Institutions with Similar Functions Must Collaborate to Work
Electronic Development Corporation to Be Entrusted with Cyber Security Responsibility
Chief Minister Reviews Science and Technology Departments Work

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that government departments should enhance their efforts to utilize drone technology for public welfare. He suggested expanding the use of drones to monitor and prevent illegal tree felling, unauthorized mineral excavation and for police patrolling in densely populated areas. He also stressed the importance of using drone technology to detect poaching incidents in forest areas and to ensure that offenders are brought to justice. He called for collaboration among institutions like Mapcast, CRISP and others to coordinate and carry out similar initiatives. Dr. Yadav made these remarks while reviewing the activities of the Science and Technology Department in a meeting held in the ministry room on Tuesday, where he provided instructions regarding key projects and tasks of the department.

Establish IT Park through PPP Model

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that IT parks should be developed in the state through the PPP model, with potential sites identified in Indore, Ujjain, and Rewa. He emphasized the importance of setting clear timelines for all IT projects to ensure efficient progress. Dr. Yadav also stressed the need for the effective use of new technology to protect the coastal areas of the Narmada River, safeguard crops and preserve the environment.

Dongla Observatory Now Affiliated with IIT Indore

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed efforts to develop research and development courses by linking Dongla Observatory in Ujjain district with IIT Indore. He emphasized the need to prioritize the creation of a visit plan for top-performing students to the Ujjain Planetarium. Additionally, he highlighted that the observatory’s remotely operated research facilities align with the objectives of the new education policy.

Emphasis on Encouraging Students to Study Space Technology and Science

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized the importance of motivating students to study and conduct research in space science. He suggested that school and college students visit observatories to enhance their knowledge and proposed organizing international space science conferences in the state to engage the youth. He also highlighted the need for guiding students interested in pursuing PhDs in this field and stressed the importance of raising students’ intellectual levels to align with the modern era. To achieve this, new scientific dialogue sessions should be organized. During the meeting, it was shared that Ujjain Planetarium has undergone an upgrade costing Rs. 8 crore this year. Since the inauguration of the 3D 4K projection system, over 400 shows have been conducted, attracting a large number of enthusiastic school and college students.

Ujjain must evolve as the Center of the World Time Standard

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav expressed that, similar to the global recognition of Greenwich Time, Ujjain should be acknowledged internationally as a significant center due to its geographical importance and the pioneering research of scientists like Shri Janardan Negi. He pointed out that Ujjain is home to the world’s first Vedic clock and that ancient Acharyas have historically identified Ujjain as being situated on zero longitude based on geographical calculations. Dr. Yadav emphasized the need for multidimensional efforts to promote Ujjain as a global time standard, aspiring to shift the world’s reference from Greenwich to Ujjain.

MPSEDC to Be Entrusted with Responsibilities for Government Departments and Simhastha-2028

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized the importance of using science and technology effectively to address future challenges. He instructed all departments to develop a comprehensive action plan for cyber security through Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation Limited (MPSEDC). He also announced that for Simhastha-2028, MPSEDC will be responsible for handling IT projects for the Urban Administration Department. Dr. Yadav directed MPSEDC to begin planning and working on these initiatives immediately.

Engineering colleges must co-ordinate with higher education Department

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized the need to strengthen the Science and Technology Department, making it proficient and capable of ensuring cyber security for various projects. He proposed developing the state’s six older government engineering colleges along the lines of IITs, with support from industry as needed to enhance these institutions. He stressed the importance of preparing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of new industries emerging in the state. Dr. Yadav also called for efforts to be aligned with the requirements of the State Data Center and instructed the development of an integrated single window system for all departments to streamline services for industries. Additionally, he emphasized that all government engineering colleges should be developed in coordination with the IT Department. He directed the Higher Education Department, CRISP, and the Science and Technology Council to collaborate and work together to advance rural technology.

In the meeting, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain directed the development of an IT Park in the state through the PPP model. He highlighted the need for extensive use of drone technology and recommended incorporating new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. He suggested integrating data from various locations within the police department to create a heat map for crime analysis, which would help in reducing criminal activities. Shri Jain also stressed the importance of utilizing the PM Gati Shakti Portal effectively. Additional Chief Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, Shri Sanjay Dubey, provided detailed information about the department’s initiatives. He shared that drone technology is currently being utilized across multiple departments, including Revenue, Forest, Urban Administration, RERA, Agriculture, and Industry. Shri Dubey also discussed ongoing projects related to cyber security.

Important activities of the coming year in the state

Director General of the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, Shri Anil Kothari, presented a detailed overview of the council’s ongoing work, future plans, and proposed activities. He announced that in December, the automation of the Varah Mihir Astronomical Observatory in Dongla will be inaugurated. Shri Kothari also shared that the National Children’s Science Congress, organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, will take place in Bhopal from January 3 to 6, 2025, with participation from 1,200 students, subject experts, and scientists from across the country. Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Artisan Science Conference is scheduled for February 2025. From March 19 to 21, Vikram University will host the National Science Festival and the 40th Young Scientists Conference, expected to draw significant youth participation.

The meeting also revealed that a gallery is being developed in the Dr. V.S. Wakankar Luminescence Dating Laboratory to honor Dr. Wakankar’s contributions. This laboratory will become a state-of-the-art facility for geo-archaeological time calculations, capable of determining the age of geo-archaeological events up to 1 million years. Previously, the methods used could only date events and samples up to 200,000 years old.