GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.62
TO BE ANSWERED ON 24-07-2006

PROMOTION OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

62. Dr. M.A.M. RAMASWAMY:

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

(a) the steps taken by Government in the field of research and development in the country;

(b) whether it is a fact that our country has not been able to pump in the required funds in the research and development sector; and

(c) if so, the steps taken by Government in this regard ?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES

(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) to (c): A substantial increase, more than double the 9th plan outlay, in the tenth plan outlay for S & T Departments is a clear indication of the commitment of the Government to the overall development of science and technology in the country. Presently, only 0.8% of GNP is devoted to R&D sector. While the plan outlay has been doubled, there is still need to increase the funding in the R&D sector. Government has taken a number of initiatives for the promotion of research & development in science and technology in the country. During the 10th Five Year Plan the Government has focused on generating relevant innovative technologies; preserving, protecting and adding value to indigenous resources; adopting an appropriate mix of traditional, conventional and modern technologies; developing and nurturing human resource; strengthening basic research in the areas of frontline science & engineering and; promoting S&T interventions in major socio-economic ministries and states so as to make them real stake holders of S&T. The support to research is enhanced through S&T mission mode programmes, establishment of new research centres of excellence, international collaborative projects, strengthening of R&D infrastructure in academic institutions and research labs, institution of prestigious fellowships like Swarnajayanti Fellowship for outstanding Young Scientists, Ramanna Fellowship for performing scientists, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Fellowship for Young Scientists, Ramanujan Fellowships to attract outstanding scientists and engineers from all over the world to take up scientific research in our country, J.C Bose Fellowships to recognize and support active, performing Indian scientists & engineers. Major new initiatives include National Biotechnology Strategy; Nano Science & Technology Mission; National Mission on Bamboo Applications; Seismology Mission; Drug & Pharmaceuticals R&D; New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative; Tsunami Warning System etc.