GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2074
TO BE ANSWERED ON 14-08-2006

NANO-TECHNOLOGY

2074. DR. K. MALAISAMY :

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

(a) whether it is a fact that in Nano-technology, the international corporate spending by firms like IBP, HP, Motorola, GE, etc. has risen to $ 3.8 billion in 2004;
(b) whether there is any such research attempt on the part of Indian firms; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to assist the R&D in the area?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES

(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) In India also, some major corporates like Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Chemicals, Reliance Industries, Reddy's Labs, Murugappa Chettiar Group, Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, etc. have started investing in nanotechnology research at a modest level. Mahindra and Mahindra and Reliance have also established nanotechnology centres.

(c) The Government has been taking several steps to promote R&D in this area. Over 100 research projects have been funded. Several centres of excellence on nano science and nano technology have also been established. A number of post-doctoral fellowships have been awarded. Several national and international conferences, schools, etc. have been organized. The Government has spent approximately Rs. 200 crore over the past 5 years to promote R&D in this area. A bigger Nano Science and Technology Mission is being launched which will provide further boost to this area in a comprehensive manner including nanotechnology development through increased public private partnerships and entrepreneurial ventures.