National Research Foundation

Why in news?

• The Union Cabinet approved the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023.

About the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023

• The bill aims to establish NRF. The NRF will seed, grow and promote Research and Development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
• The bill will also repeal the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008 and subsume it into NRF which has an expanded mandate and covers activities over and above the activities of SERB.

About National Research Foundation (NRF)

• The NRF will be an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).
• It will be established at a total estimated cost of Rs. 50,000 crore during five years (2023-28). The government will contribute ?10,000 crore over five years.
• Administrative Department of NRF:
  • Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Governing Board of NRF:
  • It will consist of eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines.
  • Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Board and the Union Minister of Science & Technology & Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
• Executive Council of NRF:
  • Headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser.
• Functions of NRF:
  • NRF will a) forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions, b) create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments, and c) focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that can encourage collaboration and increased spending by the industry on R&D.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

With reference to ‘National Research Foundation’, consider the following statements:

1. Prime Minister is the ex-officio President of the Governing Board of National Research Foundation

2. It is established under Ministry of Education

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer