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

LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO.33
TO BE ANSWERED ON 17-02-2009

PROMOTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE COUNTRY

SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA:
SHRI ANANDRAO V. ADSUL:

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

(a) whether India is lagging behind developed western countries as well as the newly industrialised economies of Asia in the area of science and technology as reported in The Hindu dated 4 January, 2009;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(d) the measures taken by the Government to improve the country's position in the field of science and technology?

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. 33 FOR 17.02.2009 REGARDING "PROMOTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE COUNTRY"

(a) & (b): Yes Sir. India is lagging behind developed and newly industrialised economies since R&D investments as percentage of GDP and R&D manpower per million population is comparatively low as given in the Annexure.

(c) & (d): Government have taken several initiatives to enhance public and private investments in R&D and to ensure availability of adequate R&D manpower. These initiatives include formulation of S&T policies, setting up of autonomous research organisations and facilities in emerging and frontline areas, induction of new and attractive fellowships such as INSPIRE, fiscal incentives and support measures to encourage investment on R&D in industry, national awards for outstanding R&D and encouraging public-private R&D partnerships. In addition, 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.

Source :

• UIS, UNESCO (Website accessed on 15th October, 2008)
• World Development Indicators (various issues ),The World Bank
• Research & Development Statistics at a Glance 2007-08, DST (GoI)
  

Note : China excludes Hong Kong