Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced Rs 100 crore for a Nobel winner in science from the state. He made the announcement on Wednesday during the Children’s Science Congress held in Tirupati as part of the ongoing Indian Science Congress meet.
“Any Andhra scientist who can make it to the Noble list will get a gift of Rs 100 crore from the Government. I am making this announcement to motivate the scientists in the state,” he told the Children’s Congress held in the premises of Padmavathi Mahila University.
Naidu’s announcement is certainly a sign that the Government is keen to encourage indigenous innovations in science. But can a Rs 100 crore gift produce a scientific genius?
Neither the country nor the state has the infrastructure, the eco-system or the will to nurture talent at that level. Making Nobel-worthy discoveries and innovations is a long, protracted, lonely and expensive calling, and can be sustained only through commitment.
While the earnestness of the CM is understandable, it is important to have long-term goals and come up with enabling systems rather than making stand-alone measures.
