The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 (NRF Bill) was passed by the Indian Parliament in August 2023. The Bill establishes the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) as an apex body to provide strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the country.
The NRF Bill repeals the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008 and dissolves the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) set up under it. The NRF will subsume SERB and will have an expanded mandate to cover all areas of research, including natural sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture, and scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences.
The NRF will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of eminent scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs. The Board will be responsible for formulating the NRF's strategic plan, approving its budget, and monitoring its performance.
The NRF will have a number of functions, including:
- Providing funding for research projects
- Creating and supporting research infrastructure
- Promoting international collaboration in research
- Developing human resources in research
- Disseminating research findings
- Promoting public awareness of research
The NRF is expected to play a major role in transforming India into a research-intensive nation. It will provide the much-needed funding and support for research, and it will create a more conducive environment for research in the country. The NRF is also expected to help India to attract and retain top talent in research, and to collaborate more effectively with the global research community.
The NRF Bill is a landmark piece of legislation that will have a major impact on the future of research in India. It is a step towards making India a global leader in research and innovation.
Here are some of the key features of the NRF Bill:
- The NRF will be an apex body for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in India.
- It will have a budget of Rs. 50,000 crores for five years (2023-28).
- The NRF will subsume the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
- The NRF will have a Governing Board consisting of eminent scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs.
- The NRF will have a number of functions, including providing funding for research projects, creating and supporting research infrastructure, promoting international collaboration in research, developing human resources in research, disseminating research findings, and promoting public awareness of research.
The NRF Bill is a significant step towards strengthening the research ecosystem in India. It is expected to play a major role in transforming India into a research-intensive nation.