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Context

• The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) is facing significant challenges, leading to its recent exclusion from the boards of prominent medical institutions like AIIMS and PGIMR.

Details

Recent Issues

• Financial Irregularities: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has accused ISCA of financial irregularities and misappropriation of government funds, which ISCA denies. These allegations led to DST suspending all current office-bearers of ISCA​.
• Legal Disputes: ISCA has gone to court against the government, and the matter is still unresolved. As a result, the annual Science Congress could not be held this year for the first time in its history​.

Government Actions

• Suspension of ISCA Representatives: The DST has instructed top medical institutions, including all AIIMS branches and PGIMR, not to allow ISCA representatives on their boards or committees. This directive is based on the DST's decision not to recognize the current Executive Council of ISCA due to alleged irregularities​​.
• No-Objection Certificate Requirement: The Health Ministry has been asked to seek a no-objection certificate from DST before nominating any ISCA office-bearers to any governing body, extending this requirement to all autonomous organizations under its domain​.

Historical Context

• Decline in Standards: Over the past 15 years, there has been a noticeable decline in the standards of discussions at the Science Congress, with many leading scientists opting out.
• This has reduced the event to a gathering of mostly university and college teachers with limited scientific credentials​.

Financial Support and Governance

• Funding Withdrawal: In September last year, DST withdrew its funding support for the Science Congress, citing financial irregularities.
• It also amended the by-laws to impose stricter controls on how government funds could be utilized.
• These amendments are currently being challenged in Kolkata High Court​​.
• Due to these issues, the Science Congress was not held in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this year it was canceled for the first time due to the unresolved disputes with the government​.

Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA)

• The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) is a premier scientific organization in India, established in 1914.
• It is a professional body under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and it aims to promote the cause of science in India by organizing annual conferences and various other activities.
• ISCA organizes the Indian Science Congress annually, a key event on the Prime Minister’s calendar until recently.
• Current Leadership: The ISCA President for 2023-24 is Arvind Kumar Saxena. The Executive Committee has 19 members, and the Council has 79 members, including past-presidents

Vision and Mission

• Vision: To inculcate scientific temper among the common people.
• Mission: To make people aware of recent developments in Science & Technology and its impact on society, establish centers across India for spreading scientific knowledge, and provide a platform for scientists from India and abroad to exchange views.

Objectives

• Advance and promote the cause of science in India.
• Hold an annual congressat a suitable place in India.
• Publish proceedings, journals, and other publications.
• Manage funds and endowmentsfor the promotion of science.
• Perform activities conducive to the above objectives.

Functions

• Platform for Scientific Discussion: Provides a platform where scientists worldwide can discuss developments in Science & Technology.
• Policy Contributions: Contributes to the development of Science and National Science Policies.
• Annual Congress: Organizes symposia, invited lectures, and paper presentations on various scientific topics.
• International Collaboration: Engages in bilateral programs with foreign scientific academies for mutual scientific advancement.
• Science Awareness Programs: Conducts science awareness programs nationwide.
• Young Scientist Awards: Encourages young scientists through the ISCA Young Scientists Award Program.
• Publications: Propagates scientific knowledge through publications like Everyman’s Science.
• Endowment Awards: Institutes awards in the names of eminent scientists.

Annual Congress

• The Indian Science Congress is held every January, where scientists, policymakers, and the general public come together.
• The event includes presentations, lectures, and discussions on current scientific issues.
• Themes vary annually to reflect contemporary scientific challenges and opportunities.

Awards and Recognitions

• Young Scientists Program: Introduced in 1981 to encourage young scientists to present their research and exchange ideas.
• Various Awards: Including the Asutosh Mookerjee Memorial Award, C.V. Raman Birth Centenary Award, and many more, recognizing contributions to different scientific fields.

Recent Highlights

• 108th Session: Held in January 2023 with the theme “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women’s Empowerment.”
• The event emphasized increasing women’s participation in science and discussed India's scientific achievements and global rankings​​.

Organizational Structure

• ISCA Chapters: Established across the country to promote science locally and involve young scientists in fundamental and applied research activities.
• There are about 26 chapters currently​​.

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Discuss the significance of the Indian Science Congress in the context of scientific research and innovation in India. Highlight its evolution, key contributions, and the challenges it faces. (250 Words)