(a) whether the Government proposes to establish the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) across the country;
(b) if so, the details along with the salient feature thereof;
(c) the details of funds earmarked for the purpose; and
(d) the time-frame fixed by the Government to complete its process?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE
(RAO INDERJIT SINGH)
(a): Yes Sir. The Finance Minister in his Budget Speech, 2015 (para 48) announced the intention of the Government to establish, in NITI, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
(b): AIM will be an Innovation Promotion Platform involving academics, entrepreneurs, and researchers and draw upon national and international experiences to foster a culture of innovation, R&D and scientific research in India. The platform will also promote a network of world-class innovation hubs and Grand Challenges for India.
(c): The Finance Minister in his Budget Speech stated that initially, a sum of ` 150 crore will be earmarked for this purpose.
(d): NITI Aayog has constituted an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. Tarun Khanna, Director, South Asia Institute, Harvard University, USA to work out the detailed contours. The Expert Committee is expected to submit its report in August, 2015.