The Indian Government has doubled its total budgetary allocation for the science and technology and earth sciences ministry for the 12th five year plan period, according to Union Science and Technology Minister S. Jaipal Reddy.

Mr. Reddy said on on 4 January 2013 that the funds from the central to the ministry doubled for the 12th five year plan period of the government. He noted that the total combined planned allocation for science and technology and earth sciences projects was almost doubled from Rs. 33000 crore to around 60000 crore rupees in the this 12th plan period.

He also pointed out that the new Science, Technology and Innovation Policy is set to boost innovation in the country. He also said that there is a need to combine science, research and innovation to develop valuable technologies in the country.

Mr. Reddy extended an invitation to the student community in the country to make use of opportunities like the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship scheme that is being offered by the Government of India.

The minister was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Children Science Congress that is a aprt of the100th Indian Science Congress.