NEW DELHI: In China, research scholars account for 0.08% of the total population compared to India’s 0.02%. Giving this information in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, HRD minister Smriti Irani explained that one of the reasons for less number of research scholars in India is much lower investment on R&D as percentage of the GDP in comparison to China.
Irani said in 2011 the investment on R&D was 0.81% of GDP in India while that for China was 1.84%. She said government has taken various measures to encourage scientific research in the country. These measures include successive increase in plan allocations for scientific departments, setting up of new institutions for science education and research, creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and frontline areas in academic and national institutes, induction of new and attractive fellowships and strengthening R&D infrastructure in universities. She said the government is also encouraging public-private R&D partnerships, recognition of R&D units and national awards for outstanding R&D for industries among other things.
The minister said department of science & technology also encourages students to undertake research by giving scholarships, awards and fellowships at various levels of education through its ‘Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research’ (INSPIRE) programme. She also gave details of initiatives taken by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and its 39 laboratories and 50 field stations/extension centres spread across the nation. The University Grants Commission, she said, also provides grants to universities and colleges. Irani said decision to establish IITs in each state will also help research.
Lack of funds affects research in India, H’ble Smriti Irani says
