Science Must Serve People, Not Stay in Labs: Babila Rakwal at IIT Jammu Workshop

SRINAGAR: Babila Rakwal, the Commissioner/Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, emphasized the importance of making science directly beneficial to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the inauguration of a two-day Research and Development (R&D) workshop at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu on March 24, 2026. She stated that scientific endeavors should not be confined to laboratories but should have tangible impacts on society.

Workshop Overview

The workshop gathered approximately 187 Principal Investigators from various universities, technical institutions, and research bodies across the Union Territory. The primary aim was to conduct a structured review of publicly funded research projects. This initiative represents a significant shift towards outcome-driven research and transparent governance, with a focus on aligning scientific work with real-world applications and public service delivery.

Key Messages from Babila Rakwal

During her address, Rakwal highlighted several crucial points regarding the role of science in society:

• Practical Research: She stressed that the value of science lies in its impact on the ground, urging researchers to focus on practical, policy-relevant research.
• Wide Range of Disciplines: The workshop covered various fields, including agriculture, biotechnology, health sciences, engineering, renewable energy, environmental sciences, and emerging digital technologies.
• Accountability in Research: Rakwal emphasized the necessity for rigorous evaluation of public-funded research to ensure accountability and alignment with objectives.
• Monitoring Research: She asserted that monitoring should be viewed as an integral part of research governance rather than just a procedural requirement.

Vision for Research and Development

Rakwal outlined a broader vision where research contributes to governance, infrastructure development, and addressing local challenges. Some of the key areas she identified include:

• Energy Access: Ensuring that energy resources are accessible to all.
• Agriculture: Enhancing agricultural practices to support local farmers.
• Public Services: Improving the delivery of essential services to the community.

Sustainability Focus

In her speech, Rakwal also highlighted the importance of sustainability in scientific interventions. She stated that efforts must be made to focus on:

• Clean Energy: Promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
• Efficient Resource Utilization: Ensuring that resources are used wisely and sustainably.
• Ecological Balance: Protecting the fragile ecosystems of the region.

She referred to several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, including:

• Solarisation of government buildings
• Promotion of solar pumps
• Rural solar lighting projects
• Small hydropower projects

Institutional Support and Skill Development

Rakwal mentioned that institutional support is being strengthened through:

• Funding of research projects
• Development of infrastructure
• Expansion of outreach initiatives, including regional science centers and biotechnology parks

She also stressed the importance of skill development and building a future-ready talent base. This includes linking research with employability, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

Transparency in Project Selection

Another critical point made by Rakwal was the need for transparency in the selection of research projects. She advocated for:

• Objective criteria for project selection
• Peer review processes
• Alignment with priority sectors to ensure effective utilization of public funds

Platform for Interaction

The workshop provided a unique platform for direct interaction between researchers, experts, and policymakers. Investigators had the opportunity to present their work and receive valuable feedback. The two-day program included thematic discussions and expert evaluations, with the outcomes expected to guide future policy decisions and strengthen research funding mechanisms in the Union Territory.

Conclusion

Babila Rakwal’s address at the IIT Jammu workshop underscores the critical need for science to serve the community effectively. By focusing on practical applications, sustainability, and transparency, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and societal needs, ensuring that public-funded research translates into meaningful benefits for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Note: This article is based on the information provided during the workshop and aims to highlight the key messages and initiatives discussed by Babila Rakwal.