(a) the growth achieved in the field of science and technology (S&T) during each of the last three years and the current year;
(b) whether the Government proposes to increase the share of S&T in the total growth of the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
(d) whether the Government is aware that there is a need to address modern challenges in science and technology such as identifying new linkages between science and areas such as economics and law, converting modern research and theory into practice, documenting and innovating traditional scientific knowledge and funding start-ups in new areas of technology; and
(e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto? |
| ANSWER |
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI Y.S. CHOWDARY)
(a) The growth achieved in the field of Science and Technology is gauged in terms number of research papers published and patents brought out by the country. The details of growth achieved in S&T sector, as per the available statistics, is as under:
2011 2012 2013 2014
Paper Published# 56886 64176 71941 69891
Patents Filed## 1259 1734 2474 3044
Source: # Web of Science, SCI database accessed on May 1, 2015 ## Patent granted at United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO) by Country of Origin
(b) As per Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2013, increasing gross expenditure on R&D in S&T sector to 2% of GDP has been a national goal. Accordingly, the Government has successively increased S&T plan outlays in the country. The details of significant increase in plan outlays of major scientific departments/agencies are given as under:
(Rs. crore)
S&T Deptt. VIII Plan IX Plan X Plan XI Plan XII Plan
/ Agencies (1992-97) (1997-2002) (2002-07) (2007-12) (2012-17)
Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved
Outlay Outlay Outlay Outlay Outlay
1. D/o Atomic 600.00 1500.00 3501.35 11000.00 19878.00
Energy (R&D
Sector)
2. M/o Earth 130.00 510.62 1125.00 7004.00 9506.00
Sciences
3. D/o Science 640.00 1497.35 3400.00 11028.00 21596.00
& Technology
4. D/o Biotec 265.00 675.00 1450.00 6389.00 11804.00
hnology
5. D/o Scientific 655.00 1327.48 2575.00 9000.00 17896.00
& Industrial
Research
6. D/o Space 1804.00 6511.72 13250.00 30883.00 39750.00
Grand Total 4094.00 12022.17 25301.35 75304.00 120430.00
Increase in
successive
Plan (Multi 2.9 2.1 3.0 1.6
plier Effect)
(c) The Government has been providing various measures for sustaining growth of 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 for research and facilities in emerging and frontline S&T areas in academic and national institutes, establishment of new and attractive fellowships for both research students and scientists, attractive pay package to scientists as per 6th pay commission, recent substantial revision of fellowships for research students, strengthening infrastructure for Research and Development (R&D) in universities, encouraging public-private R&D partnerships, recognition of R&D units and fiscal incentives and support measures for R&D in industries etc.
(d) & (e): Yes, Madam. The government is aware about the modern challenges in Science & Technology (S&T). The new Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2013 envisages linking S&T with new areas such as economics and law and sectors of economy, converting modern research and theory into practice, documenting and innovating traditional scientific knowledge and funding start-ups in new areas of technology through policy and reform processes. Several institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology such as Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, National Innovation Foundation, Technology Development Board, Technology Information and Forecasting Council, National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Board, National Research and Development Corporation etc are engaged in such endeavour. |
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