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Source: The post is based on the following articles
“Cabinet approves Introduction of National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in Parliament to strengthen research eco-system in the country” published in PIB on 28th June 2023
“Cabinet clears NRF Bill to offer strategic direction to research” published in The Hindu on 29th June 2023
What is the News?
The Union Cabinet approved the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023.
About the National Research Foundation(NRF) Bill, 2023
Establish NRF: The NRF will seed, grow and promote Research and Development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
The bill will also repeal the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008 and subsume it into NRF which has an expanded mandate and covers activities over and above the activities of SERB.
About National Research Foundation(NRF)
The NRF will be an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP). It will be established at a total estimated cost of Rs. 50,000 crore during five years (2023-28). The government will contribute ₹10,000 crore over five years.
Administrative Department of NRF: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Governing Board of NRF: It will consist of eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines. Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Board and the Union Minister of Science & Technology & Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
Executive Council of NRF: Headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser.
Functions of NRF: NRF will a) forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions, b) create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments, and c) focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that can encourage collaboration and increased spending by the industry on R&D.
What are the potential benefits of establishing NRF?
Increase private investment: Current laws made it hard for private research organisations to contribute to a funding body such as the NRF. The NRF was meant to ensure that scientific research was conducted and funded equitably with greater participation from the private sector. When the NRF starts functioning, close to ₹36,000 crore is expected from the private sector (as investments into research)
Increase funding to state colleges and universities: At present, eminent institutions like the IITs and IISc get a bulk of research funding but State universities get very little, about 10% of the research funds. The NRF will correct this.
