Union Minister introduces a Bill to establish the Anusandhan National Research Foundation in the Lok Sabha

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister introduces a Bill to establish the Anusandhan National Research Foundation in the Lok Sabha ”  published in PIB on 4th August 2023. 

What is the News?

The Union Science Minister has tabled the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill in the Lok Sabha.

What is the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill?

The Bill proposes to establish the National Research Foundation(NRF). It will replace the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

Purpose: 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).

Functions: NRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions and create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries. 

– It will also 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.

Governing Board: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative Department of NRF which will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines.

– Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Board 

– Union Minister of Science & Technology & Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents. 

– NRF’s functioning will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Significance of the bill: The bill will give a much-needed boost to the education sector in India.

– It will provide high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the fields of natural sciences including mathematical sciences, engineering, and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture.

– It will also cater to the vast amount of skilled human resources of the country, who otherwise seek opportunities outside the country. It will act as a significant element in strengthening India’s competitiveness in the global economy.