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

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1384
TO BE ANSWERED ON 12-03-2008

EFFORTS TO PROMOTE RESEARCH IN NANO TECHNOLOGY

1384. SHRIMATI SUSHMA SWARAJ:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that there is not enough research activity in Nano technology;
(b) if so, the efforts being made to promote research activities;
(c) whether cooperation is being sought at international level in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): Several scientists from various scientific institutions and universities around the country are very actively involved in research and development in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Various Ministries/Departments of Government of India such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Information Technology (DIT), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have been supporting R&D in Nano Science and Technology. DST launched a special Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI) in October 2001. The NSTI had focused on research and development in nanoscience and technology in a comprehensive manner so that India can become a significant player in the area and contribute to the development of new technologies besides carrying out basic research at the frontiers of knowledge. The programme supported R&D projects, strengthening of characterization and infrastructural facilities, creation of centres of excellence, generation of trained manpower, joint projects between educational institutions and industry for technology development etc.

While very good and internationally competitive fundamental studies are being carried out on nanoscale systems, India has to catch up in the area of Nanotechnology. The Government has launched a Mission to encourage research work in the field of Nano Science and Technology with an allocation Rs. 1000 crore for 5 years. It is planned to launch a variety of educational and HRD programmes, R&D programmes, establish centres of excellence, promote institution-industry linked projects through increased public private partnerships, promote entrepreneurship through establishment of business incubators, etc. as part of the Nano Mission. The Nano Mission also plans to put in special efforts towards development and commercialization of Nano Technology, not only through public private partnerships but also by encouraging and enabling the private sector to invest in, and leverage, this sunrise technology. There are also plans to establish three major Institutes of Nano Science and Technology in the country.

(c) & (d): A number of countries including United States of America, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Germany, Swedan, Swiss, Taiwan and European Commission have sought cooperation in the area of nano-technology through DST via joint projects mode. Many other countries have also shown interest for cooperation in this area. International cooperation is being implemented in the bilateral mode on mutual benefits basis. A number of joint workshops have also been organized for identifying the areas of potential cooperation in this area.