(a) the details of the schemes to promote Research and Development (R&D) in higher
education and the thrust areas identified for this purpose;
(b) the details of the funds provided and the expenditure incurred on R&D in higher education during the last three years and the current year;
(c) the extent of achievements made so far; and
(d) the roadmap envisaged for further development in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a): University Grants Commission (UGC) has reported that it implements the University with Potential for Excellence (UPE), Centre with Potential for Excellence in a Particular Area (CPEPA) and College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) schemes to promote Research and Development in higher education. The UGC has introduced a new scheme called the “Establishment of new Centres/Institutes of excellence†in studies. The UGC also runs the Special Assistance Programmes by providing financial assistance to university departments besides supporting science research projects and fellowships. The UGC also awards the Dr. D.S Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships to acquire new skills, and a platform for transiting into cross-disciplinary areas. A Task Force for Basic Scientific Research in Universities, under Prof. M.M Sharma was set up in 2005 to assess the status of scientific research and training in Universities, to determine the areas of concern and suggest solutions and strategies to retrieve and enhance the excellence of Universities in this area. The recommendations of the Task Force are being implemented by UGC under supervision of an Empowered Committee. The four research councils set up by the Ministry namely the Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR), Indian Council of Social Sciences Research (ICSSR), Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) and Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS) are devoted exclusively to promotion of Research and Development in humanities and social sciences.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has reported that the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology is awarded annually by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for notable and outstanding research, applied or fundamental, in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, medicine and Physics. The Department of Science & Technology (DST) runs schemes like the Funds for Infrastructure for Science &Technology in University and Academic Sector (FIST), Intensification of research in High Priority Areas (IRPHA), Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE), Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE), fellowships under Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) and schemes under Science and Engineering Research Board. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has reported that it implements schemes like Postgraduate teaching programmes in 72 universities, Biotech Industrial Training programme, Junior Fellowship programme and Research Associateship programme.
The thrust areas identified are in the areas of Human Genome, Bio-medical Magnetic Resonance, Applied Human Genetics, International Security and Defence Analysis. Other thrust areas include Medical Agriculture, Marine Biotechnology, Veterinary sciences, Food and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular and Human Genetics, Neurosciences, Plasma Physics, Nuclear Physics, Structural Biology, Neurosciences, Organic Synthesis, Robotics, Nono-technology, Nano-sciences etc.
(b): The UGC has reported that from 2008-09 to 2011-12 the expenditure on the schemes has been Rs. 976.34 crores. Similarly, an amount of Rs. 500 crores has been spent by UGC to implement the recommendations of the Task Force for Basic Scientific Research in Universities. The four research councils in social sciences and humanities put together have spent Rs. 274.83 crores from 2008-09 to 2010-11. The DST has reported that from 2008-09 to 2010-11 its expenditure has been Rs. 1581 crores and DBT’s expenditure during 2008-09 to 2011-12 has been Rs. 143.58 crores.
(c) & (d): These schemes have been successful in promoting Research and Development in the specialised areas and the effort of the Government will be to further continue and strengthen these schemes in the XII Plan period. An Empowered Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.M. Sharma, for implementation of recommendations of the Task Force for Basic Scientific Research in Universities, meets regularly for ensuring proper implementation of the programmes for promotion of Scientific Research in colleges and universities. Similarly, all research councils would continue to promote research and development in social sciences and humanities.