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

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1695
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11-03-2008

EXPENDITURE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1695. SHRI AJIT JOGI:

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

(a) the percentage on the total GDP being spent currently for the development of science and technology in the country;

(b) whether efforts will be made to increase the expenditure on science and technology, keeping in view its importance for the development of the country;

(c) the scientific objectives of the satellite mission; and

(d) the extent to which progress has been made under the mission mode programme during the current Five Year Plan?

ANSWER

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

(a) According to the official statistics, 0.8 percent of the GDP is spent on Research & Development in Science and Technology in the country.

(b) The Government have taken various measures to increase the expenditure on Science & Technology in the Country. These measures include higher allocation for scientific research from Plan to Plan for setting up of new institutions for science education and research, creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and frontline areas in academic and national institutes, induction of new and attractive fellowships, strengthening infrastructure for R&D in universities, encouraging public-private R&D partnerships, national awards for outstanding R&D etc. Accordingly, the Government have enhanced XI plan allocation for Scientific Departments to Rs.75,304.00 crores from Rs. 25,301.35 crores during X Plan.

(c) & (d): The scientific objective of space science satellite missions (like Chandrayaan-1, Astrosat) includes conducting scientific investigations in the fields of astronomy, atmospheric science and planetary science. The entire Space programme is implemented in the Mission / Project Mode and the significant progress achieved during the current 11th Five Year Plan include: successful testing of indigenous cryogenic stage to enhance the self reliance in launch vehicle technology, launching of INSAT-4CR, a high power satellite carrying 12 Ku band transponders onboard India's GSLV F04 to boost the INSAT system capacity for DTH and satellite communication services, launching of two foreign satellites on commercial basis and a Deep Space Network with large antennae (32 m dia and 18dia) have been established at Bangalore for India's first unmanned Mission, Chandrayaan-1.