Manipur Science and Technology Minister Th Biswajit on Tuesday stressed on the importance of using intellectual property rights in Manipur and asserted that budding innovators of the state should make use of the right to protect and safeguard their innovative ideas from being copied.
Biswajit was speaking at the inaugural function of National Science Day celebration at Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) complex, which will be held for five days from February 28 to March 4 at MASTEC Complex. A science exhibition was also organised at the complex where students from classes 6-12 belonging to different schools participated.
The minister pointed out the need to exhort young innovators of the state and provide proper platforms on which their ideas can be developed.
“Innovation, Invention and Incubation is needed to promote growth of science and technology in the country,” he said.
Highlighting that the budget allotted for development of science and technology in Manipur is restraining, he maintained that he will do the necessary to aid the expansion of science and technology in the state during his tenure.
Biswajit urged the exhibition organisers to select 10 innovative creations from the exhibition and stated that the government and other sponsors will extend their service in materialising the idea for future use.
“Encouragement of budding innovators will ensure the continuity of the creative chain in the state and people should strive collectively to maintain the chain,” he said.
The science and technology minister further stated that science and technology has taken the front seat in every major facet of daily life. Keeping in line with this technological advancement, the state government is slowly incorporating use of technology in agriculture, he added.
He highlighted that the state government had purchased 60 drones to use in mapping and application of fertilizers in paddy fields. “The drones will not only map but also identify the paddy areas most affected by insects and pests, dividing the level of infection into – red, yellow, green,” he said.
He further assured to start the construction work of a new MASTEC complex soon and maintained that he will talk to the chief minister for implementation of the MASTEC building plan.
Dhanamanjuri University vice chancellor, professor N Rajmuhon, Science and technology commissioner M Yaiskul Meitei and MASTEC director L Minaketan among others attended the inaugural function.
Meanwhile, Minister Thongam Biswajit also attended the closing ceremony of Imphal college week programme at the jubilee hall of the college. Speaking on the occasion, Biswajit exhorted people of the state to extend their service in developing Manipur.
“No progress can be achieved without the collective efforts of the people. Delaying services to others will only hinder the progress of our state,” he said.
Imphal College principal M Priyobarta Singh, teachers and students of the college took part in the closing ceremony.
