Lok Sabha

India’s position globally in the field of scientific research, as measured by the number of research papers published has improved from 13th position in 1996 to 12th position in 2001 & further to 10th position in 2006 as per the Scopus International database. The growth rate of research papers published during the period 1996 to 2006 is 7.0% which is higher than the world average of 4.1%. In research productivity per dollar and full time equivalent of scientist, India ranks high.

During the year 2007-08, the number of applications for Indian Patents for new inventions made by Indian scientists/institutions/entities was 6040, whereas, the corresponding number of applications by scientists/institutions/entities from the rest of the world was 29,178.

The Government have taken various measures for the promotion and growth of scientific research in the country. These measures include, 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 XI Plan allocation for Scientific Departments to Rs. 75,304.00 crores from Rs. 25,301.35 crores during X Plan.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences (Independent charges), PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in a written reply to a question by Shri Jai Prakash Agarwal in the Lok Sabha today.

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : July 22, 2009