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

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 381
TO BE ANSWERED ON 18-02-2009
PROPOSAL TO SET UP NATIONAL SCIENCE AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION
381. SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:
(a) whether there is any proposal to set up National Science and Research Foundation (NSRF) of international standard in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; State-wise;
(c) whether there is any proposal to set up NSRF in Madhya Pradesh; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) & (b): The Government has instituted a 'Science and Engineering Research Board' (SERB) of international standard in the country. The powers and functions of SERB include: serving as a premier multi-disciplinary research agency for planning, promoting and funding of internationally competitive research in emerging areas; identifying major inter-disciplinary research areas, and individuals, groups or institutions and funding them for undertaking research; evolving nationally coordinated programmes in various identified areas; involving institutions that will have a multiplier effect in promoting research; assisting in setting up infrastructure and environment for scientific pursuit; achieving synergy between academic institutions, research and development laboratories and industry for promoting basic research in science and engineering; evolving a management system to speedily provide for funding research, including monitoring and evaluation, by adopting modern management practices; and evolving participation in international collaborative projects, wherever necessary or desirable. The Head Office of the Board shall be at Delhi or in the National Capital Region.

(c) & (d): No, Sir. The Government will ensure the enhanced participation of States including Madhya Pradesh in building up the research programmes under the newly instituted SERB.