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

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 453

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2005

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

453 PROF. M. M. AGARWAL:

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

(a) whether Government have taken any initiatives for development and promotion of Science and Technology in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the details of funds granted for this purpose during the last three years?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Government has taken a number of initiatives for the development of 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 and; promoting S&T interventions in major socio-economic ministries and states so as to make them real stake holders of S&T. The government’s initiatives included support to research programmes, S&T mission mode programmes, establishment of new research centres of excellence, international collaborative projects and establishment of collaborative institutions with other countries, strengthening of R&D infrastructure in academic institutions and research labs, assistance for technology development and commercialization, institution of prestigious fellowships like Swarnajayanti Fellowship for outstanding Young Scientists, Ramanna Fellowship for performing scientists, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Fellowship for Young Scientists.

Major new initiatives include: National Biotechnology development Strategy; Nano Science & Technology Initiative; National Mission on Bamboo Applications; Seismology Mission; Drug & Pharmaceuticals R&D; New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative; Tsunami Warning System etc.

(c) The Plan funds allocated for development and promotion of S&T during the last three years is given below:

2002-03 - Rs. 4310 Cr.

2003-04 - Rs. 4595 Cr.

2004-05 - Rs. 5704 Cr.