Speaking at Mann ki Baat radio program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the country needs to focus on research and innovation in the field of technology to fulfil the dreams of former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
"We can only fulfil Kalam's dream if the next generation work towards developing technology to which can be used in day-to-day life," said Modi before making policy announcements.
"Let us aim to innovate. The Niti Ayog is promoting Atal Innovation Mission which will create an ecosystem for innovation, experiment and entrepreneurship. This will also create employment opportunities," he said, and added that in order to foster technological innovation and entrepreneurship on the grassroot level, the government has proposed setting up "tinkering laboratories" at the school level.
"The government will sanction Rs. 10 lakh to set up tinkering labs in schools. The government received as many as 13,000 applications from schools to set up tinkering labs…We have also allocated Rs. 10 crore to set up new implementation centre strengthen existing ones," the prime minister added.
Modi also announced that on the 9th of every month, pregnant woman will be checked and given medical aid at government hospitals free of cost. In addition, the prime minister also sought suggestions from his listeners for his Independence Day address. He asked listeners to share them on the Narendra Modi mobile App or on MyGov.
He also attempted to reassure the public that the government is doing its best to deal with the floods that have hit some parts of the country. Modi said: "Sometime back, we were concerned about drought but now we are enjoying the rains and there are reports about floods. The state governments and the Centre are working closely, making all efforts to help the flood-affected people."
