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

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 84
TO BE ANSWERED ON 02-07-2009

INVESTMENT IN S&T RESEARCH

84. SHRI N. R. GOVINDARAJAR:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the investment in the field of Science and Technology and development in our country is very low as compared to the other Developing countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is slow progress in Scientific Research activities as the number of Research papers in India in the past 10 years has increased from 11,000 to 19,000 as compared to China during the same period and the number of Scientific Research papers has jumped from 10,000 to 55,000; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by Government to increase the investment in Science and Technology Research?

ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): According to available official statistics, the investment in the field of Science and Technology as percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 0.88% which is lower compared to that of China and Hungary where it is 1.42% and 1.00% respectively. But it is higher compared to several developing countries like, Brazil, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Mexico and Venezuela. In absolute terms, India's R&D investment has increased over the years from Rs. 18,088.16 Crores in 2002-03 to Rs. 28,776.65 Crores in 2005-06 and is estimated to be of the order of Rs. 37,777.90 Crores in 2007-08.

(c) & (d): As per the Science Citation Index (SCI) database, the number of scientific research papers in India increased from 11,067 (in 1997) to 22,215 (in 2007). Whereas, in China, the research papers during the same period increased from 12,632 (in 1997) to 67,433 (in 2007). The Government have taken several measures for the promotion and growth of scientific research in the country. These measures include higher allocation for scientific research from Plan to Plan for setting up of new institutions for science education and research, creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and frontline areas in academic and national institutes, induction of new and attractive fellowships such as INSPIRE, strengthening infrastructure for R&D in universities, encouraging public-private R&D partnerships, national awards for outstanding R&D etc. Accordingly, the Government have enhanced 11th Plan allocation for Scientific Departments to Rs. 75,304.00 Crores from Rs. 25,301.35 Crores during 10th Plan.