(a) whether the investment in the science and technology area is only one
per cent of the GDP;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has formulated any policy to revitalize the science
& technology institutions in the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to reinvigorate the science &
technology studies and research in the country?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) & (b) : No Sir. According to the available official statistics, the expenditure
incurred on research and development in the field of science and technology
constitutes 0.8 % of India’s GDP.
(c)&(d): Yes Sir. The “Science and Technology Policy 2003†of the Government
envisages an implementation strategy for revitalisation of the Science & Technology
institutions in the country.The key elements of the strategy include:
(i) S&T governance and investment;
(ii) Strengthening of infrastructure for Science and Technology in academic
institutions;
(iii) New funding mechanisms for basic research;
(iv) Human resource development;
(v) Industry and scientific R&D; and
(vi) International S&T cooperation.
(e) In order to boost the R&D activities in the country, the Government has enhanced
the S&T Plan outlay of Scientific Departments/Agencies from Rs.12,022 crores in 9th
Plan to Rs.25,243 crores in 10th Plan and plans to increase it further in 11th Plan.
Further, various initiatives have been taken by the Government to encourage investment
on R&D both in institutions and industry through several measures.These measures
include higher allocation to scientific research, setting up of new institutions for science
education and research, creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and
frontline areas in academic and national institutes, strengthening infrastructure for R&D
in universities, encouraging public-private R&D partnerships,grants for industrial R&D
projects, income tax relief on R&D expenditure, weighted tax deduction for sponsored
research, custom duty exemption on goods imported for use in Government funded R&D
projects, tax holiday and national awards for outstanding R&D.