Despite the approval of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill to enhance scientific progress in the country, the Union government remained silent on the allocation and progress in the interim budget for 2024-25.
Concerns Raised by Scientists
Scientists express concerns regarding the lack of movement from the planning phase to the establishment of the NRF and emphasize the need for an administrative structure.
NRF Proposal and Purpose
First proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP) in 2020, the NRF aims to centralize scientific research funding, replacing existing governmental funding agencies.
Budget Allocations for NRF
- In the Union budget for 2021-22, Rs 50,000 crore was allocated for NRF over five years.
- In 2023-24, the initial allocation of Rs 2,000 crore was revised to Rs 258.60 crore.
NRF Bill Approval
The Union Cabinet approved the NRF Bill in June 2023, laying the groundwork for its establishment, but it was not mentioned in the recent budget speech.
Lack of Administrative Structure and Transparency
Experts express disappointment over the absence of an administrative structure and lack of transparency in establishing the governance structure of NRF.
Shifting Governance Model
Initially proposed to be governed independently, the NRF’s governing board is now expected to be presided over by the Prime Minister and the Union Minister of Science and Technology.
Private Sector Funding
Experts highlight concerns about the reliance on private sector funding, with Rs 36,000 crore (72%) expected from the private sector out of the total Rs 50,000 crore allocated over five years.
Insufficient Funding
The allocated amount of around Rs 2,800 crore per year is deemed insufficient, especially when compared to the funding allocated to other scientific departments during the Union budget for 2022-23.
Uncertainty in Interim Budget
Apart from NRF, the interim budget lacks clarity on allocations for other scientific departments, with anticipation for more details in the full Union Budget post-elections.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What is the primary objective of the National Research Foundation (NRF)?
a) Centralize scientific research funding
b) Enhance medical research
c) Promote agricultural research
d) Manage educational policies
Answer: a) Centralize scientific research funding - In which year was the NRF first proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP)?
a) 2019
b) 2020
c) 2021
d) 2022
Answer: b) 2020 - How much funding was initially announced for the NRF in the Union budget for 2021-22?
a) Rs 1 lakh
b) Rs 2,000 crore
c) Rs 50,000 crore
d) Rs 258.60 crore
Answer: c) Rs 50,000 crore - When was the NRF Bill approved by the Union Cabinet?
a) June 2022
b) June 2023
c) July 2023
d) August 2023
Answer: b) June 2023 - What governance model was initially proposed for the NRF, according to the National Education Policy (NEP) in 2020?
a) Government-led system
b) Independent governance
c) Industry-led governance
d) Academic-led governance
Answer: b) Independent governance - What percentage of the total NRF funding over five years is expected to come from the private sector? a) 50%
b) 60%
c) 70%
d) 72%
Answer: d) 72%