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

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.147
TO BE ANSWERED ON 19-11-2007

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN SCIENTIFIC LABS

147. SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that less number of research and development activities have been undertaken in Government scientific labs in the country;
(b) whether it is also a fact that there are merely 157 scientists per million doing scientific research and development in the country, because of poor infrastructure, pathetic incentives, etc. to the scientists;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether Government propose to give more incentives to improve the working conditions for scientists in Government labs; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): The Government has provided enhanced level of funding during the previous years for research and developmental activities in the scientific labs and this enhanced funding will continue in the 11th five year plan also. Additionally new programmes in thrust areas like nano-technology, setting up of centres of excellence for advanced materials research, translational research in the area of biotechnology, etc have been initiated. It is a fact that the personnel trained in S&T has increased. However, the number of S&T trained manpower participating directly in R&D for generation of new knowledge has stagnated. This could be attributed to lucrative opportunities available in other sectors and social pressures. The Government is also providing grants for up gradation of research infrastructure in universities and academic institutions for research and teaching. Government has also plans to provide support for research infrastructure in undergraduate colleges during the 11th Plan. The Government has already provided incentives through increased research fellowships and associate-ships and has also announced J.C. Bose and Ramanujan Fellowships for performing scientists.