National Research Foundation Bill passed, aims to establish Rs 50,000-cr fund

The Lok Sabha has passed the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023, a significant step towards fostering a culture of research and innovation across India's academic institutions. The bill was introduced by Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.

BOOSTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The bill aims to establish a Rs 50,000-crore fund to "seed, grow and promote" research and development (R&D) throughout India's universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.

A substantial portion of this fund is expected to come from the private sector, tapping into corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds.

FUNDING BREAKDOWN

The National Research Foundation (NRF) will be set up with a budget of about Rs 50,000 crore for a period of five years.

This includes Rs 10,000 crore from the government, Rs 4,000 crore from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and Rs 26,000 crore from sources such as the private sector, philanthropists, or other aid.

BRIDGING THE GAP

The minister highlighted that the existing system had a missing link, with funding often skewed in favour of elite institutes like IITs.

The NRF aims to ensure equitable funding for scientific research, fostering greater participation across all academic centres.

STRUCTURE OF NRF

The NRF will have a governing board consisting of 15 to 25 eminent researchers and professionals, headed by the Prime Minister.

The education minister and the science and technology minister will serve as vice presidents. The foundation will also have an executive council under the principal scientific advisor.

(With PTI inputs)