Daily Current Affairs : 13-July-2023

The approval of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill by the Union Cabinet has sparked a renewed debate on the funding of science and technology in India. The NRF is a significant step towards enhancing research and development efforts in the country. As per the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020, the NRF aims to act as a coordinating agency between researchers, government bodies, and industries to mainstream research and provide research grants to individuals. This essay explores the objectives of NRF, the concerns with its funding, and proposes a way forward to ensure its effectiveness.

About NRF: Facilitating Research and Development

The primary aim of the NRF is to strengthen research in India’s universities, particularly State universities, by providing funding for research infrastructure and researchers. This initiative is expected to foster collaboration between researchers and the industry, bringing industry perspectives into the research domain. By coordinating various stakeholders, the NRF intends to bridge the gap between research and practical applications.

Funding NRF: A Closer Look

The NRF will operate with a budget of ₹50,000 crore over five years. The funding will be shared between the government and the private sector, with the government contributing 28% (₹14,000 crore) and the private sector contributing 72% (₹36,000 crore). However, concerns have been raised regarding this allocation, as it appears inadequate when compared to the gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD).

Addressing Funding Concerns: An Urgent Need

• Insufficient GERD Spending: Currently, India’s GERD stands at ₹1,13,825 crore, which is significantly lower than other major economies like the U.S. and China. Closing this gap is vital for India’s research ecosystem to be on par with global standards.

• Comparative Spending: While India’s GDP is substantially smaller than the U.S. and China, its GERD is almost 24 times less than both countries. This discrepancy highlights the need for a substantial increase in funding for research and development.

• The Widening Gap: In recent years, the gap between India’s GERD and that of other countries has widened, demanding urgent attention and action.

The Way Forward: Ensuring Effective Implementation

To make the NRF successful in fostering research and development, the following measures are essential:

  1. Minimum Time Limit for Grant Disbursement: Researchers should receive their grants within a minimal timeframe, preferably within six months of applying. This will enable them to begin their research promptly and focus on their work without undue delays.
  2. Digital Processing of Paperwork: To streamline the application process, all paperwork must be digitally processed. Eliminating the need for hard copies will reduce administrative burdens and expedite the approval process.
  3. Reduced Administrative Delays: Finance-related queries, approvals, and acceptance should be conducted solely between the NRF and the finance department of the university or research institution. This will enable scientists to dedicate more time to their research, ensuring greater productivity.
  4. Independent Spending Guidelines: The NRF should have explicit spending guidelines independent of the General Financial Rules (GFR) and the government’s e-Marketplace (GeM) usage. This approach will provide scientists with the necessary flexibility while also holding them accountable for their spending.
  5. Timely Disbursal of Funds: A robust mechanism must be in place to ensure the timely release of funds. The NRF draft may mention timely disbursal, but its effective implementation is crucial for the success of research projects.

Important Points:

  • The National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill has been approved by the Union Cabinet to enhance science and technology funding in India.
  • The NRF aims to act as a coordinating agency between researchers, government bodies, and industries to mainstream research and provide research grants to individuals.
  • The NRF will fund research infrastructure and researchers in India’s universities, with a budget of ₹50,000 crore over five years.
  • Concerns arise about the funding allocation as it is less than 2% of India’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD).
  • India’s GERD is significantly lower than that of major economies like the U.S. and China, necessitating an increase in research funding.
  • To ensure effective implementation of the NRF, timely grant disbursement and digital processing of paperwork are crucial.
  • Reducing administrative delays and allowing scientists to focus on research will improve productivity.
  • Independent spending guidelines for the NRF are essential, providing flexibility while ensuring accountability.
  • A mechanism for timely release of funds must be established to support research projects effectively.
Why In News

With the green light from the Union Cabinet, the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill will soon make its way to Parliament, reigniting the discourse on the crucial allocation of funds for science and technology. This significant step reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering research and innovation, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields.

MCQs about The National Research Foundation (NRF) Initiative

  1. What is the primary aim of the National Research Foundation (NRF) as mentioned in the essay?
    A. To establish more universities in India
    B. To provide scholarships to students
    C. To coordinate research efforts and provide grants for research infrastructure and researchers
    D. To promote sports and physical education in schools
    Correct Answer: C. To coordinate research efforts and provide grants for research infrastructure and researchers
    Explanation: As mentioned in the essay, the NRF aims to act as a coordinating agency between researchers, government bodies, and industries to mainstream research and provide research grants to individuals.
  2. What is one of the key concerns regarding the NRF’s funding allocation?
    A. The government’s share is higher than the private sector’s contribution
    B. The funding is nearly 24 times less than other major economies
    C. The NRF’s budget is too large for effective implementation
    D. The NRF focuses on funding individual researchers only
    Correct Answer: B. The funding is nearly 24 times less than other major economies
    Explanation: As stated in the essay, India’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) is significantly lower than that of other major economies like the U.S. and China, even when considering the country’s GDP.
  3. Which of the following measures is NOT proposed as a way forward to ensure the NRF’s effectiveness?
    A. Timely disbursal of research grants
    B. Digital processing of paperwork
    C. Collaborating with international universities
    D. Independent spending guidelines
    Correct Answer: C. Collaborating with international universities
    Explanation: While collaboration with international universities could be beneficial for research, it is not mentioned as one of the proposed measures in the essay to ensure the NRF’s effectiveness. The essay focuses on timely disbursal of research grants, digital processing of paperwork, and independent spending guidelines as essential steps forward.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading