GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO.119
TO BE ANSWERED ON 24-02-2009

INDIA'S POSITION IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

119. SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) the details regarding India's position globally in terms of quality of scientific research;
(b) whether India's position in the quality of scientific research is declining;
(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reaction of the Government thereto and;
(d) the measures being taken to improve the country's position in scientific research?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT AS REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 119 FOR 24.02.2009 REGARDING "INDIA'S POSITION IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH"

(a) India's position globally in terms of quality of scientific research as measured by the number of research papers published has improved from 12th position in 2001 to 10th position in 2006 as per the Scopus International database. The growth rate of research papers published during the period 1996 to 2006 is 7.0% which is higher than the world average of 4.1%. Further, the citation per paper of Indian publications improved from 3.95 (during 1996-2006) to 4.40 (during 1998-2008) as per the ISI Web of Knowledge database.

(b) No Sir.

(c) Doesn't arise.

(d) The Government have taken various measures for the promotion and growth of scientific research in the country. These measures include higher allocation for scientific research from Plan to Plan, setting up of new institutions for science education and research, creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and frontline areas in academic and national institutes, induction of new and attractive fellowships such as INSPIRE, strengthening infrastructure for R&D in universities, encouraging public-private R&D partnerships, national awards for outstanding R&D etc. Accordingly, the Government have enhanced XI plan allocation for Scientific Departments to Rs.75,304.00 crores from Rs. 25,301.35 crores during X Plan.