ISLAMABAD, May 13: The budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Science and Technology has increased from Rs130 million to Rs2.6 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in the last few years, sources told Dawn.

This phenomenal increase in the budgetary allocations of the ministry is due to a number of projects it had started for the overall development of science and technology sector in the country, the sources said.

For human resource development, the ministry initiated five projects of PhDs/post-doctoral studies for 750 scholars at a total cost of Rs2,127.63 million and two projects for training of scientists and technologists/ technicians at a cost of Rs67.47 million.

In reference to the upgradation and strengthening of research and development infrastructure as many as 36 projects were started at a total cost of Rs2,489.17 million.

The financial assistance was provided to universities, science and technology/research and development organizations throughout the country for their infrastructural as well as human resource development.

Under the programme of technology development and industrialization, 24 projects were initiated at a total cost of Rs3,316.36 million under which the ministry was trying to develop a direct linkage between universities and the industrial sector.

For strengthening of policy, coordination and management structure, five projects were activated with a total cost of Rs140.41 million. Major area of thrust under this programme was streamlining of policy guidelines for uniform development of all major areas of science and technology.

As many as 21 joint projects were started under Science and Technology for Economic Development (STED) programme at a total cost of Rs382.74 million which were initiated between research institutions and industry for technology-based production of value-added goods.

For research and development programmes in priority areas such as biotechnology, nano-technology and advanced materials etc, 15 projects were inaugurated at a total cost of Rs561.43 million.

The National Commission on Biotechnology and National Commission on Nano-Science and Technology have also been constituted to advise the government and prepare draft policies in these fields.