By NewsGram Staff Writer

The government has given a green signal to the long-standing demand of Indian scientists to be an associate member of European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).

According to a top ministry official, "The government has approved India's associate membership of CERN. But it will take about an year for formalities to be completed."

During an event celebrating the 75 years of the discovery of Higgs-Boson, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said, "The approval to be an associate member came at the end of March but due to parliamentary session it was postponed."

As an associate member, India would be entitled to take part in the open and restricted sessions of the organization, but will have to pay $11 million dollars annually. The non-member states are allowed to attend council meetings and to receive documents without taking part in the decision making procedure of the organization.

Notably, India will be the second country in the Asia-Pacific zone to get such a status after Pakistan.