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

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2597
TO BE ANSWERED ON 22/7/2009
ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
2597. SHRI KODIKKUNNIL SURESH:

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

(a) whether there is lack of resources, autonomy and investment for conducting and promotion of advanced scientific research in various research institutes and universities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the funds sanctioned and utilised for the purpose during the last three years and the current year, year-wise;
(d) whether the Government proposes to increase investment in scientific institutes;
(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(f) the remedial steps taken/being taken by the Government to conduct/promote advanced research in the field of Science and Technology?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE INT HE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE INT HE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) No Madam. There is no lack of resources or autonomy and investment for advanced scientific research in Research Institutes and Universities in so far as Ministry of Science and Technology is concerned.
(b) Question does not arise.
(c) A total of 60 research institutes/laboratories are functioning under the Ministry of Science and Technology - 14 under Department of Science and Technology (DST), 9 under Department of Bio-Technology (DBT) and 37 under Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR). The details of grants released by the Government to these research institutes during the last three years and current year is given below:-

Rs. in Lakhs
2005-06              2006-07               2007-08                        2008-09
157628.33            179337.00             211036.00                      303270.55

(d) Government is providing sufficient funding to the research institutes in the country and hence no Institute is facing a resource crunch.
(e) In view of d) above, question does not arise.
(f) Government envisages a surge in research activities in the country and the Department of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the country. The department has wide ranging activities ranging from promoting high end basic research and development of cutting edge technologies on one hand to service the technological requirements of the common man through development of appropriate skills and technologies on the other. Government continuously monitors such developmental schemes and takes recourse to remedying or providing fillip to such activities as and when required.