In a significant development, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill was successfully endorsed by the Lok Sabha on Monday. The bill paves the way for the establishment of a central body dedicated to financing research endeavours across the nation’s universities.
New Delhi, NFAPost: The Lok Sabha has given its nod to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, paving the way for the establishment of a national agency dedicated to funding research endeavours across universities within the country.
The bill, introduced by Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh last Friday in the Lower House, envisions the creation of a substantial Rs 50,000-crore fund. This fund will be bolstered by contributions from the private sector, tapping into corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. The primary goal of this initiative is to catalyze and advance research and development (R&D), fostering a culture of innovation and exploration within India’s universities, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the catalytic role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in enabling such advancements. He pointed out that the past nine years have witnessed a paradigm shift, with the private sector increasingly collaborating with institutions like ISRO. He credited India’s Chandrayaan mission for delivering crucial findings such as water on the Moon, which are now sought after by organizations like NASA for their research.
The proposed National Research Foundation (NRF) is slated to operate with a budget of around 50,000 crore over a five-year period. The financial allocation includes Rs 10,000 crore from the government, Rs 4,000 crore from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and a substantial Rs 26,000 crore from diverse sources such as the private sector and philanthropic entities.
Minister Singh underscored the transformative potential of NRF, as India joins the ranks of countries with similar entities. He expressed optimism that the foundation will not only match but also surpass its global counterparts in due course.
Elaborating on the rationale behind the bill, the Minister highlighted the existing gaps in India’s research funding system. While research centres and departments within universities often receive funding, scientific research also takes place in science institutes and IITs. He pointed out the prevailing disparity, where a majority of funding gravitates towards IITs, leaving only a fraction for state universities. The bill aims to rectify this imbalance and empower state institutions.
Minister Singh emphasized that NRF aims to democratize R&D funding and promote wider participation. The bill envisions the incorporation of the existing SERB into the NRF structure, ensuring sustained funding for ongoing projects.
The legislation outlines the establishment of various funds, including the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund for financing activities under the Act, an Innovation Fund to support creative excellence, a Science and Engineering Research Fund for continuing projects, and Special Purpose Funds for specific research initiatives.
The Minister also emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between the public and private sectors to foster holistic development. He underlined NRF’s role in facilitating collaboration between industries, academia, start-ups, and entrepreneurship, thereby facilitating a synergistic approach.
The NRF’s governance structure will comprise a board of 15 to 25 distinguished researchers and professionals, headed by the Prime Minister. The Education Minister and the Science and Technology Minister will serve as vice presidents. Additionally, provisions have been made to involve the private sector through nominated members.
Furthermore, the foundation will boast an executive council led by the principal scientific advisor, ensuring a well-rounded leadership approach.
Minister Singh concluded by highlighting the global outlook of NRF’s parameters, emphasizing the removal of self-imposed barriers under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
