Date : 22/07/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology

Keywords – NRF Bill, 2023, HRD, NIRF, IoE

In Context

One of the significant bills scheduled for discussion in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament is the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill of 2023.

Status of the Research field in India

Research Spending:

• India's investment in research has consistently remained at a lower range of 0.6%-0.8% of its GDP for several years. This amount is notably below the 1%-2% allocated by countries whose economies heavily rely on science and technology.
• For instance, countries like China, the U.S., and Israel have private sector contributions accounting for almost 70% of their research expenditure. In contrast, in India, the private sector's contribution to total research expenditure was only about 36% in the fiscal year 2019-20, amounting to roughly ₹1.2 lakh crore.

Low Enrollments:

• In the year 2018, the number of students enrolled in PhD programs was approximately 161,412. This figure represents less than 0.5 percent of the total student enrollment in higher education throughout the country, including students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programs in universities, colleges, and standalone institutes.

Hurdles & Challenges

Early Schooling:

The foundational issues in India's education system can be traced back to early schooling. Analysts have consistently highlighted the problem of students merely memorizing and reproducing textbook content during examinations without applying critical thinking skills. Unfortunately, this culture persists and carries over to higher education institutions.

Lack of Scientific Training:

The absence of proper scientific training in research methodology presents a significant obstacle for researchers in our country, resulting in a scarcity of competent researchers.

Insufficient Coordination:

A lack of effective interaction exists between university research departments on one side and business establishments, government departments, and research institutions on the other side.

Inadequate Investment:

The disparity in private sector research contributions in various countries is often due to consistent government support for universities and research institutions. This support, in turn, encourages individuals to establish companies and institutions that value investments in research and development. However, in India, the number of such companies remains limited.

Absence of Code of Conduct:

A significant challenge is the absence of a well-defined code of conduct for researchers, leading to inter-university and interdepartmental rivalries that can hinder collaborative efforts.

Delays:

Researchers in India frequently face difficulties in obtaining adequate and timely secretarial and computer assistance, leading to unnecessary delays in completing research studies.

Lack of Rewards:

The absence of appropriate recognition and rewards for researchers is a crucial factor contributing to the subpar research performance of Indian institutions.

Government’s initiatives to boost research in India

The Government of India (GoI) has introduced several initiatives to enhance the number of researchers in higher education.

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA):

• The Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) initiated the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, also known as the National Higher Education Mission. This program strategically allocates funds to higher education institutions across the country.

Inclusion of 'Research' in Rankings:

• In 2015, the GoI launched the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which ranks universities and institutes based on various parameters, including their research output and performance.

'Institutes of Eminence (IoE)' Scheme:

• Following this, the GoI introduced the 'Institutes of Eminence (IoE)' scheme, aiming to support 20 institutions in becoming world-class universities. Six institutes have already received this prestigious status, while more than a dozen others await the upgrade.

About the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023

The proposed bill introduces a new centralized body, the National Research Foundation (NRF), which is allocated a budget of ₹50,000 crore over the next five years. The NRF is inspired by successful models like the United States' National Science Foundation, which has a significant budget of nearly $8 billion, serving as a major funding source for college and university research, and the European Research Council, which supports both basic and applied research.

The NRF's strategy, according to statements made by administrators, is to secure the majority of its budget, ₹36,000 crore, from the private sector. The private sector has been a substantial contributor, financing nearly 70% of research expenditure in numerous developed countries. Consequently, the government believes that attracting more private investment is a key approach to invigorate university research in India.

Way ahead

Indeed, while studying the experiences of other countries can offer valuable insights, it's essential to recognize that the Indian education system has its unique complexities and diversity. Any new initiatives must be tailored to suit the specific needs and challenges of the Indian context.

One crucial aspect to address is the current reliance on textbook-based learning. The Indian education system should explore innovative ways to upgrade its approach to learning, incorporating more practical and research-oriented methods.

Introducing undergraduate research opportunities in educational institutions can play a vital role in enhancing the quality of both students and faculty. Such initiatives can also lead to the generation of relevant scholarly research that can contribute not only to India but also to the global body of knowledge.

In addition, organizations like the NRF should focus on creating conditions that incentivize private sector organizations to invest in research, innovation, and the development of proprietary technology. This support can foster a culture of invention and technological advancement, benefiting both the private sector and the nation as a whole.

Source – The Hindu