Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said government has immense faith in the capacity of scientists to lead the country towards development. <br/><br/>Addressing media at the launch of VAJRA web portal in Delhi, the Minister said research in Science and Technology is an aid to the successful implementation of National Missions and schemes. <br/><br/>VAJRA stands for Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme.<br/>A commemorative stamp on Survey of India was launched on the occasion, which has completed its 250 years. <br/><br/>Dr Harsh Vardhan said Survey of India's history is that of determination, sacrifice and courage of exemplary individuals. <br/><br/>Communications Minister Manoj Sinha was also present on the occasion. <br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that Survey of India is country's central engineering agency in charge of mapping and surveying. <br/><br/>Set up in 1767 to help consolidate the territories of the British East India Company, it is one of the oldest Engineering Departments of the Government. <br/><br/>The Survey of India's distinguished history includes the handling of the mammoth Great Trigonometrical Survey under William Lambton and George Everest and the discovery of Mount Everest.