New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Northeast states can be the new driving force for the country's growth.
Modi was speaking at the inauguration of the 105th session of the Indian Science Congress at Manipur University.
He was welcomed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Governor Najma Heptulla at Imphal airport.
After inaugurating the event, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of the National Sports University, a thousand Anganwadi centres and 19 residential complexes for teachers, doctors and nurses. He also inaugurated the Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex.
The Indian Science Congress is an annual event, usually held in the first week of January. Top scientists from across the country and the world attend the event. The last Science Congress was held at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.
LIVE UPDATES:
# 12:57 PM:Â Government of India has sanctioned ten India Reserve Battalions for the North Eastern States which include two battalions for Manipur. These two battalions will directly provide job opportunities to about 2,000 youth in the State: PM Modi in Imphal.
Government of India has sanctioned ten India Reserve Battalions for North Eastern States which include two battalions for Manipur. These two battalions will directly provide job opportunities to about 2,000 youth in the State: PM Modi in Imphal pic.twitter.com/LOLlCxD7rD
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018
# 12:36 PM:Â I am happy that the State government is working to reduce the problems faced by girls in Hill and Tribal areas for their education. The state government has undertaken construction of a new hostel for girls in the tribal area. I am fortunate to inaugurate 1 such hostel today: PM Modi
# 12:35 PM:Â Woman power in this state has always been a source of inspiration for the country. Today on this occasion, I salute the great revolutionary and daughter of the nation Rani Gaidinliu. I am also privileged to inaugurate today a park dedicated in her name: PM Modi in Imphal
# 12:30 PM:Â The way people of Manipur seem happy indicates how well the state government is working: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public meeting in Imphal
# 12:03 PM:  LIVE:ðŸ›°ï¸ PM Modi to the lay foundation stone and dedicate several projects to the nation, in ManipurÂ
— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 16, 2018
# 11:09 AM:Â I am confident that through the dedicated efforts of our scientists, we are embarking on the road to a glorious future. The future we wish for ourselves and for our children
# 11:09 AM:Â India has a rich tradition and a long history of both discovery and use of science and technology. It is time to reclaim our rightful place among the front-line nations in this field. I call upon the scientific community to extend its research from the labs to the land.
# 11:06 AM: We have to be future ready in implementing technologies vital for the growth and prosperity of the nation. Technology will allow far greater penetration of services such as education, healthcare, and banking to our citizens
# 11:05 AM: We have set a target of 100 GW of installed solar power by 2022. Efficiency of solar modules currently available in the market is around 17%-18%. Can our scientists take a challenge to come up with a more efficient solar module, which can be produced in India at the same cost
# 11:04 AM: We have approved a 'Prime Minister’s Research Fellows' scheme. Under this, bright minds from the best Institutions in the country, like IISc,IIT,NIT, IISER & IIIT will be offered direct admission in Ph.D in IIT & IISc. This will help address brain-drain from our country:
# 10:59 AM:Â Our Government has already given the go-ahead to establish 3rd LIGO detector in the country. It will expand our knowledge in basic sciences in the areas of lasers, light waves & computing. I am told that our scientists are tirelessly working towards making this a reality:
# 10:55 AM:Â We are committed to increasing the share of non-fossil fuel based capacity in the electricity mix above 40% by 2030. India is a leader in the multi-country Solar Alliance and in Mission Innovation. These groupings are providing a thrust to R&D for clean energy
# 10:54 AM:Â Our scientific achievements need to be communicated to society. This will help inculcate scientific temper among youth. We have to throw open our institutions & laboratories to our children. I call upon scientists to develop a mechanism for interaction with school-children
# 10:52 AM:Â An 'Ethno-Medicinal Research Centre' has been set up in Manipur to undertake research on the wild herbs available in the North-East region, which have unique medicinal and aromatic properties. State Climate Change Centres have been set up in 7 North-Eastern States
# 10:45 AM: The time is ripe to redefine ‘R&D’ as ‘Research’ for the ‘Development’ of the nation. Science is after all, but a means to a far greater end; of making a difference in the lives of others, of furthering human progress and welfare.
# 10:44 AM:Â I am told that this is just the second time in over a century, that the Indian Science Congress is being held in the North-East. This is a testimony to the resurgent spirit of the North East. It bodes well for the future.
# 10:33 AM:Â Â LIVE: PM Modi addressing at the inaugural session of 105th Indian Science Congress at Manipur University
— BJP (@BJP4India) March 16, 2018
# 10:06 AM: PM Modi at the inaugural session, he will also address the gathering.
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018
# 09:39 AM: PM Modi reaches Imphal, he will be addressing the 105th session of the Indian Science Congress at Manipur University, along with inaugurating several projects. Governor Najma Heptulla & CM N.Biren Singh present to receive PM.
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018
