Ease of doing Research in India
Present circumstances:
- The Union Cabinet has passed a law sanctioning the creation of the National Research Foundation (NRF), with a corpus of Rs 50,000 crore.
- Academics and researchers who had been waiting for the government to increase its R&D spending have applauded the move.
The financing source for NRF is:
- In terms of funding, the government will provide the NRF a lump sum rather than breaking it up into several categories for capital, consumables, and human resources.
- In the future, NRF will aim to get an annual grant of at least 0.1% of GDP, or about Rs 20,000 crore in current currency.
- Money transfers between heads of state would be entirely at the discretion of the board, which is presided over by the prime minister. The Foundation will have full administrative and financial control, allowing it to sponsor deserving projects without any issues.
- Certain financial regulations for the administration of the NRF and NRF awards would be presumed to have gained government approval if approved by the NRF Board and reported to Cabinet.
- In situations where particular flexibility has not been provided, GFR will be applied. If any of the original funds are not used, they will be preserved in a corpus for the NRF that will be properly managed for a steady return free of risk.
NRF advances welfare for people by advancing research and development:
- The NRF was founded on the idea that in order to further human growth and welfare, new scientific and social knowledge must be created.
- It strives to encourage a culture of open inquiry, mentoring, and help in universities and other higher education and research institutions throughout India.
- It recognizes the urgent need to enhance the nation’s ecosystem of science and education in order to accommodate its expanding population.
The main goals of the NRF are as follows:
- The first step is to develop competency at universities and institutions.
- Encouraging top-notch, cutting-edge research in all fields.
- Encouraging research that will benefit society.
- Four, these missions will require a significant financial commitment in addition to skilled human resources to ensure the best possible use of financial resources as well as an efficient and flexible governance framework.
The goal of NRF is to improve technology and science:
- Grant proposals that are competitive, peer-reviewed, made by individuals or groups of individuals, and that include all academic disciplines (including interdisciplinary research) will be funded by the NRF.
- It will support the beginning, development, and facilitation of research at academic institutions, particularly universities and colleges where research infrastructure and capacities are now in their infancy.
- Therefore, the NRF professorships are a crucial part of setting up top-notch research in faraway universities and colleges.
- The researchers, who won’t be compelled to retire and give up their research, will also benefit, as would the university or college, which will receive funding from the NRF to create research groups centered on available professionals.
NRF creates a unique information store for conceivable future applications:
- One of India’s top priorities is to identify, anticipate, and promote cutting edge research across disciplines through increasing capacity and leadership at scale.
- Since it creates a foundation for autonomous work and knowledge across the nation as well as an independent knowledge repository for potential future applications, the NRF will promote curiosity-driven research.
- Participation in multidisciplinary mega-science initiatives and international partnerships is beneficial for developing experimental scientific and engineering research capabilities.
- The NRF will enhance India’s position and participation in critical areas of national and international relevance as well as in significant national and international collaborations through large-scale mission projects and mega-projects.
- Additionally, it would encourage the active management of such important projects and ensure that the funding and opportunities are utilized as efficiently as possible for the good of the country and its students.
Additionally, NRF will promote participation in research among women and other underrepresented groups:
- The NRF will propose and support initiatives and programs targeted at increasing the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in research, and it will recognize excellent work with national conferences and awards.
- It will link and coordinate with researchers, relevant central and state government organizations, and industrial partners to keep researchers connected to one another and with potential collaborators.
- This would enable the application of these discoveries to the sectors of policy or execution and make it easier for policymakers to stay abreast of the most recent scientific advancements in the country.
- The Foundation will also serve as a high-level think tank for the coordination, long- and short-term planning of research, and for the recommendation to the government of significant policy initiatives relating to research, innovation, and education.
Conclusion:
- As a result, the NRF would work to significantly contribute to India’s advancement by supporting sustainable economic growth, enhancing national security, promoting happiness and societal advancement, and elevating India’s position as a global leader.
