Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired a Monthly Review Meeting of Scientific Ministries/Departments on September 21, 2026, focusing on stronger coordination among science ministries, development of city-based scientific clusters, and wider public outreach of India's scientific achievements. The meeting reviewed the recently concluded 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar' 5.0 campaign, which involved a coastal clean-up from September 12 to 19, 2026, covering 231 locations across 13 States/UTs with 15 lakh people taking the Ocean Conservation Pledge.
Dr. Singh emphasized the need for scientific institutions to work with greater synergy and visibility, with city-based scientific clusters helping bring together institutions and stakeholders. He called for continuous identification and showcasing of new scientific achievements to reach wider society and stressed strengthening the communication ecosystem across Science Ministries and Departments to communicate scientific achievements in a timely, accessible manner.
The meeting reviewed progress on the proposed Digital Library of Scientific Achievements, a common repository of videos and communication products showcasing the work of India's scientific institutions. CSIR-NIScPR is working as the nodal institution for developing the institutional mechanism and implementation framework, while modalities for participation and resource pooling among concerned Ministries and Departments are being worked out. The review also covered ongoing digital outreach efforts of DST, DBT, DSIR/CSIR and MoES, including creation and dissemination of short-form content highlighting significant scientific achievements.
Preparations for 'Vigyan Ki Baat', the monthly lecture series launched by the Department of Science & Technology, were discussed. The second edition is scheduled for September 26, 2026, featuring the Director of the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, focusing on advances in foundational physical sciences and quantum technology. The inaugural edition on August 29, 2026, witnessed participation of more than 7,500 people from academia, research organisations and industry.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for CSIR@85, including the programme scheduled for September 25, 2026, as well as updates relating to ESTIC-2026, covering programme preparedness, coordination and effective communication of achievements. Mechanisms for inter- and intra-ministerial coordination, including thematic interactions and cluster-based engagements, were discussed to promote collaboration across the scientific ecosystem. Regular exchange among communication teams of scientific Ministries and Departments was emphasized to facilitate coordinated outreach.