New Delhi: A group of former scientists and academicians have raised concerns over a “disconcerting trend of undermining scientific institutions and the constitutional idea of promoting scientific temper.”
“From the abrupt closure of key institutions engaged in science communication to the promotion of pseudoscience, compounded by significant delays in the disbursement of funds and changes in school science syllabi, India is witnessing a systematic threat to its scientific foundation,” they said in a panel discussion on February 26.
The panel discussion, titled ‘Decoding Threat to Science and Scientific Temper’, was organised by ‘In Defence of Science’ group, in New Delhi.
It raised concerns over key institutions like Vigyan Prasar and NISTADS being abruptly closed or merged, saying that the move diminished avenues for science communication.
“They were unique institutions in the developing world and had accumulated vast expertise in their respective areas of work. Another science outreach organisation, the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) has been subjected to official apathy. The loss of these institutions will have far-reaching implications for India’s scientific capabilities and global standing in the field,” the speakers said in a statement.
The rise of pseudoscience endorsed by official agencies jeopardises public trust and undermines genuine scientific expertise, it added.
“Equally troubling is the promotion of pseudoscience over evidence-based research and established scientific principles. With a rise in the endorsement of unproven remedies and practices by official agencies and their funding by national research funding agencies, there is a risk of misleading the public and eroding trust in genuine scientific expertise. Such actions not only undermine public trust in science, and people’s health and safety but also jeopardize the credibility of India’s scientific community.”
It further said that bureaucratic delays in funding disbursement hamper research initiatives, while changes to school science syllabi prioritize ideological agendas over factual accuracy, hindering scientific literacy.
Reproduced below is the full statement.
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Statement released by Scientists and Concerned Citizens
New Delhi, February 26, 2024: Developments in recent years in India have caused concern within the scientific community and academic circles, pointing to a disconcerting trend of undermining scientific institutions and the constitutional idea of promoting scientific temper. From the abrupt closure of key institutions engaged in science communication to the promotion of pseudoscience, compounded by significant delays in the disbursement of funds and changes in school science syllabi, India is witnessing a systematic threat to its scientific foundation.
The closure of Vigyan Prasar (VP), which was at the forefront of groundbreaking science communication and science popularisation efforts, as well as the merger of the National Institute for Science, Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS) with a new entity, seem to be directed at ending the only avenues of connecting science with society through well-informed channels. They were unique institutions in the developing world and had accumulated vast expertise in their respective areas of work. Another science outreach organisation, the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) has been subjected to official apathy. The loss of these institutions will have far-reaching implications for India’s scientific capabilities and global standing in the field.
Equally troubling is the promotion of pseudoscience over evidence-based research and established scientific principles. With a rise in the endorsement of unproven remedies and practices by official agencies and their funding by national research funding agencies, there is a risk of misleading the public and eroding trust in genuine scientific expertise. Such actions not only undermine public trust in science, and people’s health and safety but also jeopardize the credibility of India’s scientific community.
Furthermore, the bureaucratic delays in the disbursement of funds for scientific research projects and fellowships have left many young scientists and researchers in a precarious position. Without adequate funding, vital research initiatives are being hampered, leading to setbacks in critical areas. The decline in the budget allocated to science and higher education in general, and civilian R&D in particular, over the last decade does not augur well for Indian science as well as society. The continuous erosion of academic freedom is another matter of concern. All this could jeopardize India’s ability to address pressing societal challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities using science.
In addition to these challenges, changes to school science syllabi have raised concerns about the quality and accuracy of science education in India. Alterations that prioritize ideological agendas over scientific facts risk hindering the development of a scientifically literate populace. This could have long-term implications for the country’s ability to foster a culture of innovation and critical thinking among its youth.
As advocates for evidence-based decision-making and scientific integrity, we feel that safeguarding scientific institutions, promoting rigorous research practices, ensuring timely funding, and upholding the integrity of science education are paramount to using science and technology for national development, and for the global competitiveness of Indian R&D. We urge the citizens to raise their voices against these disturbing trends. It is our constitutional duty to protect scientific institutions and promote scientific temper.
Name Designation Affiliation
Er. Anuj Sinha Former Scientist In-charge NCSTC (DST)
Former Director Vigyan Prasar
Dr. Ashok Jain Former Director CSIR-NISTADS
Dr D Raghunandan, Delhi Science Forum
Prof. Dinesh Abrol Former Chief Scientist CSIR-NISTADS
Dr. Dinesh C Sharma Journalist & Author
Prof. Gauhar Raza Former Chief Scientist CSIR-NISCAIR
Dr. Harshavardhana Hegde Orthopaedic Surgeon
Prof. Nandita Narain Former Head Mathematics Dept. Delhi University
Prof. N Raghuram GGSIU, Delhi
Rakesh Andania, Science Filmmaker
Dr Surjit Singh, Adjunct Prof. SIASTE
T V Venkateswaran Former Acting Director Vigyan Prasar
