The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the Parliament. The approved Bill will pave the way for the creation of the NRF to seed, grow and promote research and development (R&D) and promote culture of research and innovation in Indian universities, colleges, research institutes and research and development laboratories.
The bill, once approved by Parliament, will establish the NRF, an apex body to provide high-level strategic management of scientific research in the country as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP), at a total estimated cost of Rs. 50,000 crore over five years (2023-28).
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative arm of the NRF, governed by a Steering Committee composed of leading scientists and experts across disciplines. Since the mandate of the NRF is wide-ranging – impacting all ministries – the Prime Minister will be the ex-officio Chairman of the Board and the Union Minister for Science and Technology and the Union Education Minister will be the ex-officio Vice-Chairmen. The functioning of the NRF will be governed by an Executive Board chaired by the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
The NRF will establish collaboration between industry, academia and ministries and research institutions and create an interface mechanism for the participation and contribution of industries and state governments in addition to science and line ministries. It will focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that can support collaboration and increased industry spending on research and development.
The bill will also abolish the Scientific and Technical Research Board (SERB), established by an Act of Parliament in 2008, and merge it into the NRF, which has an expanded mandate and covers activities beyond that of the SERB.
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