Science, tech can bridge urban-rural divide: Rahul

AMETHI MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said science and technology could be effective tool to bridge urban and rural divide in the country. It will not only make the villages self-dependent, but fulfill the dream of the rural youths too, he said.

He was speaking after inaugurating an exhibition-cum-fair on rural technologies at Bahadurpur located on the border of his constituency Amethi and Rae Bareli, represented by his mother Sonia Gandhi. He called upon the rural folks to keep themselves aware about the recent advancement in science and technology. It will provide more job opportunities to the rural youths, increase their income and improve their standard of living, he said.

Though India is moving fast on the path of development, it is divided into urban India, equipped with all facilities, and rural India, lacking basic facilities. “People in foreign countries think India is progressing, but all development is limited to cities. Now the direction of development should be turned towards the villages.

If the villages fail to keep pace with urban areas the country will not develop”, he said.

Later, Minister for Science, Technology and Ocean Development Kapil Sibal announced Rural Innovation Technology Development Award for a scientist working on rural technology. “We give annual awards to scientists each year but all of them are working for the development of urban areas. Now CSIR will give Rs 10 lakh annual award to a scientist who develops rural technology,” he said.