The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday has said that the scientists in the country do not get enough respect that they deserve for their work and contribution towards the development of the country. The Minister was speaking at an event at the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) in Gwalior. He also mentioned that young scientists are an important asset of the country and should be rewarded adequately.

'Scientists deserve same respect'

Speaking at the event, the Defence Minister said, "People are not aware of the contribution of the scientists. The scientists do not get the respect they deserve while other people take that respect that our scientists deserve. Apart from the major awards that are given to scientists for their work, young scientists are important assets of our future and they should be rewarded."

READ | Rajnath Singh Credits HAL, DRDO, And IAF For Made In India Tejas

Rajnath Singh also mentioned that the contribution of the scientists is no less than of Army, Navy, and Airforce and they play an important role in protecting our country as well. "You are doing great service to the nation. If Army, Navy, and Airforce play an important role in protecting the country, the scientists have no lesser role. Indeed they have the biggest contribution," said Singh. He also added, "I am sure that the scientific community would continuously look into future, establish higher and higher goals and then work with full commitment and passion and achieve greater heights with each passing year."

READ | DRDO Chairman Says Rajnath Singh Flying Tejas 'a Significant Event'

'Importance of innovation'

Earlier on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that India needs to focus more on research and development (R&D) and innovation as it will help the country in becoming self-reliant in defence production."In order to achieve the desired objective, we have to become self-reliant in defence production and this can only happen through more R&D, innovation, and creation of cutting-edge technologies in the defence sector," the Minister said.

READ | Rajnath Singh: 'Curiosity' Led Me To Fly The Tejas

Singh also inaugurated the Engineers' Conclave 2019 as well as Product Development and Innovation Centre at the premises of the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). "The Indian defence industry in the past had not performed to its full potential, which has led to the country's overwhelming dependence on imported arms," he said during his speech at BEL.

READ | Rajnath Singh: India Needs More Innovation To Be Self-sufficient

(with ANI inputs)