(a) Whether the Government proposes to take any steps to improve the country`s position in
Science Research;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any directions has been issued in this regard to the State Governments by the
Union Government; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (d): In order to strengthen basic science research within the university system, a Task
Force under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.M.Sharma was constituted by the Central Government. In
its Report, the Task Force has inter alia, recommended creation of 1000 positions of Research
Scientists at various levels, five fold increase in the number of Ph.Ds from Indian universities
within a span of ten years with proper standards, promotion of formal linkage between the
Universities and national level institutions including the CSIR laboratories through joint
research projects and training, inbuilt component of research in post-graduate programmes
pertaining to Science and Technology, upgradation of infrastructura! facilities in universities
to promote quality scientific research, and, creation of networking centers in Basic Sciences
in leading Departments of Universities to promote collaborative research. The recommendations
have been accepted by the Government and the Task Force has been converted into an Empowered
Committee to implement its recommendations. The University Grants Commission has included the
proposals under its pian for allocation of funds. Education Ministers of State Governments
have also been apprised of these initiatives at the recent Conference of State Education
Ministers in April, 2007 at New Delhi,