Question : Promoting Research in Universities

(a) the scheme formulated by the Government to bring qualitative improvement in the standard of research in universities across the country;

(b) the ranking of Indian universities and other research institution in the field of research;

(c) whether the Government has formulated any scheme in collaboration with the private sector to promote research in the field of scientific technology management and humanities; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): The University Grants Commission (UGC) has informed that it has formulated the following viz. Universities with Potential for Excellence (UPE); Centre with potential for excellence in particular area: (CPEPA); Special Assistance Programme (SAP); Research Projects; and Basic Science Research to provide grants to universities for undertaking research and improving its standards. The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being implemented during the XII Plan, also has a component for improving Research and Innovation in Universities and Colleges within a State.
(b): The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has been launched by the Ministry on 29th September, 2015. The parameters for ranking broadly cover Teaching, Learning and Resources, Research and Professional Practices, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach and Inclusivity, and Perception. Universities and Colleges are required to register and submit their data on the NIRF portal for ranking.
(c)&(d): The UGC has informed that considering the significance of university-industry interactions it has framed Guidelines for establishing University-Industry Inter-Linkage Centres in Universities. These centres can take up various activities, including research, with participation of industry which can be from the private sector.
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