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

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3178
TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-04-2008

INDIA'S RANKING IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

3178. SHRI MAHAVIR BHAGORA:

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

(a) whether India holds 17th position in the World in respect of scientific research;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether scientists are migrating to other countries;

(d) the percentage of Indian scientists working in foreign countries having better ranking than India; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to improve the ranking in scientific research?

ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): According to the "Global Competitiveness Report, 2007-08" brought out by the World Economic Forum, India is ranked at 22nd position in terms of quality of scientific research institutions.

(c) & (d): Some scientists and technologists do migrate to other countries for various reasons including financial and academic gains. However, no record of such scientists and technologists leaving the country is being maintained centrally.

(e) The Government have taken various measures for promoting and improving the ranking of scientific research. These measures apart from higher allocation for scientific research from Plan to Plan include 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.