Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in Prime Minister`s Office (PMO), Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Science & Technology (Independent Charge), Earth Sciences (Independent Charge), Atomic Energy and Space has said Solar Energy is going to play a pivotal role in scientific and social advancement in the years to come and observed, just as electricity was a gift of 19th century and electronics a gift of 20th century, solar energy is going to be a gift of science and technology in 21st century.
Delivering the inaugural address at a seminar on “Solar Powered Water Pumping Systems” organised by “Institute of Public Health Engineers (IPHE) India” and “International Committee of the Red Cross” at the India International Centre (IIC) here in New Delhi today Dr. Singh said, as the increasing requirement for power and energy sources becomes a major concern in a country like India, solar energy holds the promise to play a central role in day to day life of the Indian people. In a developing country like ours, where scarcity in water supply is rampant and there are also the issues of hygiene and cost-effectiveness, the concept of solar powered water pumping system can offer a new and viable alternative option, he added.
Congratulating the organisers for holding an enlightening meet on the subject, the Minister said, it is unfortunate that somehow science and technology does not enjoy its deserved priority and therefore, a scientific meet like this with wider involvement of society will help in bringing awareness among the common masses about the ways and means of energy available to the people and optimum methods of its utility. India is making rapid strides in every sphere of life and in its global march towards progress and prosperity, solar energy and its application is going to be a major contributor in India-2020 becoming a global leader, he added.
Pledging every kind of support from the department of Science and Technology for encouraging research and new projects by innovative scholars and particularly young scientists, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, it will be his Ministry’s endeavour to open science and technology for wider social participation and thereby as a means of social transformation. Prominent scientists present on the occasion included Mary Werntz, Benjamin Wahren, Dinesh Chand and S.K. Sharma. The two day Seminar has been organized by the Institute of Public Health Engineers, India Delhi regional center and International Committee of Red Cross is expected to deliberate on subjects like: Application of Solar powered pumping in the rural water sector, Solar photovoltaic pumping systems surface and submersible pumps, Innovation in design and installation of Solar powered pumping and treatment systems, Case studies/goods practices and economics of solar water pumping systems. Recommendations of the workshop will be useful in drawing up a road map for exploiting solar energy for small and medium pumping systems to provide drinking water to rural populations especially in remote areas where grid power is not available and laying a line is also costly. It will also help in preparing an action plan for research and development in this filed.