(a) whether the Government has assessed the number of students involved in research projects in different science establishments to promote scientific enrichment in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the number of research scholars the country has produced during each of the last three years, year-wise; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to encourage research among youths of this country?
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 THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) & (b): Yes. The Ministry has assessed the number of students involved in research in different science establishments in the country. The total number is estimated to be around 70000.
(c) As per the data available, the number of research scholars who received doctorate degree in the area of science and technology during 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11 are 7564, 7268 and 8302 respectively.
(d) The Ministry has initiated several programs and awards to encourage research amongst youth of the country such as “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research” (INSPIRE); Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY); Fast Track Young Scientist Program, DBT-Research Fellowship and DBT-Research Associateship programs; CSIR Young Scientist Award, CSIR Innovation Award and CSIR Diamond Jubilee Invention Award for School Children.