Question : Universities as Research Centres

(a) whether there is lack of research and development work in universities in the country particularly in Science and Technology and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Union Government to develop universities as research centres;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government is contemplating to increase the number of science and research institutions, update the syllabus and make them attractive so that attention of the students can be drawn to this field; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the time by which these institutions are likely to be set up?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
(SHRI.Y. S. CHOWDARY)


(a): No, Madam. There is no lack of research and development work in universities in the country particularly in Science and Technology. Several initiatives of the Government to rejuvenate research in the university sector in the country have yielded favourable results. The National share of university sector in scientific publications has increased from about 15% in 2003 to 31% in 2010. Significant industry and academia linkages has been reported from universities. Recent reports indicate that out of the top ten Indian academic institutions which are reaching out to corporate collaborators in research, six are universities. Substantial funding has been provided to universities / higher educational institutions to elevate the research infrastructure through the Fund for improvement of S&T infrastructures in universities and higher educational institutions (FIST) and Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) programmes of Department of Science and Technology (DST). Department of Biotechnology (DBT) launched DBT-BUILDER (DBT-Boost to University Inter-disciplinary Departments of Life Sciences for Education and Research) for advanced education and research by upgradation/re-engineering/remodelling/ creation of Life science departments in universities.

(b) & (c): The Government has established several Centres of Excellence in specific areas of national interest in various universities to carry out advanced research.

(d) Ministry of Science and Technology is not contemplating to increase the number of science and research institutions in the country. Though updating the syllabus of students in academic institutions do not fall directly in the domain of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has developed Model course curricula for DBT supported PG teaching programs (M.Sc./MTech/M.VSc.). The last exercise of revision and reframing of model course curriculum was carried out by DBT during 2008-09

(e): Does not arise.

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