Indeed, today, when the term

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‘science’ is used, it excludes even technology. Technology uses science for human purposes,

but science is an unbiased study of the real world-the inherent properties of space, matter,

energy and their interaction. Whereas technology is the concomitant of the free and fearless

enquiring mind, science usually proceeds by inventing hypotheses and systematically testing

them against observation and experiment.

As for technology, the term has originally been derived from the Greek “techno logia”

meaning systematic treatment of an art. However, presently it has changed its connotation; it

now implies the totality of the means and knowledge used to provide objects needed by

humans for their sustenance and comfort. Technology is the application of science, usually

for industrial processes; it is the system of knowledge and action applicable to any recurrent

activity. The term covers the practice, description and terminology of any or all of the

applied sciences which have practical value and/ or industrial use. It is infact closely related

to engineering. If engineering is the application of objective knowledge to the creation of

plans, designs and means for achieving desired objectives, technology deals with the tools

and techniques for carrying out the plans. Several adjectives are appended to the term

‘technology’ these days-‘low’, ‘high’, ‘appropriate’, and so on. Low technology generally

refers to the application of scientific devices for different aspects of production. It does not

displace labour. Intermediate technology refers to the production of finished goods and

intermediary products. High technology refers to the use of sophisticated and complex

processes and machinery, and is made use of in the capital goods industries like steel,

communications equipment, space and nuclear installations, etc. Appropriate technology, as

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the name suggests, is suitable for given conditions of production-available resources,

technical know-how, needs, etc.

Science is not only a body of knowledge but “a way of knowing”. Scientific investigation

involves exploration, experimentation, observation and measurement and analysis and

dissemination of data. These activities require specific skills and habits of mind. Again,

technology is also “a way of knowing” and a process of exploration and experimentation.

Technological investigation involves the application of methods known as design processes,

which in turn involves the use of concepts and procedures such as the identification of a need

or problem and the selection of a best solution.

S & T have always been part of the development process that is inherent to civilization. One

of the activities through which culture broadly expresses itself is intellectual activity. In the

modern world, S & T have become indispensable. Science generates information, change in

attitudes, and new values while technology is a major instrument of social and economic

change. Promotion of S & T should lead to the breaking down of irrational and superstitious

beliefs, and ideas that so often hamper human progress. The role of S & T in the

development of a country is at times so obvious that one tends to ignore it. Apart from the

large-scale applications in industry, scientific principles have been profitably applied in the

field of agriculture to increase yield and improve crops. Health is directly and indirectly

influenced by the discoveries of S & T. Different type of communications plays an important

role in disseminating information, knowledge and knitting diverse people together. New

ways of adapting nature to human needs are constantly being developed. The role of S & T is

60

of special importance in a developing country like India, in the economic as well as the social

aspects. Intelligent use of S & T can increase production and productivity, reduce drudgery

and generate employment; it can also be instrumental in reducing and eradicating disease and

thus ensures optimum use of resources-economic and human.

S & T are among the basic factors in the dividing wall between poverty and prosperity. There

is no doubt that S & T have shaped and reshaped India over the years. The result of result and

experimentation is seen in the transformation of a subsistence agriculture into commercial

agriculture; control and eradication of diseases like plague and smallpox; establishment and

rapid development of an industrial base; development of electronics, nuclear energy

capability, space exploration, oceanography, all being dovetailed to meet socio economic

needs.

Of course there are some fatal shortcomings of technological development. However, these

dangerous side effects of rapid technological development have to be seriously and earnestly

faced and checked, environmental degradation, for instance, has to be prevented with the

very help of the S & T whose careless application can cause irreversible damage. Interaction

between the scientific community and the rest of the society must be encouraged so as to

avoid misdirected research and suboptimal use of investment.

The impact of scientific and technological endeavor is more obvious in some areas than in

others. A large number of our villages are steeped in poverty, still unlit, and lacking in

schools and easy means of communications. Until and unless rural India at large is positively

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benefited by S & T, the impact of research will be of negligible value. Efforts have been

made and some positive results achieved but, considering the vastness of area and differences

in geographical features, much yet remains to be done.

3.4 The Roots of Science & Technology in India

The history of S & T in the Indian subcontinent begins with prehistoric human activity at

Mehrgarh, in present-day Pakistan, and continues through the Indus Valley Civilization to

early states and empires. Indeed, as early as 2500 BC an advanced people inhabited this

country. The Indus Valley Civilization was socially and technically well developed Indus

people knew the use of the wheel and the ploughs, smelted, and forged metal, and were

capable of designing protection measures against fire and flood. They possessed high

technical skill in construction. They not only used standardized burnt brick for their

buildings, but planned their cities with systematically arranged streets and an elaborate

drainage system that speaks their sophisticated awareness of sanitation and hygiene.

The Vedic Age marked a new era of intellectual inquiry and technological endeavor.

Religion played an important role in the field of scientific achievements. Ancient

mathematical works such as Sulva-Sutras show the use of geometry for designing and

constructing altars. Mathematics was an important field of knowledge, and the ancient

Indians made valuable contributions to it. Most historians agree that the use of zero

originated in India, and spread it over other countries. Indians also invented the Arabic

numerals.

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Astronomy, essential for religious as well as practical purposes, was another field of inquiry

which achieved remarkable heights in the ancient times. In the medieval period with the

advent of Islamic influence, instruments such as the astrolabe, quadrants and armillary

spheres came to be used in astronomical research. Later, in the 18th

century, Raja Sawai Jai

Singh II of Jaipur got built observatories at Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura, Jaipur and Delhi, of

which latest two are intact to the present. Medicine was yet another field of original research

and the ancient Indians made notable advances in it. The Atharvaveda is perhaps the original

repository of India’s medical knowledge. Study was made of symptoms and causes of

diseases, and curative means were researched. Herbs, fruits, flowers and minerals were

studied and experimented upon to evolve medical cures, Susruta and Caraka Samhitas, the

two great classics of Ayurveda, give a clear picture of the medical and surgical practices in

use more than 2000 years ago in India. Several surgical instruments were developed by the

early surgeons who could conduct operations for cataracts and laparotomy. Surgical

knowledge spread from India to Arabs, Greeks and Egyptians. Plant genetics was also a field

of research.

Allied to the medical field was the development of chemistry, natural fallout of the research

in drugs. Chemical knowledge was put to good use in the technological processes of dying,

and in the production of paper, perfume, and sugar. Experiments were also conducted in the

use of new minerals, ores and alloys. Coating copper vessels with tin, creating a new alloy

ware, bidri, and extracting and using zinc were some of the new developments which are

known in India many years before they were used in Europe.

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The ancient Indians developed a variety of technological skills and technical equipment

which survive, with slight modifications, to this day. They were able to devise suitable

equipment for the methods of agriculture. They were familiar with the growing methods of

various crops, treatment of seeds, preparation of soil, crop rotation and irrigation methods.

In the field of construction, the Indus valley Civilization displayed advanced skills. The

Vedic Civilization did not show advanced constructional techniques but in time, the people

developed the skill. Cutting and building in stone have always been well developed in India.

Navigation too underwent changes. Indian sailors used a magnetic needle floating on water in

the 13th

century itself. Significantly, many of the European countries had their ships made in

India.

The British brought to India contemporary S & T what is often termed ‘modern’ S & T.

However, the educational/ research developments in this period were directed to meet the

British Government’s needs, and not primarily meant for India’s socio-economic betterment.

But, unwittingly perhaps, these activities promoted indigenous efforts to develop scientific

thought.

The foundation of the Asiatic Society in 1784 by Sir William Jones marks the beginning of

public interest in scientific research. The society helped the founding of the Indian Museum

of Calcutta in 1866. The Asiatic Society published papers in Physics, Chemistry, Geology

and Medical sciences, and thus played an important role in the advancement of science in

India.

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The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, founded in 1876 by Dr. Mahendra Lal

Sircar, provided laboratory facilities and become a prominent scientific research center in the

country. The efforts of Prof. P. S. MacMahon of Lucknow and Prof. Simon of Madras led to

the formation of the Indian Science Congress Association in 1914. The establishment of this

association played a major role in creating a scientific consciousness, bringing scientists

together and enabling them to make the government give support to scientific research.

The main scientific activities in the government sector were largely carried out by the

medical and the engineering corps of the army and civil officers interested in science, as

space time activity. These men, trained in European institutions and laboratories, left a record

of their work and made a mark in various branches of science through original contributions.

They brought out considerable literature on S & T built up a sizable store of scientific

apparatus, chemicals and research tools, and founded a few of the important scientific

institutions in the country. The Botanical Garden was established in 1788. Dr. William

Roxbery was start research on Indian plants in the Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Survey

of India was established in 1890. In 1916, the zoological and anthropological sections of the

Indian Museum were converted into the Zoological Survey of India.

In 1942, an Industrial Fund was created by the government for the purposes of fostering

industrial development in the country, and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

(CSIR) was constituted as an autonomous body to administer the fund. The proposals for the

establishment of a National Physical Laboratory and a National Chemical Laboratory were

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accepted, and plans for other laboratories for food technology, building, road, leather,

electrochemical, and others were later formulated.

Agricultural research began with the establishment of the Agricultural Research Station and

Experimental Farm (later called the Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research) at Pusa in

Bihar with the help of a donation made by an American Philanthropist. Subsequently

separate departments of agriculture were constituted in different provinces.

A Royal Commission on Agriculture was appointed in 1926 to examine and report on

conditions of agriculture and the rural economy of India with particular reference to the

measures being taken for the promotion of agriculture and veterinary research and education.

Its recommendations leads to the establishment of the Imperial Council of Agriculture

Research in 1929 with the primary object of promoting, guiding and coordinating agricultural

research and education in India. The council was also to serve as a link between agricultural

institutions in India and in foreign countries.

Not much research activity was carried on in private institutions. A few institutes were

established by scientists or common men; some of them are Indian Institute of Science,

Bengalaru (1911); the Bose Institute, Calcutta (1917); the Indian Academy of Science,

Bengalaru (1934) of which Raman Research Institute is a part; Sheila Dhar Institute of Soil

Sciences, Allahabad (1936); Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bombay (1945); Shri

Ram Institute for Industrial Research, Delhi (1947). Institutes like the Indian Institute of

Science, Bengalaru established by the Tatas played a notable role as a center of research at a

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time when India possessed few research facilities. Their development was accelerated only

after independence, and they are now centers of higher studies and research in their

respective fields.

Though the policy for promotion of S & T and their use for developing agriculture, health

and industry was guided by political considerations, a number of dedicated British scientists

found in India unlimited possibilities for contributing to knowledge. Their research and

collection of valuable data did much for building a modern scientific base for the country.

Their deliberations, new standards of objectivity, and respect for facts as a part of discussions

created a new awareness amongst the people made them realize the importance of S & T and

the possibilities of development through their use.

3.5 Trend of Science & Technology in Assam

Assam is the gateway to the Northeastern States and has been aptly described as the sentinel

of Northeast India. Seven Indian states and two countries, Bhutan and Bangladesh, surround

Assam that lies between 89.5 degree to 96.1 degree East longitude and 24.3 degree to 28.0

degree North latitude. The State is also strategically close to India's international borders

with China and Myanmar. Assam is closely surrounded by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh on

the north, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh on the east and Bangladesh,

Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram on the south. With Bangladesh, Assam shares a 262

kilometers long international boundary. The State was reorganized with the formation of

separate States viz. Nagaland in the year 1963, Meghalaya in the 1972, Mizoram in the year

1987 and Arunachal Pradesh in the year 1987.

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Assam, according to 2011 census covers an area of 78000 sq. km with a population of

31169272. The state is divided into three distinct natural regions viz. the Brahmaputra Valley

comprising of twenty two plain districts with a total area of 56194 sq. km, the hills areas

consisting of Karbi Anglong district and N.C.Hills district with a total area of 15322 sq. km.

and the Barak Valley covering three districts with a total area of 6922 sq.km. The districts

(28) are further subdivided into 49 sub-divisions and 145 revenue circles for the convenience

of administration and revenue collection.

The higher education appeared rather late in Assam. Cotton College first college among the

colleges in Assam was established in Guwahati in 1901 and the first University was

established in 1948 at Guwahati as Gauhati University. There were only 16 colleges prior to

independence. There was no University, no Medical and Engineering Colleges and not even

single professional colleges in the pre-independence period except one research institute on

tea research known as Toklai Experimental Station (TRA) established in the year 1911 at

Jorhat district.

There were many factors responsible for the slow growth of higher education in Assam prior

to the 1947. Indifferent attitude of the colonial rulers was the prime factor for this. Moreover,

lack of proper communication in this region and most of the regions were hilly, sparsely

populated, and lack of proper administration in this region might be some of the reasons

which were acting as hindrance for proper spread of education in Assam. However, although

appeared late, higher education in Assam had a rapid growth in post independence era. It has

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now ten universities including two central universities, one Medical university, one

Agricultural university, one Open university, one Sanskrit university, one Science &

Technology university, one Rasom university, five medical colleges, some engineering

college and institutes including one Indian Institute Technology (IIT), one National Institute

of Technology (NIT), one Petroleum Technology Institute, one Indian Statistical Institute

(ISI), some state and central government research institutes including North East Institute of

Science and Technology (NEIST), Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute

(IGMRI), Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), North Eastern

Regional Institute of Land and Water Management (NERILWM), Regional Medical

Research Center (RMRC) NE Region, Toklai Experimental Station (TRA), Center of Plasma

Physics (CPP), Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Assam Science Technology

and Environmental Council (ASTEC) etc. and more institutes of learning are likely to

emerge.

S & T is integral part for the development of each and every society. The scenario of S & T

in Assam is not well with reference to some of other potent states in India based on S & T

area. This is only because of the lack of well established scientific environment and

infrastructure. There was a scientific tradition in Assam apart from the present S & T

scenario in Assam. It was found that from the early period study & practice of Mathematics,

Astrology, Architecture, Medical Science, and Archeology are in Assam. In Assam the study

of S & T has formally started and strengthened after arrival of British people. The British

people have discovered the Dibrugarh oil field and there after research & development of S

& T in Assam had gone a formal way. Of course, establishment of Cotton College is also a

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turning point for science education in Assam. The British government has carried and

established different new technology from their own country only for their self interest of

business and natural resources and this has alternatively progress the scientific field of

Assam. The British government has provided different techniques and education opportunity

of different scientific fields to the interested youths of Assam. In Assam research and

development was limited only in the field of earth science in pre-independence India i.e.

during the period of 1900 to 1947. The British people are also concentrated their research in

the field of oil, coal, gold and earthquake in Assam. A number of S & T organizations have

established for research and development works in Assam after independence of India.

In the state of Assam, however, the situation is altogether different. An outsider looking at

this state would wonder why it has been designed as a backward one. The rich natural

endowments, low population pressure on land, apparently adequate food, absence rural

poverty, signs of urban affluence and self-contained and contended rural and tribal societies

do not support such a conclusion. The continuing isolation from the mainstream of national

activity has not affected the social aspirations. In another sense, this state is indeed

backward-it is backward in technology. The S & T infrastructure is comparatively weak, and

traditional practices still dominate most of the economic activities of the household sector.

There is no concrete S & T policy in Assam. The general efforts currently are largely

directed to creation and maintenance of infrastructures for producing qualified S & T

manpower, providing S & T inputs in different sectors of development activities,

popularization of science and promotion of scientific temper and to facilitate basic research

70

and research and development activities in high potential sectors having sustainability on

economic development of the state concerned. Autonomous science technology and

environmental council has been set-up in Assam with mandate to implement schemes for

popularizations of science and promotion of scientific temper and providing S & T inputs in

sectors of development not covered within the purview of the traditional sectors and

departments.

It is worth mentioning here that the presence of state and central government scientific

institutions in various disciplines has greatly helped in scientific research in the state of

Assam. Agriculture, being with the State Govt, the sector has received highest priority in

matters of research and development. Besides, the agricultural university, the centrally

funded ICAR complexes with their regional research stations in the state is engaged in

research on various aspects of agricultural development. These institutions have succeeded

in developing a number of suitable seed varieties of various crops and agricultural practices

suitable to the topography and agro climatic conditions of this state. Petroleum, coal, and tea

have important bearing in the economy of this state. Research and development activities on

petroleum carried out in the petroleum technology department of the Dibrugargh University,

Oil India Limited (OIL) and Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC). Research on tea is

confined to the Toklai Experimental Research Station, Jorhat. Research and development in

the industrial sector is largely confined to the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and

Technology (NEIST), Jorhat and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dibrugarh.

Other research bodies in the central sector undertaking R & D activities in their respective

fileds are the North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management

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(NERIWALM), Tezpur; the Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO), Tezpur;

Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat; Central Inland Fishery Research Institute

(CIFRI) Regional Center, Guwahati; Central Eri & Muga Research & Training Center

(CEMRTC), Dibrugarh, Institute of Advanced Study in Science & Technology (IASST),

Guwahati etc. to name the important ones. S & T research in this state has in general

remained largely market driven. The role of the State Government of Assam in matters of S

& T research has been by and large to act as facilitator and catalyst by way of meeting

various overheads and preparing them to take up research either of their own or through

financial assistance from various funding agencies including the central government

scientific agencies.

The function of Assam Science Society for the growth & development and popularizing

science in the state of Assam is great and remarkable. In Assam there are number of state and

centrally funded scientific organization has established only due to untiring efforts of Assam

Science Society. The society has promoted education and research in different branches of

science in Assam. The society also disseminates scientific knowledge by holding meeting,

symposia, seminars and discussion among the people of Assam.

3.6 Science & Technology Institutes in Assam

There are number of S & T Institutes situated in different parts of the states in India. These

institutes are engaged in various research activities on different subjects. Assam is one

among the different states of India, where research and development work has been carrying

out with a lot of dedications in some frontline areas in multiple S & T Institutes over the last

72

few decades. These institutes are mainly governed by the central government, state

government, semi-government, private sector, autonomous, commercial, etc. Despite the lack

of required facilities, the institutes have amassed an impressive reward of achievements and

are now well-known outside the states for research in various fields. Among the different

institutes in Assam some are engaged in their research works only in one subject and some

others are engaged in multidisciplinary subjects. The major objectives of these institutes are

to carry out advanced study and research in frontier areas of S & T as well as

interdisciplinary fields and problems concerning utilization and development of the natural

resources of the North Eastern States of India.

There are number of S & T Institute located at different places in Assam as mentioned in the

Annexure-III (Goswami, 2007: 278-322). These institutes are governed by the state and

central government and some are run by the private organization. The visits to most of the

institutes have been managed personally and various significant information and data have

been collected. In spite of this personal visit data and information about some of the

institutes have been collected from their annual reports, progress reports, websites, phone

calls and e-mail and even from some known persons. Therefore a short description covering

all the institutes has been placed to focus especially the nature and types of the institutes.

Among all institutes the demarcated as star mark (*) mentioned in the list entitled S & T

Institute in Assam at Annexure - III has been selected for study with respect to different

parameters.

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� Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB), 1975

The APCB is an autonomous statutory organization constituted on 2nd June, 1975 under the

provision of section 4 of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974 with a view

to protecting the environment and preventing and controlling the pollution from water and air

in the State of Assam, occupying a prominent niche in progressive and industrial

development of the country. The primary activities, functions and responsibilities of the

organization are pollution control and execution of premedical measures, advice and liaison

with the State Government on any matter concerning environmental pollution, collection and

dissemination of data and information on pollution and environmental problems and

preparation of reports thereon etc.

� Agro-Economic Research Center (AERC), 1954

The AERC sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, was set up in 1954 at

Jorhat, Assam. The main planks of activities of these centers initially included conducting

village surveys, studies, investigations of the fundamental problems being experienced in an

agricultural economy and rural development as also to provide technical advice to the central

as well as state governments on the issues referred to by them.

By 2000, this Centre had completed more than 130 studies covering a wide spectrum of

subjects pertaining to agricultural growth and development which inter-alia include

employment, water resources, credit, small and marginal farmers, marketing, seeds, fertilizer,

horticulture, rainfed farming, co-operation, land use, subsidies, regional planning, NGOs,

food economics, fisheries, agro-rural industries etc.

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With the passage of time and having surveyed and resurveyed a large number of villages, the

centre finally switched over to problem-oriented studies, rather than, policy oriented studies.

Within this span of time, many developmental projects relating to the improvement of rural

areas, were also taken up and it was felt necessary that studies of such projects might be

taken up for evaluation by the Agro-Economic Research Centers in future.

� Assam Remote Sensing Application Center (ARSAC), 1988

The ARSAC was established in 1988 by the Assam Science Technology & Environment

Council (ASTEC) and declared it as an autonomous Council of the Department of Science

Technology & Environment, Govt. of Assam. The primary activities of ARSAC are to

develop remote sensing techniques and their applications for natural resources management

in the State. This center provides training and consultancy facilities in remote sensing to the

user agencies with both visual as well as digital interpretation tools to help Govt. & Non

Govt. agencies in preparation of their development plans with geometric accuracy based data

and information through remote sensing technique.

� Dr. Bhubaneswar Barooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), 1958

The BBCI was set up in the year 1958 by a voluntary organization called 'Dr. B. Borooah

Cancer Society Trust'. The Institute was formally inaugurated on 18th November 1973 and

became operational from 1974. The Institute was recognized as Regional Cancer Centre by

the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India in the year 1980. At present it is a

120-bedded Hospital. Along with diagnostic and therapeutic function, BBCI also

concentrates on research programmes with latest developments across the world.

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� Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC), 2004

The CBTC was established in 2004 at Guwahati, Assam under the Ministry of Agriculture &

Co-operation; Govt. of India has facilitated the emergence of a new scenario in the North

Eastern India. The CBTC was incorporated with the objective of organizing the hitherto

untapped bamboo sector of NE India which is a significant occupant of its topography,

culture and customary practices since time immemorial. The CBTC has embarked on a new

phase of programmes and projects in the bamboo sector with renewed vigor under the aegis

of North Eastern Council (NEC). The CBTC involves its creativity and resource in talent

scouting, training, technology sourcing, and market linkage for giving a new age thrust to the

age old bamboo sector.

� Central Drug Testing Laboratory (CDTL), 2002

The CTDL is the one of the five National Laboratories of the Govt of India established in the

year 2002 at Guwahati, Assam. The laboratory is functioning under administrative control of

the Drugs Controller General of India and sub ordinate office under Directorate General of

Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India. The main objectives

of this center are to check the quality of imported drugs, lay dawn regulatory measures and

standards of drugs and grant approval for the import or manufacture of new drugs. CDTL

also arranges training programmes for the personnel concerned with drugs standard control.

� Centre of Plasma Physics (CPP), 1991

The CPP was established in 1991 by the State Govt. of Assam, India, to pursue basic

research in plasma physics and its related areas. The institute is situated Tepesia, Sonapur, in

the outskirt of the city of Guwahati. The CPP is now sister organization of the Institute for

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Plasma Research, Gandhinagar, Ahamedabad under the administrative umbrella of the

Department of Atomic Energy, Govt of India. The CPP has been involved in the research

activities in fundamental and applied research in plasma physics and associated technologies.

� Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute (CMERTI), 1999

The CMERTI was established in 1999 at Lahdoigarh in the Dibrugarh district of Assam

under Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India. Nested with the main institute

are Regional Muga Research Station (RMRS), Regional Eri Research Station (RERS), and 8

Research Extension Centers (RECs) located in Muga and Eri Seri-Zone, which includes the

states of Assam, West Bengal, UP, AP. Over 20 scientists are working on mandated areas

like collection and conservation of Muga and Eri host plants and its silkworms, evolving

suitable package of practices for Muga and Eri silkworm, rearing technology, seed

technology and reeling and spinning in Muga and Eri sector.

� Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), 1971

The CIFRI Regional Center was established in 1971 at Guwahati, Assam under the

administrative control of Indian Council of Agricultural Research. It is the premier research

institute in the field of inland fisheries research and training in Assam and other states of

north-east India. The main objectives of the institute were to conduct investigations for a

proper appraisal of inland fisheries resources of the country and to evolve suitable methods

for their conservation and optimum utilization. While fulfilling the above mentioned

objectives, the Institute directed its research efforts towards understanding the ecology and

production functions of inland water bodies available in the country like river systems, lakes,

ponds, tanks, reservoirs and floodplain wetlands. The Institute has the distinction of evolving

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and popularizing technologies on fish seed prospecting from rivers; fish seed transportation;

induced breeding and nursery management of carps; bundth breeding of Chinese carps;

composite fish culture; aquatic weed control; air-breathing fish culture; integrated fish

farming; sewage fed fish culture; fisheries management of small reservoirs; brackish water

fish farming and farming of edible snails. CIFRI is entrusted with the responsibility to

conduct research on open water bodies where the fisheries management norms are closely

associated with environmental monitoring and conservation

� Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), 1972

The CGWB, North Eastern Regional Center was established in the year 1972 at Guwahati,

Assam under Central Ground Water Board, Govt of India. The central ground board has been

entrusted with the responsibilities to carry out scientific surveys, exploration, monitoring of

development, management and regulation of country’s vast ground water resources for

irrigation, drinking, domestic and industrial needs. The principal activities of the board

include hydro geological surveys, geophysical surveys and investigation ground water

exploration, nation wide monitoring of ground water levels and water quality, ground water

resource assessment, monitoring of ground water development and management of ground

water resources.

� Citrus Research Station (CRS), 1976

The CRS was established in the year 1976 at Tinsukia, Assam under Assam Agriculture

University, Govt of Assam. The chief aim and objectives of this center is to research and

development of citrus found in the North Eastern States of India.

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� Coal Survey Laboratory (CSL), 1953

Established in the year 1953 at Jorhat, Assam the CSL has been one of the prominent units of

Central Fuel Research Center (CFRC). The predominant aim and objectives of this center are

physical & chemical census and to find out the standards of coal found in North Eastern

Region of India and report it to the Central Fuel Research Center.

� Directorate of Geology and Mining, 1960

The Directorate of Geology and Mining was established in the year 1960 at Odalbakra,

Guwahati, Assam. The focal aim and objectives of this department are to undergo research

and development of minerals found in Assam. There is three laboratories i.e analysis

laboratory, photo geological laboratory and rock & mine laboratory in this directorate.

Moreover the department has been associating with the research of ground water system in

Assam.

� Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), 1980

The DRL was established in 1980 at Tezpur, Assam under the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of

India. Research and development activities at DRL are in the fields of microbiology,

bacteriology, chemical and environmental analysis of plants and animals, water analysis,

seeds etc.

� Digboi Refinery, 1901

The Digboi Refinery was set up at Digboi in 1901 by Assam Oil Company Ltd and is the first

refinery established in India.. The Digboi refinery has formally started research in the year

1944. The Digboi refinery produces distillates, heavy ends and excellent quality wax from

indigenous crude oil produced at the Assam oil fields. The research has been focusing on the

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areas of lubricants and grease formulations, fuels, refining processes, biotechnology,

additives, pipeline transportations, engine evaluation, tri-biological and emission studies,

applied metallurgy and has won several awards.

� Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), 1967

The FSL, Assam was established at Shillong (the then Capital of United Assam) in the year

1967. Presently the laboratory is situated at Guwahati, Assam. The laboratory is under the

control of Home Department, Govt. of Assam. The activities of this laboratory include

crimes and their analytical & chemical studies along with DNA Fingerprinting, Brain Finger

Printing and Speaker Identification and finding out of result.

Considering on the magnitude and variety of cases received for analysis, Forensic Science

Laboratory, Assam, generates the following future plan which include getting the Directorate

accredited to NABL standards covering ISO 17025. The others are like setting up of separate

divisions such as Computer Forensic, Brain Finger Printing and Speaker Identification to

deal with cases relating to cyber crime under the modernization of police force scheme.

Apart from the routine activities of undertaking the physical and chemical exanimations of

crime related physical evidences, the directorate regularly imparts training to the police

officers and judicial officers of different ranks and categories of the North Eastern States of

India, on different disciplines of Forensic Science. Officials from bank and other different

financial institutions are also provided basic training on detection of counterfeit currency

notes and other government security documents. Scientists of FSL of the neighboring States

are also provided in service training on the analysis of crime exhibits. These scientists are

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also trained on the instrumental methods of analysis. The directorate also provides necessary

supports to the University and other organization for promoting scientific research activities.

� Goat Research Station (GRS), 1981

GRS was founded in the year 1981 at Burnihat, Kamrup, Assam. The research and

development activities in this station cover study of different variety of goats and their

breeding, treatment, reproduction etc.

� Guwahati Neurological Research Center (GNRC), 1987

GNRC was started in the year 1987 at Guwahati, Assam as a super specialty biggest and

finest private sector neuroscience health care centre of the North Eastern part of India. Along

with diagnostic and therapeutic function, GNRC also organizes academic programmes like

annual lectures and regular research programmes so that its team always remain updated with

latest developments across the world and thus can pass on the benefits to the people in need.

� Horticultural Research Station (HRS), 1972

HRS was established in the year 1972 at Kahikuchi, Kamrup, Assam. HRS is under the

control of Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Research and

development activities in this station are like study of bananas, coconuts, jack fruits,

vegetables and production, etc.

� Institute of Advanced Study in Science & Technology (IASST), 1979

IASST is a premier scientific academy in the North Eastern Region of India and was

inaugurated by Nobel Laurate Prof. Dorthy C. Hodgkin on 3rd November 1979. An

autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, IASST

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has been actively involved in multi disciplinary research in the frontier areas of science and

technology. It is a full-grown research institute undertaking researches on a variety of areas,

such as physical sciences, life sciences, mathematics & statistics, environmental sciences etc.

The central objectives of the institute are to build up a research center with facilities for

fundamental and advanced studies in different fields, to promote original, applied and

interdisciplinary investigations in the areas concerning the development and utilization of

resources of the North Eastern Region of India. This Institute is a model centre for advanced

research in the North Eastern Region in frontier areas of S & T, namely, Material science,

Life Science, Mathematical Science, Environmental science and Information science. The

institute has some basic facilities to carryout research.

� Institute of Biotechnology and Geotectonic Studies (INBIGS), 1989

INBIGS was founded in 1989 at Jorhat, Assam in the green surroundings of North-East part

of India. Assam is the pioneer in crude oil production and has a number of oil fields

established by Oil and Natural Gas Commission. The North-East region was selected to

locate INBIGS in view of its rich flora & fauna and marked tectonic movements. INBIGS is

engaged in the innovative research of petroleum biotechnology through a talented and

dedicated team of bio-scientists. The main aim and objectives of this institute are collection

and dissemination of information about oil exploration and its collection, increasing

production of oil using biological kits, etc.

� Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGSMRI), 1981

IGSMRI Field Station, Jorhat (Assam) was set up on 16th

May, 1981 to promote research and

development (R&D) activities in the field of post harvest technology in the high humid and

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high rainfall areas of N.E. region. The extent of research in this institute is testing of

new insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides and non-chemical methods for control of stored

grain insects, rats, and mites’ fungi. Apart from research the station has been working on

assessment of food grain losses and their quantitative and qualitative estimation, evaluation

of pest control methods and development of code of practices for safe storage of food grains.

Studies on insecticide/pesticide resistance in stored grain insects/pest are also other important

areas on research of this station.

� Institute of Rain and Moist Deciduous Forest Research (IRMDFR), 1988

IRMDFR was brought into existence in April 1988 at Jorhat, Assam. The institute is under

the control of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. The Institute has the

responsibility for research in forest and forestry problems of North-Eastern Region of India.

The Institute has initiated research on forestry microbial associations in the rain forests of

India, collection of bamboo and cane germplasm and their/macro propagation.

Mandates of the institute are conservation of forest ecosystem with emphasis on natural

regeneration, management of shifting cultivation areas, management of community forests,

planting practices for eco-restoration, conservation and sustainable management of Bamboos

and Rattans, etc.

� Livestock Research Station (LRS), 1981

LRS was established in 1981 at Mndira, Kamrup, Assam. The station is under the control of

Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. The station has the responsibility for research and

development works on livestock in the state of Assam.

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� National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), 1992

Initiated in 1992 at Guwahati, Assam under Indian Council of Medical Research NIMR has

been a very prolific institute of research and development. The core research area of this

institute is malaria and its control in Assam and its neighboring states.

� National Research Center on Pig (NRCP), 1990

NRCP was established in 1990 at Rani, Guwahati, Assam, under the control of Indian

Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Its object is to bring in excellence in pig

production, health and product processing through innovative research in order to provide

technology backstopping for enhanced pork production, employment generation and poverty

reduction among socially and economically weaker sections through the medium of pig

husbandry. It also aims to undertake basic, strategic and applied research in the areas of pig

production and health including product/by-product processing, value addition through

quality control measures and transfer of the evolved technologies to the client groups.

� National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSSLUP), 1979

The NBSSLUP, ICAR, Regional Centre, Jorhat is one of the five Centers of the National

Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, ICAR. This Regional Centre was established

in 1979 and is involved in soil resource mapping, soil correlation and classification and has

been undertaking research in land use planning in the north eastern region comprising the

seven states.

� North East Ayurveda Research Institute (NEARI), 1987

NEARI was introduced in 1987 at Guwahati, Assam under the Ministry of Health & Family

Welfare, Department of Ayush, Govt of India. Along with Ayuvedic treatment the institute

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also concentrates on research on some medicinal plants available in North Eastern Region of

India and indigenous Ayurvedic treatment offered by some local people.

� North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), 1961

NEIST formerly Regional Research Laboratory was established by Council of Scientific and

Industrial Research, a premier R&D organization of India in the year 1961 with the motto,

“connecting science and technology for a brighter tomorrow”. Initially, its plan was to

expand indigenous technologies by using the immense natural wealth of India, especially of

North East India like Petroleum, Natural gas, Tea etc. Currently, it is a full-grown research

institute undertaking researches on a variety of areas, such as Medicinal Chemistry,

Biological and Oil Field Chemicals, Agro Technology, Applied Civil Engineering, Natural

Products Chemistry etc. NEIST has produced more than one hundred research scholars in the

last couple of years. At present, the research institute focuses importance on social

infrastructure to carry out further research on science and technology.

� North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management

(NERIWALM), 1990

NERIWLM was formed in 1990 at Dolabari; Tezpur, Assam under the aegis of North

Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Home Affairs and presently under the Ministry of

Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Govt. of India. The institute is an

autonomous body and has a regional perspective for development of the entire North Eastern

Region including through efficient utilization of water and land resources. The institute is

also perusing research jointly by Brahamaputra Board, Central Water Commission and

Institution of Engineers (India).

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� Regional Medical Research Center (RMRC), 1982

RMRC, N.E.Region, established in the year 1982 at East-Chowkindinghee, Dibrugarh

district of Assam, initially started working on Malaria and Japanese encephalitis among

communicable diseases; nasopharyngeal carcinoma, haemoglobinopathies and allied

disorders in non-communicable diseases. Today besides these, the centre has also expanded

its horizon of activities in the field of drug/substance abuse, esophageal cancer, endemic

goiter, cardio-vascular diseases, filariasis, dengue, dermatitis causing schistosomes and

intestinal parasites and has made several significant contribution in these fields to National

and International scientific literatures.

Thrust areas of this institute research are mosquito borne diseases, drug abuse and HIV, food

borne parasitic diseases haemoglobinopathies. The objectives of this center are to promote

biomedical research in the priority areas which are of immediate relevance and importance

to the people of North-East (NE) region of India, to train and build up technical manpower

in the field of health in NE region of India, to interact with the local health authorities to

help find solutions to the health problems in NE region of India, to collect information for

effective traditional systems of medicine among the local Tribal populations and provide

suitable guidance regarding the manufacture of efficacious drugs.

� Regional Rainfed Lowland Rice Research Station (RRLRRS), 1982

Established in 1982 at Geruwa, Hajo, Kamrup, Assam under Indian Council of Agricultural

Research (ICAR), RRLRRS has associated with study and research of lowland rice

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cultivation in Assam and other state of North-East India. The scientists of this station have

produced a variety of rice seeds which are fit for cultivation in the lowland areas.

� Regional Sericultural Research Station (RSRS), 1982

RSRS was founded on in 1982 at Jorhat, Assam under Central Sericulture Board (CSB),

Govt of India. The station has performed research on Eri, Muga and cultivation of Nuni tree

in a high variety.

� Regional Meteorological Center (RMC), 1949

RMC established in 1949 at Guwahati Airport, Assam, has been associated with study and

research of weather and climate change in Assam and North-East Region of India. At present

RMC Guwahati is equipped with APT Unit, SDUC, V-SAT, AMIS / AVRA AMSS EEC

Radar in addition to number of surface pilot balloon, RS/RW and Hydromet observatory.

� Regional Rice Research Center (RRRC), 1923

RRRC was established in 1923 at Titabar, Assam under Assam Agricultural University. The

center is associated with the study and research of new varieties of rice, production of high

yielding rice in the Brahamaputra valley of Assam. Presently the center has engaged on the

research of reproduction of plants, seeds science, soil science, plants anatomy, plants

pathology etc. The key aims and objectives of the center are to promote research and

development on current rice cultivation and their site selection for cultivation. The center has

produced a number of new varieties of rice.

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� Road Research Laboratory (RRL), 1969

RRL was established in 1969 at Guwahati, Assam under Public Works Department, Govt. of

Assam. It is a premier state research institute in the area of roads and road transports. The

R&D areas of the institute are on various aspects of roads transport and related activities viz.,

Pavement Engineering and Materials, Geotechnical Engineering, Bridges and

Instrumentation Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Road Safety, Transportation Planning

and Environment, Road Development, Planning & Management in addition to state of art

computing facilities, infrastructure divisions and administrative sections.

� Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya (SSN), 1949

Besides being a world class eye hospital and service organization SSN, established in 1994 at

Guwahati, Assam is also an acclaimed center for postgraduate training, research and

rehabilitation. Latest technology and techniques of this hospital enable to serve eye patient

with more precision and perfection. The prime determination of this hospital is to give

comprehensive eye care to all. Besides this the physicians here are also engaged in research

and developmental activities.

� State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL), 1970

SPHL was established in 1970 at Guwahati, Assam under control of Health & Family

Welfare Department, Govt of Assam. It is a premier state research institute in the areas of

food sample analysis and their preventive measures etc.

� Sugarcane Research Station (SRS), 1985

Started in 1985 at Buralikson, Baruabamungaon, Golaghat, Assam, SRS has been

contributing vehemently on sugarcane production research. The prominent aim and

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objectives of this station are to study & research on high yielding sugarcane in dry and

wetland areas, to find out variety of pest attack on sugarcane and their control, and also to

find out new variety of sugarcane etc.

� Tea Research Station, Toklai Experimental Station (TRA), 1911

TRA, Toklai Experimental Experimental Station was established in 1911 at Jorhat, Assam.

The organisation undertakes basic and applied research on tea cultivation and processing for

north-east India. Most research is conducted at Toclai, Assam and area specific research for

Dooars at Nagarkata, West Bengal. Research on pharmacological properties of black tea is

carried out at Kolkataand other institutes across India with collaborations. The technology

developed through R & D programmed is disseminated to the member gardens.

3.7 Science & Technology Research and Information Explosion

Research is a systematic quest for knowledge that is characterized by disciplined inquiry. It is

the conduct of special, planned and structured investigations for a more efficient and

effective approach to expand knowledge (Busha and Harter: 1980).

In a scientific community, research is undertaken to attack problems of significance and to

increase theoretical knowledge. Research has long been considered to be an important

function of the academic institutions, together with teaching and community service. The

primary objective of research is “development of a general and systematic set of theories

from which hypotheses can be generated and tested. Research could be of two broad types:

basic research and applied research. “A study has been undertaken primarily to acquire

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knowledge for its own sake can be classified as basic research (also sometimes labeled pure

research or theoretical research). Applied research on the other hand is pragmatic. Its

purposes are more specific and are generally aimed at solving practical problems or at the

discovery of new knowledge that can be utilized immediately in actual ‘real world’ situations

(Busha and Harter: 1980).

However, whatever may be the type of research, it is essential to innovate and invent new

knowledge. It is also essential for the verification of known theories. The research process

can be viewed as the overall scheme of scientific activities in which scientists engage in

order to produce knowledge; it is the paradigm of scientific inquiry. The research process

consists of seven principal stages: problem, hypotheses, research design, measurement, data

analysis and generalization (Nachmias and Nachmias: 1991). Each of these stages is

interrelated with theory in the sense that it is affected by it as well as affects it.

“The most characteristics feature of research process is its cyclic nature. It usually starts with

a problem and ends in a tentative empirical generalization. The generalization ending one

cycle is the beginning of next cycle. This cyclic process continues indefinitely reflecting the

progress of a scientific discipline” (Nachmias and Nachmias: 1991).

Science is progress of searching new piece of information. Progress of S & T is cumulative

in the sense; each new advance is built on the achievement. Scientific knowledge yields

social benefits when made freely available to all potential users. Today there has been

increasing specification in all branches of S & T creating new areas and sub areas.

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Celebration and team research have come in a big way radically altering structure and

understanding of scientific research.

Scientific communication perhaps serves as the only important link between scholars

(researchers) in various parts of the globe. Unless the findings of researchers are

communicated to his fellow researchers, scientific research is incomplete. Further scientific

literature is the foundation on which the incremental progress of science resets.

However, the phenomenal increase of the research activity has growth to such an extent that

often it is easier to repeat an experiment, than to look for a fact in the ever increasing ocean

of scientific literature.

It is therefore evident that the flow of scientific information along several publication media

or communication channels is very important for successful research and development

activities. The late Prof. Bernel Vividly described the problem of growth of information as a

completed irrigation system which is continuously fed from many sources and in which the

individual plants (the users) depend on what reaches them at a given time. Ideally, each user

should receive just the right amount of information at the right time, but in practice, the user

have difficulty in getting the information in time and much of it is wasted. At other times, the

flow of information is so abundant that he cannot absorb all that is available.

Various estimates have been made about the ‘information explosion’ during the recent years.

There has been an exponential growth in information, particularly in the field of S & T in the

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form of books, periodicals, reports and other media. “The rate of growth is doubling

approximately every 15 years. About 60 million pages of literature are being currently

published annually in more than 60 languages through out the world” says Francis Bello

(Busha and Harter: 1980).

Acceleration of research and development activities has resulted in proliferation of

publications in various fields of the universe of knowledge. The world list of scientific

periodicals records a 108% increase in the number of scientific periodicals of the world in the

thirty years. If we analyze different editions of the world list, it will be seen that the number

of scientific periodicals covered from 1900 to 1921 was 25,000. The figure rose up to 36,000

in 1933; 50,000 in 1950; 70,000 and 95,000 in 1990 (Porter and Koster: 1970). A large

number of conferences and seminars are held annually by associations and organizations, and

in consequence thousands of conference proceedings being published every year.

3.8 Summing Up

Like in many other parts of India, Assam is also facing major challenges in the growth and

development of S & T that benefits its people. S & T have profoundly influenced the course

of human civilization and have been playing a very significant role for the upliftment of

mankind. It is to be noted that S & T is a very important means in the process of socio-

economic development. But if this tool is not suitably designed, the benefits of technological

innovations for human welfare will not reach the masses, rather it would remain confined

only to a thin section of the society. Hence, there appears the need of deep analysis and

review of the process of scientific and technological development and their application in the

direction in which it is moving. Infact, S & T input should be such that it would lead to the

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maximum utilization of the basic human resource, its skills and capacities, conservation of

non-renewable resources and maintenance of a healthy material and non-material

environment.

Keeping in mind the above stated vital facts, some S & T Institutes under the Govt. of Assam

and Govt. of India has been set up and through these institutes various courses/ studies/

programmes /schemes /projects are implemented. Based on a study of location specific

problems of Assam, some institutes have identified certain priority areas through consultation

with some experts of leading institutes and organizations and have been bringing the benefits

of S & T to the society at the grass root level. These priority areas include research &

development and information dissemination in the following select areas related, to location

specific problems directed towards the need of the bulk of the people, especially in rural

areas: agriculture, housing, rural energy, sericulture, health, natural resources management,

fishery, environment, natural disaster mitigation.

From the above discussion, it becomes clear that S & T have extremely influenced the course

of human civilization. Science has provided us with remarkable insights into the world we

live in. The scientific revolutions of the 21st century have led to many technologies, which

promise to herald wholly new eras in wide variety of fields. As we stand today at this

century, we have to ensure the fullest use of these developments for the well being of our

people. Science and technology have been an integral part of Indian civilization and culture

over the past several millennia. India was the fountainhead of important foundational

scientific developments and approaches. These cover many great scientific discoveries and

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technological achievements in mathematics, astronomy, architecture, chemistry, metallurgy,

medicine, natural philosophy and other areas.

The S & T Institutes in Assam have been taken remarkable part for the benefits of people in

Assam and other parts of India. The institutes are pursuing research on various subject areas

depending upon the needs and demands. The institutes are engaged in their research on single

and diverse disciplines, areas of competence and of applications. Though the scientific and

technical staffs are working in these institutes seriously but they are not satisfied because of

the lack of required infrastructure like well-equipped laboratories, all types of chemicals,

well-equipped libraries, skilled manpower etc and it is generally in the state level institutes

run by the Govt. of Assam. In spite of this, the scientists and technologists are producing a

good number of research output which has been recognized by national and international

scientific communities.