| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Impact of budget on scientific research & how does it address challenges and concerns. Conclusion: Way forward |
The Union Budget plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of scientific research and development (R&D) in India. The Union Budget of Modi’s third term continues to build on previous initiatives aimed at advancing technology and scientific research in India.
Impact
- Focus on Advanced Technology and Innovation: The Budget reinforces India’s commitment to advanced technology sectors, including quantum technologies, supercomputing, and space exploration.
- Support for Critical Sectors: The Budget allocates funds to critical areas like climate-resilient agriculture, critical minerals, and clean energy. These are strategically important sectors given global challenges such as climate change and energy security.
- Agricultural Innovation: The focus on agricultural productivity and resilience, supported by initiatives like speed breeding platforms and climate-resilient crop varieties, indicates a targeted approach to transforming Indian agriculture through biotechnology.
- Private Sector Engagement: The budget highlights a shift towards increased private sector participation in R&D through the operationalization of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application, encouraging private investment in research.
Concerns and Challenges
- Stagnation in Basic Research Funding: Despite the increased allocations, concerns persist about the adequacy of funding for basic research. Leading scientists have pointed out that, when adjusted for inflation, the increase in allocations is nominal.
- Operational Challenges of ANRF: The operationalization of the ANRF is seen as a positive step, but there are concerns about its emphasis on prototype development alongside basic research.
- Disparities in Funding Distribution: There is a notable disparity in the distribution of research funding, with a significant portion going to central institutions like IITs, while state-run institutions receive a smaller share.
- Sustainability of Research Funding: The reliance on zero budgeting systems (ZBS) and quarterly reports creates challenges for research institutions, as these mechanisms are better suited to predictable and quantifiable projects, not the inherently uncertain nature of scientific research.
- Nominal Budget Increases: While there are increases in budget allocations, many scientists believe that these are not sufficient to keep pace with the growing demands of the research community.
Conclusion
More effort must be put into raising research funding as a share of GDP and implementing rules that guarantee fair distribution and support for both basic and applied research if India’s scientific community is to reach its full potential.
