About
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill aims to set up the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF).
- It will be an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).
- It seeks to set up a Rs 50,000-crore fund, with a sizeable contribution from the private sector, to “seed, grow and promote” research and development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
It Seeks to Set Up Different Funds
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund: For the financing of activities under the Act.
- Innovation Fund: For supporting outstanding creativity in the areas supported by the foundation
- Science and Engineering Research Fund: For the continuation of the projects and programmes initiated under the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008.
- One or more special-purpose funds for any specific project or research.
Functions of NRF
- NRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions and create an interface mechanism for the participation and contribution of industries and state governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries.
- It will focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that can encourage collaboration and increased spending by the industry on R&D.
Structure of NRF
- It will have a governing board consisting of 15 to 25 eminent researchers and professionals headed by the prime minister, who will be the ex-officio president.
- The education minister and the science and technology Minister will be the vice presidents of the NRF.
- The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative department of NRF,
- The proposed foundation will also have an executive council under the principal scientific adviser.
Enhanced Funding
- It seeks to increase funding for scientific research in India, both from government and private sources.
- Currently, India’s spending on research and development is below 0.7 % of its GDP, when even countries like Egypt or Brazil spend more.
- US, China, Israel, Japan, and South Korea spend anywhere between 2 to 5% of their respective GDPs on scientific research.
- Insufficient funding has directly affected the quality and quantity of research output in India. The initial allocation of Rs 50,000 crore over five years for the NRF does not represent a substantial increase but is expected to grow as the NRF gains recognition and demonstrates progress.
