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The Indian government is significantly ramping up its commitment to science and technology through increased budget allocations and a series of new initiatives aimed at fostering research and innovation. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, announced these developments while responding to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha yesterday.
Key Initiatives to Propel S&T Sector
The government’s strategy includes several pivotal initiatives designed to ensure sustained growth and development in the science and technology (S&T) sector:
- Increased Budget Allocation: Successive increases in plan allocations for scientific departments are being implemented to provide a stable financial foundation for ongoing and future research projects.
- Centres of Excellence: New Centres of Excellence and advanced facilities are being established in emerging and frontline areas of S&T within academic and national institutions, promoting cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Mega Facilities Participation: The government is actively participating in the development and utilization of mega scientific facilities, fostering collaboration and resource sharing.
- Extramural Research Funding: Substantial grants are being provided to potential scientists through extramural research funding, encouraging high-impact research and innovative solutions.
- New Areas of Focus: Increased funding is being directed towards critical areas such as Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency, Clean Coal Technology, Smart Grids, Methanol, Desalination, Genome Engineering Technology, and Climate Change Research.
- National Missions: Initiatives like the National Quantum Mission and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems are being introduced to address pressing scientific challenges and drive progress in these specialized fields.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The government is promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through start-up grants and support, aiming to nurture a robust start-up ecosystem.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging public-private partnerships is a key strategy to leverage combined expertise and resources, enhancing the overall research output and technological advancements.
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation: This initiative aims to boost research efforts nationwide by increasing budget allocations for R&D in collaboration with industry partners.
Corporate Social Responsibility and R&D Funding
Highlighting the role of industry in supporting scientific research, Dr. Singh noted that Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates that companies meeting certain financial criteria must allocate at least two percent of their average net profits towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. These activities include contributions to incubators or R&D projects in science, technology, engineering, and medicine funded by the government or public sector undertakings. Currently, there are no additional proposals for mandatory policies requiring industries to allocate profits specifically for R&D.
Autonomy and Financial Relaxations for Scientific Institutions
The Autonomous Institutions (AIs) under the Ministry of Science and Technology have been granted autonomy to initiate R&D activities through their respective Governing Councils. Furthermore, relaxations in the General Financial Rules 2017, specifically for scientific ministries, have streamlined procurement procedures, and financial powers have been delegated to AIs to facilitate research and procurement of equipment.
Programs to Foster Scientific Temper and Research-Oriented Thinking
The Ministry of Science and Technology is implementing several programs to enhance scientific temper and research-oriented thinking in higher education institutions across the country. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) conducts lectures, seminars, and open houses through State S&T Councils in educational institutions nationwide, showcasing the thriving scientific ecosystem and inspiring students to pursue R&D and innovation.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) provides research support grants for dissertation and thesis writing to postgraduate students. Additionally, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), has launched the “JIGYASA” program to expose school children to national scientific facilities, fostering scientific thinking from a young age.
Support for Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research
The Ministry is also providing doctoral and postdoctoral research fellowships to students, supporting the pursuit of advanced research in science and technology within the country.
With these comprehensive measures, the government aims to position India as a global leader in scientific research and innovation, driving economic growth and addressing critical challenges through advanced technology and research.
