Stressing on the need to tap the full potential of scientists and engineers in the country, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan today assured all help to the community saying that they need to take just one step for the government to take five and clear all hurdles.
"The talent of engineers and scientists should be tapped to the fullest. The government's job is to remove the obstructions. You take one step and the government will take five steps," the Science and Technology Minister said.
He was speaking to a group of scientists and engineers after dedicating a newly set automated solar module production plant with 40 MW panels at the Central Electronics Limited (CEL) plant, a PSU under the ministry, here.
The entire plant is imported from Italy and consists of tabber-stringers, bussing stations, laminators, framing equipment, glass washer, as well as module testing equipment - all interlinked with mechanised conveyors.
Emphasising on the need to take the country forward in the field of solar energy, Vardhan said it can make India "self-reliant" and people can also earn revenue out of it.
The minister, however, lamented the fact that many states including Delhi were not making full use of the solar energy despite it being found in abundance.
"Only few states are seriously looking at solar energy. Gujarat has earned Rs 731 crore while Maharashtra has got Rs 900 crore through subsidies for promotion of solar energy," Vardhan said.
Minister of State for Science and Technology Y S Chowdary, who was also present, said the next step that CEL should take is to manufacture solar cells.
"It should enter into private public partnership (PPP) so that the solar technology can reach rural areas," he said.
G Anupama, Joint Secretary, Ministry of S&T, said it was important to undertake strong marketing initiatives in order to popularise and sell the products by CEL.
