The Government has taken a number of steps to rejuvenate indigenous research in the country. About 3600 extramural Research and Development projects per year were sanctioned by the Government in the first two years of the XI Plan in universities/colleges, national laboratories/institutes and other academic and research institutions in the country. The Government has recently established a Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) in the country as an autonomous body through an Act of Parliament. The creation of SERB, apart from significantly enhancing the level of basic research funding, shall also impart the necessary autonomy, flexibility and speed in shaping the research programmes and delivery of funds to researchers. The launch of new initiatives Nano Mission, Mega Facilities, Open Source Drug Discovery, Network Projects, National Biotechnology Development Strategy etc. in the XI Plan period demonstrates the commitment of the Government to encourage and promote indigenous research in a better scientific environment.

Several enabling mechanisms especially in the socio-economic development sector are put in place in the XI Plan period. These are aimed at reaching technology to the weaker sections of the society so that they derive benefit in terms of enhanced income, reduced drudgery and in general an improved quality of life. The programmes worked out for the XI Plan period include waste management for value addition and income generation to rural people; water technology initiative; solar energy research initiative; setting up Rural/Women Technology Parks; development of modified filature for silk spinning; setting up of sanitary napkin production units; empowerment of Scheduled Caste community through resources management and technology transfer and empowerment etc. 

This information was given by Sh. Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Parliamentary Affairs in reply to a written question in Rajya Sabha recently. 

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : August 02, 2010