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

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 382
TO BE ANSWERED ON 18-02-2009
UPGRADATION OF BASIC S&T RESEARCH PROGRAMME
382. SHRI A. ELAVARASAN:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that there is an acute vacuum in upgradation of basic science and technology research programme especially during the last three years;
(b) if so, whether Government proposes any adhoc fund allocation for upgradation of basic science and technology research programme;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (d): No, Sir. The Government of India, on its part, has taken a number of steps to rejuvenate and promote scientific research in the country. The Plan Allocation of scientific departments has been trebled from about Rs. 25000 crore in the X Plan to about Rs. 75000 crores in the XI Plan. It clearly indicates the commitment of the Government in the development and upgradation of science and technology including basic research. The Research Development programme of the Department of Science & Technology is a targeted programme to upgrade the laboratory infrastructure in universities and other higher educational institutions. Several institutions, centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and frontline areas have also been established; for example, in the areas of Brain Research, Marine Biotechnology, Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Soft Computing, Water Resources Development, Nanophosphors, Display Technology; Fuel Cell Technology, Nano Science & Technology, Ultrafast Processes, Protein Research, etc. Several impressive results including publications in high impact journals, patents, human resource development, etc. have been emanated from the research investment. 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. It is also planned to establish autonomous research institutes in the areas of nanomaterials science and technology, molecular materials, glaciology, cancer research etc.

To take up the basic research further to higher levels, the Government has instituted a 'Science & Engineering Research Board' (SERB) of international standard in the country. The SERB serves as a premier multi-disciplinary research agency for planning, promoting and funding of internationally competitive research in emerging areas; identify major inter-disciplinary research areas, and individuals, groups or institutions and funding them for undertaking research; evolve nationally coordinated programmes in various identified areas; assist 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 and engage a management system to speedily provide for funding research, including monitoring and evaluation, by adopting modern management practices.