In a significant push to advance scientific learning and innovation in eastern India, Odisha’s Minister for Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, has sought central support for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Science City in Bhubaneswar.
During a meeting with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi, Patra formally handed over a letter proposing the initiative. The Odisha Government has earmarked 100 acres of land for the Science City, which is envisioned as an interactive and immersive hub to promote scientific education, innovation, and research—particularly among the youth.
‘We believe central support will be instrumental in realizing this vision,’ said Patra, adding that the proposed facility aligns with the national objective of nurturing scientific temper and positioning India as a global innovation leader.
Welcoming the proposal, Dr. Singh assured that officials from the Ministry would review the details and initiate discussions to move forward. He also suggested that Odisha focus on enhancing its existing scientific infrastructure, including CSIR laboratories and space research centres, to complement new projects.
In addition to the Science City, Patra presented several other proposals during the meeting. These included the establishment of an Astronomy Observatory, a Bay of Bengal Coastal Observatory under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and an Intellectual Property and Patent Facilitation Centre. Proposals were also submitted under the Department of Biotechnology and the National Council for Science Museums, as well as the Ministry of Culture.
Dr. Singh urged the Odisha delegation to consider establishing a Bio E-Cell under the Centre’s Bio-E3 policy framework. Highlighting Odisha’s natural strengths in coastal and mineral resources, he emphasized the potential to align state initiatives with national missions such as the Deep Ocean Mission.
