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

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2962

TO BE ANSWERED ON 30/07/2009
PROGRESS IN S&T 2962.
SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that our progress in Science and Technology is slow;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether Government is considering to increase investment in order to speed up the pace of development in this sector; and
(d) the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) & (b): No Sir. The number of research papers published by Indian scientists has increased from 20,514 in 1996 to 40,062 in 2006 as per the Scopus International Database. The growth rate of research papers published during this period is 7.0%, which is higher than the world average of 4.1%. The number of applications filed for Indian patents by scientists/Institutions/entities working in India has also increased from 3,218 in 2003-04 to 6,040 in 2007-08.

(c) & (d): Yes Sir. The Government have enhanced the 11th Plan allocation for Scientific Departments to Rs. 75,304.00 Crores from Rs. 25,301.35 Crores during 10th Plan.