Mangalore : CM D. V. Sadananda Gowda inaugurated a 2-day conference on the theme of “new dimensions of science and technology: opportunities and challenges” at Mangalore University on Jan 28, Saturday.

The conference was organized by the Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA).

Speaking on the occasion, CM D. V. Sadananda Gowda said that in the coming budget, the state government will increase enrolment percentage for higher education in 2012 – 13.

Anand Asnotikar, the minister for science and technology and fisheries, said that the department plans to open regional science centres in Mangalore and Dharwad and 10 sub regional science centres all over the state and the government has sanctioned Rs. 1.3 crore for the proposed projects.

Later CM honoured V. Prakash, the scientist and chairman of Nutrition Society of India with Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions in food processing technology.

J. Krishna Palemar, the environment minister, and M. N. Vidhyashankar, the state principal secretary, were present.