The Centre has taken
over the Institute of Life Sciences Bhubaneswar at the request
of the Orissa government. Established in 1987 it was engaged in
research in various aspects of life sciences and modern biology.
It will now be an autonomous body of the department of biotechnology
in the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The main purpose
of take over is to give it a national character and develop relevant
areas of research in biology and biotechnology to address local
problems of the state as well as to meet the societal needs. The
Institute provided with a budget of Rs.15 crore for three years,
would soon have major facilities and embark on research in cutting
edge biology relating to cancer, Malaria and Environment.
At the just held
first meeting of the society of the Institute in Bhubaneswar,
the Minister for Human Resource Development and Science and Technology,
Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi said, it will be developed into a National
Institute of excellence and repute. The Institute located in the
bio-rich State of Orissa, should establish its own identity and
focus on priority areas of research in traditional medicines,
herbal products, and nano-biotechnology, and serve the cause of
the nation Dr. Joshi said.
