Expedite space-based applications: Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh urged scientists to expedite space-based applications in order to balance the share of economic growth in the society. Talking to scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday, Singh said that the unfortunate truth is that the fruits of growth are not equally shared among different segments of the society.

"As the economy expands, there will be growing pressure on resources be it land, water or minerals. Remote sensing applications for such purposes will be critical. Space-based applications have strong means of bridging the divide and for this purpose there is a need to develop heavy lift launchers, advanced propulsion systems including the cryogenic state and recoverable and reusable launch systems," Dr Singh said. Stating that there have been aberrations and setbacks in the space programmes in the recent past. The PM shared his worries and said that it is therefore important that the scientists should work with renewed dedication, sincerity and zeal to fulfil the high expectations that the country space programmes.

Demonstrating his keenness on the young scientists of resurgent India and the future of the country, Singh said that as a teacher he hopes that the Indian Institute of Space Technology will attract best minds and grow into a world class institution. The Prime Minister also said that there is much more that needs to be done. Tele-education, tele-medicine and Village Resource Centre services deserve high priority.