NEW DELHI: The government may reconsider its decision that requires scientific institutions to seek prior approval before organising any international online seminars or conferences.
“Since leading science academies on behalf of scientists flagged their concerns over the decision, I believe the matter would certainly be considered after looking at all its pros and cons,” Ashutosh Sharma, secretary, department of science & technology (DST) told TOI on Sunday.
Asked whether the decision would be modified, Sharma said, “That I cannot say. What I can say is that the issue will be discussed in the context of inputs provided by the science academies.” Two leading and oldest academies of the country — Indian Academy of Sciences and Indian National Academy of Sciences — have recently written to education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal seeking withdrawal of the order, saying such restrictions could halt all topical scientific discussions.
The ministry had earlier said that clearance from the external affairs ministry will be required for holding international conferences, workshops or training on security of state, border, northeast states, UTs of J&K, and Ladakh or any other issues related to India’s internal matters.