Question : PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN R & D

(a) whether the Government proposes to allow private sector to collaborate with Foreign institutions to participate in the field of scientific research and development in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of foreign assistance received by the Government during the Eleventh Plan for development of science and technology, Institution-wise;

(d) whether the Government also proposes to enhance the share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in scientific research and development in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

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 IN PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PERSONS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a): Madam, there are no policy restrictions on private sector in India to collaborate with foreign institutions in the field of scientific research and development in the country.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): The Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India have not received any foreign assistance during Eleventh Plan.

(d) & (e): The Government has taken various measures to enhance the Research and Development expenditure as percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the country, such as, higher allocation in the area of Science and Technology, viz., Rs. 75,304 crore in the XI Plan (2007-12) as against the actual expenditure of about Rs. 23,641 crore during the X Five Year Plan (2002-07). Further, in the previous Finance Bill, Income Tax Act was amended to allow higher tax incentive to private sector for carrying out research.