GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1666
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11-03-2008

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1666. SHRI AJIT JOGI:
SHRI SANAT KUMAR MANDAL:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
be pleased to state:

(a) the number of science and technology centres opened /proposed to be opened in the country especially in West Bengal;

(b) the details of financial assistance alongwith incentives granted by the Government for the development and promotion of science and technology in the country especially in the North-Eastern Region and West Bengal during the last three years , State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has received some proposals from the State Governments for the development of Science and Technology in the country, particularly Chhattisgarh during the last three years, State-wise ;

(d) if so, the details and status thereof, State-wise ;

(e) the number of proposals rejected / pending with the Government alongwith the reasons therefor; and

(f) the time by when these pending proposals are likely to be cleared ?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) As per the available official statistics, there are 3960 R&D institutions in public and private sector in the country dealing with science and technology, out of which 260 Institutions are in West Bengal.

(b) According to available official statistics, the Union Government have funded 109, 132 and 271 research and development projects at a total cost of Rs. 11.83 crores, Rs. 11.43 crores and Rs. 24.33 crores during the years 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 respectively in the North Eastern States and 250, 253 and 340 research and development projects at a total cost of Rs. 40.95 crores , Rs.59.81 crores and Rs.93.42 crores during the years 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 respectively in West Bengal. The state-wise statement is annexed. In addition, the Government has also supported plasma pyrolysis plants for waste disposal, micro hydel plants, water purification plants, patent information centres, etc, in North Eastern Region and patent information centre and iron removal plants in West Bengal. The S&T Centres can avail of fiscal concessions, customs duty exemption, excise duty exemption etc. as provided in various statutes.

(c) & (d): No Sir. However, the Union Government provides support to scientific research proposals received from research and development institutions, universities, voluntary organizations, state science and technology councils and other autonomous organizations in various states including the state of Chhattisgarh. The Union Government have funded 13, 9 and 20 research and development projects at a cost of Rs. 171.77 lakhs, 69.19 lakh and 209.04 lakh during the years 2003-04, 2004-05 , 2005-06 respectively in Chhattisgarh.

(e) & (f): Does not arise.

ANNEXURE

STATEMENT AS REFERRED IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1666 FOR 11.3.2008 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

STATE-WISE SPONSORED R&D PROJECTS

(Amount in lakh Rupees)