The minister of state for science and technology, Jitendra Singh, tabled the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023, on Friday in the Lok Sabha. After approval in Parliament, the Bill will set up the “Anusandhan National Research Foundation”, an apex body to provide “high-level strategic direction” to scientific research and entrepreneurship in the country as per the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). The National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill 2023 is a key legislative effort to support robust scientific research and knowledge development in India. Supported by a substantial budgetary allocation of Rs 50,000 crore from 2023–28, this planned apex organisation is expected to play a crucial role in directing the country’s research landscape in accordance with the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP).
The NRF Bill is likely to achieve several critical objectives. Ample financial support, the provision of substantial financial resources is essential for driving meaningful growth in research and knowledge creation. The NRF’s large budgetary allotment shows a proactive commitment to fueling innovation and scientific advancement across the country. Equitable funding distribution, the NRF seeks to level the playing field by addressing the inequality in research funding that currently exists. The NRF’s strategic focus on equitable allocation will benefit state universities, which are frequently underrepresented in research funding, and will help foster a diversified research ecosystem.
Inclusive private sector participation, the NRF Bill acknowledges that the private sector plays a critical role in promoting innovation. By aggressively involving the private sector through investments in research, the NRF is well-positioned to accelerate partnerships between academia, industry, and government, further accelerating knowledge transfer and technological innovation.
Integration and Synergy, with the consolidation of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) into the NRF, research governance is streamlined, promoting cohesion and synergy among research activities.