Annual Report 2007-2008

Overview

The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India has enrolled into a role of strengthening the Foundation and the Research and Development base of the country. It is the main public policy support body for science and technology. The Department is also the major agency in the country for promotion of basic sciences with a share of nearly 50% of Extra Mural funding of research projects. The Department plays a critical role in the technology development programmes relating to key sectors and in the development of International Cooperation in Science and Technology. Popularization of science, relating science to society, promotion of entrepreneurship, National Resources data management and generation of data bases and initiatives targeting empowerment of women through applications of science and technology form important areas of focus for planned interventions by the Department. The Department has been collaborating with many other socio-economic ministries in the Government and Science and Technology councils of various
State Governments. The Department has been supporting an array of autonomous institutions engaged in basic research, technology forecasting, laboratory accreditation and science popularization. Output indicators of these institutions reveal a strong correlation between inputs and outputs. There is now a case for models based on evidence based budgeting as a part of research support systems. The department oversees two sub departments namely Survey of India and National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO).

During the year 2007-08, the Department has initiated some new programmes and new models for implementing ongoing schemes. Consequently, the financial allocation for the Department received a substantial increase. Various mechanisms and methods focused on increased efficiency of financial deliveries to various schemes have been devised and adopted. There is now evidence for an increase of 25-30% increase in the efficiency of deliveries of funds during the year 2007-08 relative to 2006-07. The Department is propelling itself to make a larger difference to the science and technology sector of the country during the eleventh plan period. Some of the key new measures taken by the department during 2007-08 for accomplishing higher tasks during the eleventh plan period are highlighted in this overview.

Key New Measures taken during 2007-08

Some of the important measures have been taken for enhancing the value of the department to the research and development sector during 2007-08. They are: a) proposal for the establishment of National Science and Engineering Research Board through an act of Parliament, b) mounting of Nano mission, c) designing and implementation of a special package for strengthening of infrastructure for science education in the North East Region, d) revising the guidelines for Fund for Infrastructure Strengthening of S&T (FIST), e) revision of parameters for decision support under Science and Engineering Research Council, f) development of new schemes for the attraction, attachment and retention of talent in careers with science and research, g) rejuvenation of research in universities, h) measures for the establishment of new autonomous institutions in vital areas like Himalayan Glaciology, nano science and technology etc, i) stepping up International Cooperation with strategic partner countries based on principles of reciprocity and synergy, j) accelerating the pace of technology development in Drug and Pharmaceutical sector under private public partnership model, k) S&T measures for invigorating agriculture through various inputs, l) reaching out to youth through various mechanisms including showcasing of excitements in global science though Science Express and children science congress, m) new proposals for developing an innovation landscape, n) new schemes for technologies for safe drinking water, security, cognition science and innovation clusters, o) support to development of research agenda on climate change including special focus on Himalayan Glaciology and p) policy measures for ensuring rigor in implementation of Flexible Complementing Scheme for career progression of scientists, enhancement of fellowships for research students and a host of initiatives proposed by the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and Science Advisory Council to the Cabinet and other policy bodies.

Scientific Research

New Measures of SERC: Science and Engineering Research Council is the single largest Extra Mural support system of the country for promotion of basic research. The council has adopted various measures to further enhance its value to the scientific community. Some of the significant policy measures introduced during the year 2007-08 are: a) a provision for mentoring support to researchers for spreading the R&D base without loss of rigor and quality of projects supported under SERC, b) performance-linked incentive grant system and c) enhancement of contingencies to cover publication charges.

Some new approaches have been adopted for promotion of scientific research in relevant areas. A nationally coordinated project on metal based drugs including leads form traditional medicine has been mounted. Identification of interface areas of organic chemistry, pharma and biology is one of the highlights of the year. A Process Research Initiative for Zero Emission (PRIZE) for dyes and pigments sector mounted to address the needs of copper pthalocyanine industry is a new step forward under Green Chemistry programme.

Growth Indicators: Total number of projects sanctioned during 2007-08 as of 31 December 2007 is 495 which represents an annual increase of ~ 49% over those for the corresponding period for the previous year. The level of funds sanctioned during 2007-08 as of 31 December 2007 is Rs 13188.7 lakhs, which represents an increase of over 92% compared to the previous year for the same period. There has been increase of about 30% in the per project support during the year 2007-08 compared to the previous year.

Nano Mission: Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI) has been a successful programme of DST. NSTI has led to the development of critical mass of strength in the area of nano science and technology. More than 450 students with support from DST are engaged in doctoral research in the area. As many as 4 groups have attained global competitiveness in the area of basic research. Based on the success of NSTI, the Government of India has mounted a Nano mission in May 2007. A large number of projects and initiatives for establishing educational programmes have been supported under the nano mission during 2007-08. Proposals for establishing Institutes of Nano Science and Technology (INST) as centers in Bangalore, Kolkata and Mohali have been approved under Nano mission.

Infrastructure Development

Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST): Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) has emerged as a popular programme among the university and academic sector since its launch in 2000. Total of 1100 departments from 204 academic institutions have been supported with a fund of about Rs 740 crores during last 7 years. Some structural modifications in the guidelines have been made to expand the horizon of FIST and Rs 220 crores for 147 departments were sanctioned during 2007-08.

North East Package of FIST: A special package for North East Region for strengthening Science and Technology Education with an outlay of Rs 70 crores has been developed and implementation initiated.

Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIF): The scheme has been operational for the last three decades. It was subjected to a critical review by the department during the year 2007-08. The scheme has benefited a large number of institutions and served to provide access to sophisticated research facilities to the academic sector. More than 90% of the users of SAIF centers have been drawn from the university and academic sector

Technology Development

The Department has taken measures to proactively promote development of technologies in the areas of waste disposal, surface engineering applications, bio-fuels, bio-molecular devices and water purification. The participation of Department in Drug and Pharmaceutical Research and development under Private-Public Partnership has led to significant and new results during the year 2007-08.

Waste Disposal: Plasma based Incineration Technology for disposal of hospital and plastic waste has been developed and scaled-up from 15 Kg per hour to 50 Kg per hour capacity.

Application of Surface Engineering Techniques: Rejuvenation of Traditional Crafts using surface deposition techniques for products made from cane, wood, brassware, textiles through applications of technology has been targeted. The Angora wool treatment system has been successfully developed and is being installed at Kullu.

Development of Alternate Fuels: Application of Straight Vegetable Oils (SVOs) for stationary and transport use is being developed. A retrofit has also been developed to enable use of SVO in single cylinder engine.

Technologies for Water Purification: Successful development of Arsenic Removal systems through microbial as well as innovative chemical processes has reached field trial testing. The sea water desalination units have been successfully installed at Ramnathpuram District of Tamil Nadu. This technology is being upscaled using heat recovery system.

Development of Microwave based Systems for Tea drying: The development of a microwave based tea dryer has been made and is being commissioned at Tejpur.

Instrumentation Development Programme (IDP): The programme aims to strengthen indigenous capability for research design and development of instruments in the country The projects have been supported under the thrust areas a) Analytical/Optical Instrumentation, b) Sensors and Allied Instrumentation c) Medical and Health Care Instrumentation and d) Industrial Instrumentation

Drugs and Pharmaceutical Research Programme: During the year 2007-08, total of 14 MoUs and agreements have been signed. Creation of the first BSL 45 facility for infectious diseases has been facilitated at CCMB Hyderabad. The programme has gained momentum for developing new Public Private Partnerships.

National Science and Technology Management Information Systems

S&T Resources Studies: The national survey for collection of data on resources devoted to research and development activities for the year 2005-06 has just been completed. In order to reduce the time lag in collection of data for the survey, e-questionnaires have been designed and employed for the first time. Each R&D organisation / establishment / industry was provided with a unique user ID and password for on-line filling of e-questionnaire. For the generation of reliable data base on level of public support for research, information is being compiled on extramural R&D projects.

Science Policy Studies: The National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS) division is engaged in the collection, collation, analysis and dissemination of vital S&T information at a national level. A brain storming session was organised during this year. Integration of economics and social science in the NSTMIS efforts, measuring S&T input and output, study linkages between Industry, Technology and S&T policies and study on out-turn of scientists and engineers were some action points which emerged from this brain storming session.

International Science and Technology Cooperation

Highlights of International S&T Cooperation during 2007-08: International Science and Technology Cooperation of India reached new heights during the year 2007-08. Technology diplomacy and technology synergy with several partnering nations has gained momentum during the year. Total of five new agreements were signed. Some important highlights of stepped up International cooperation during the year 2007-08 have been with Germany, UK, Israel, Japan, Australia, Canada, EU, Hungary, Russia, China, USA, Brazil and other partnering nations. Establishment of Indo German joint center in Delhi and Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA), creation and operation of Strategic joint fund with Canada, Hungary and EU, steps to commission Indian beam line in KEK, Japan and enrollment as a partner in the establishment of Facility for Anti-proton Ion Research (FAIR) are land mark events of 2007-08 in the International S&T cooperation of India. Indo UK science and Innovation Council has supported total of 13 projects. The coordinated call for support under EU-India joint initiative has been finalized. Indo Australia strategic fund has become operational. Celebration of twenty years of fruitful collaboration under Integrated Long Term
Programme with Russia was held in Russia during 2007-08. A joint Indo Russian center for biomedical technology has been inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram.

Science Express under the International Cooperation of India with Germany is a high light event of the year 2007-08. More than one million youth have visited the science express so far.

Quantum leaps in International S&T Cooperation: More than 250 projects are ongoing with several partners of India in the area of science and technology and about 2500 exchange visits have been promoted during the year 2007-08. It has been a year vibrant S&T cooperation with strategic partners with funds equivalent to about 250 million dollars being committed for investments by India for International cooperation related activities for the period of seven years.

Activities under Indo US S&T Forum (IUSSTF): During the year, IUSSTF launched eight new bilateral programs in partnership with government agencies, industries and professional societies. These include a) Centers of Research Excellence, b) Research Fellowships, c) Technology Entrepreneurship Program, d) Stanford-India Biodesign (SIB), fellowship e) Visiting Professorship & Student Visitation, f) Student Internships, g) HP Innovate 2008, h) Agilent Technologies Clean Air Challenge for Schools.

Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA): Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research established in 1987 is a major arm of S&T cooperation between the two countries. During the period under report, five workshops were held and some more have been planned for 2008. With a view to relating science to the service of the society by linking research institutions and industry, industrial research committee was constituted. The Centre provided travel support, arranged visa, foreign exchange, etc. to about 150 Indian and French scientists for project related activities during 2007-08. On an average about 100 research papers published jointly in international scientific journals with impressive average impact factors per publication result from the collaborative effort. The joint research papers published so far since inception of the Centre have been compiled in 14 volumes comprising 45 issues. The 14th Volume of Compilation of Research Papers was released on 1st November 2007.

Science and Technology Programmes for Socio-economic Development

The Societal Programme of the Department is an important component of activities. These programmes are being implemented through S&T institutions, universities and NGOs under various schemes.

Science and Technology Application for Rural Development (STARD): Core support was extended to eleven NGOs working in different parts of the rural India. New projects were initiated for integration of local bio-resources and other eco-friendly methods for the management of post harvest diseases of apple in Himachal Pradesh and evaluation of efficiency water-use for maximization of pea and tomato productivity in North-west Himalayan region. In addition, 35 new time-bound projects targeting rural artisans have been supported during 2007-08. A Rural Energy programme at 10 non-grid locations in identified villages based on energy survey needs has been launched.

Tribal Sub plan: Under “Tribal Sub Plan”, thirteen projects have been implemented in some inaccessible areas of North East. Training was imparted to the rural women in the use of sound and effective home remedies as well as a package of 20 ecosystem specific medicinal plants. The outcome of this project has been the training of 13 NGOs, raising of 5,06,441 seedlings and 20,915 home herbal gardens.

Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks (STEPs): STEPs and TBIs were established to provide a re-orientation in the approach to innovation and entrepreneurship involving education, training, research, finance and management. About 45 STEPs/TBIs are in operation in different institutions of national repute. Total of nine TBIs were accorded approval during the year 2007-08.

Tax Incentives to Incubators and Incubatees: In the Union Budget 2007 announcement, Minister of Finance has exempted technology business incubators recognized by NSTEDB, DST from service tax.

Entrepreneurship Development Cells (EDCs): The Entrepreneurship Development Cells (EDCs) were initiated to develop institutional mechanism to create entrepreneurial culture in S&T academic institutions.The EDCs are now operational in 35 institutions across the country.

Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development (STED) Project: During the year 2007-08 through STED projects about 2600 micro enterprises were promoted resulting in creation of employment to approximately 7000 persons. Thirteen new projects are being established in different parts of the country.

Faculty Development Programme (FDP) and Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps (EAC): About 50 FDPs covering the entire country were conducted during 2007-08. These programmes enrolled about 1000 faculty and resource persons into training on Techno-entrepreneurship Development. More than 350 EACs have been organized exposing about 26,000 students to the concept of entrepreneurship.

Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Programme (TEDP): During 2007-08, about 70 TEDPs were organised. Some of the technology areas chosen for transfer to the potential entrepreneurs include solar energy, computer hardware and networking technology, PCB design and manufacturing, fashion technology, plastics products, food processing, footwear design and development.

Human Resources for Indian S&T Advancement

Innovative human resource development programmes like Advanced Training Courses/ programme were organized to serve about 240 research professionals in different areas of Earth System Sciences during 2007-08. The JC Bose National Fellowships were awarded to 28 scientists and 7 scientists were selected for the prestigious Ramanujan Fellowships this year. Seventeen Ramanna fellowships have been awarded during 2007-08. The SERC revisited the fabric of Ramanna Fellowship and set new selection criteria for the fellowship and also approved the institution of a finite number of Ramanna fellowships (Sr) for exceptionally
meritorious and active senior scientists. Under the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), about 200 students were selected this year. Fellowships have been awarded to 71 scientists/technologists for conducting research/undergoing specialized training in overseas research institutes under BOYSCAST programme. 232 new projects costing a total of about Rs. 3030.90 lakhs and 307 ongoing projects for young scientists under fast track mode were approved The Indian teams again performed well in the International Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology Olympiads and won 15 medals and 4 Honourable Mention.

Science and Technology based services

Geospatial Technology Product Services: Survey of India under Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, the national mapping organization generates Geo-spatial Information on different scales. Survey of India has completed the mapping of new site “Larsemann” on a scale of 1:2,500 which will facilitate India’s claim for establishment of permanent station at this site in Antarctica. SOI has generated digital data of 4800 topographical maps of DSM and 4600 OSM on 1:50,000 scale. These are ready for dissemination to the user community. Field updation of map data has been completed for 4403 sheets. Updation of data base of 4,548 sheets of OSM and 1954 sheets of DSM has been completed. Digital Data generation on 1:25,000 scale is under progress. Of the 19,393 total sheets, 10,105 have already been surveyed and 6525 published and 3942 digitized.

SOI in collaboration with Ministry of Urban Development has undertaken the task of mapping of 150 towns on 1:2000 scale for core area and 1:10,000 scale for the peripheral areas for establishment of National Urban Information System (NUIS). Mapping of 99 towns has commenced. Digital Base Map (3D–GIS) for 3 cities, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Mumbai on scale 1:1000 along with attribute data collection for integration with graphical data is under progress.

The NATMO is subordinate office under the administrative control of the Department of Science & Technology. A large percentage of the targets set for 2007-08 have been achieved.

Laboratory Accreditation Services: The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) provides formal recognition for technical competence of testing, calibration and medical laboratories. As on 31st October 2007 NABL has granted accreditation to 515 testing, 275 calibration and 102 medical testing laboratories. NABL has been granted signatory member status by APLAC and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) under their Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs). To compliment its laboratory accreditation services, NABL has initiated accreditation programme for Proficiency
Testing Providers.

Good Laboratory Practice Systems: Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a quality system of the member countries of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). India enjoys observer status. OECD has consented to carry out the evaluation of the Indian GLP Programme through their Mutual Joint Visit (MJV). The MJV team consisting of experts from the GLP authorities of Australia, UK and Israel completed their joint visit during 2007-08.

Gender Initiatives

Gender Empowerment through S&T: The Department has pioneered, S&T based empowerment of women in the country for the past two decades. During the year, about thirty five projects were sponsored in diverse technology areas such as natural resource management; bio attractants for honey bee; production and fabrication techniques of optical components for scientific/optical instruments; paper recycling technology; root mat production and other modern agricultural practices; nursery techniques for aromatic and medicinal plants cultivation; rural dairy; watershed based soil and water conservation, preservation, processing; and post harvest technology of off seasonal vegetables; tissue culture technology. Rural Women Technology Parks (WTP) were established in different geographical locations. A women technology park had been facilitated in Orissa during 2007-08.

Programs for Re-entry of Women Scientists into Research: The Department provides fellowships and project funds for women researchers seeking re-entry after break for family reasons. Total of 86 projects were sanctioned for women scientists during this year. Last year women scientists have contributed 284 research papers. Approximately 25% of the awardees have earned employment in universities and national laboratories.

Fellowship Programs for Women: The Fellowship Scheme for Women Scientists for Societal
Programmes attracted over 350 applications during 2007. Under the fellowship Scheme for Creating Self-Employment Opportunities in IPR, the third batch of 37 women scientists was selected by the process of all India level examination. The scheme has been extended to other locations such as Chennai and Pune in the first instance. The Department has developed plans to expand the annual intake to at least women professionals per year.

Aided Institutions and Professional Bodies

The scientific institutions under the Department of Science & Technology continued research activities in the diverse areas of science and technology from basic sciences (physical & chemical sciences and life Sciences) to advanced science and technology including material science, health care systems, nanotechnology, liquid crystals, geomagnetism, technology forecasting, science poularisation etc. The Professional Academies continued excellent work in capacity building in science & technology through various progammes.

S&T Output Indicators of Aided Institutions : A total of 14 institutions are engaged directly in research and development with areas of focus ranging from global history and health, distant observations, molecules to materials and science and technology for well being. Per capita publications among all the fourteen DST aided institutions generally averaged in the range of 2.5 per year. S&T outputs indicators of some of the institutions supported by DST meet global bench mark norms per scientist. The average impact factor of publications from various DST aided institutions was in 1 and 4.5 during the year 2007-08. More than 20 patents were granted and about 20 patents have been filed based on the work of the aided institutions. Total of 90 students obtained their doctoral and post graduate degrees through their work in DST aided institutions.

Facility Creation in DST Institutions: New research facilities with more than Rs 100 crores have been created in the institutions of DST during the year 2007-08. International center for materials sciences, Indo Russian center for biomedical technologies, the Aneesur Rahman Centre for High Performance Computing for high-end computation and the Centre for Atomic, Molecular and Optical Sciences and Dr. K. S. Krishnan Geomagnetic Research Laboratory at Allahabad are some examples of the new centers of excellence created. High Altitude Gamma Ray (HAGAR) telescope array was installed at the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO). The 3.6-meter new technology Devasthal optical telescope project was started after ARIES entered into an agreement with Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems (AMOS), Belgium for the design, manufacturing, integration, testing, supply and installation of the telescope at Devasthal. RRI is involved in an international project “Murchison Wide-field Array (MWA)

Way Forward

The year 2007-08 has been productive. Several new initiatives have been proposed as a part of the eleventh plan. The Department has been striving to connect resources with the cause of Indian Science and Technology sector. There is much hope with in the Department. The Department is conscious of expectations of the S&T community and its stake and share holders. The first year of the eleventh plan has begun well for the Department. The best is yet to come. The Department hopes to deliver its best during the eleventh plan.