Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy & Space, commented that the ‘Cannabis Research Project’ at CSIR-IIIM Jammu is India’s first project of its kind. According to him, the project holds significant potential to manufacture high-standard medicinal remedies for illnesses such as neuropathies, cancer, and epilepsy that can even be exported. While chairing a review meeting with the top officials from CSIR-IIIM & J&K UT Science & Technology Department, Dr. Jitendra Singh made this statement.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated during the meeting that the scientific agreement signed between CSIR-IIIM and IndusScan was historic, not only for J&K but for India as a whole. The agreement has the ability to produce medicines that are currently imported from foreign countries. Dr. Singh added that this project will encourage significant investment in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his appreciation for CSIR-IIIM’s project and highlighted the institute’s rich scientific history, including the discovery of the mint in the 1960s and its contribution to the purple revolution. He also mentioned how the Cannabis Research Project of CSIR-IIIM will further enhance its prestige in the field of scientific research in India.
Furthermore, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the necessity of synergy among institutions including CSIR-IIIM, IIM, IIT, AIIMS, et al. for such a significant project. It is essential to consider different technical aspects of it, such as utilizing IIM for marketing strategies, AIIMS for clinical trials, and IIT for technical support. Nowadays, Jammu has become the educational hub of India since all the institutions are located within a few kilometers radius.
Dr. Jitendra Singh instructed CSIR-IIIM, J&K DST, and other project stakeholders to conduct a workshop during the meeting. The purpose was to address the challenges and issues related to the project immediately, in order to avoid any delays and improve its progress.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, and Sh., Commissioner of DST J&K, were present at the meeting. Sh. Sourabh Bhagat, Director General Codes J&K. Excise Commissioner J&K, Shadi Lal Pandita, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Dr. Shakti Gupta, Director of AIIMS Jammu, Principal of GMC Jammu, Dr. Shashi Sudan Sharma, Dr. Suarabh Saran, Principal Scientist at CSIR-IIIM, Dr. P P Singh, Principal Scientist at CSIR-IIIM, & Er. Ab Raheem, Chief Scientist of CSIR-IIIM, along with other officers from CSIR-IIIM and DST J&K.
