India to more than double S&T spending to 2 per of GDP
23 May 2007
Mumbai: The government intends to more than double financial allocation for science and technology to two per cent of the GDP over the next five years, prime minister Manmohan Singh said.
"The UPA government intends to increase financial allocation for science and technology from less than one per cent of the GDP to two per cent of GDP," a report released by the prime minister said.
Recounting
the 3-year performance of the government, the prime
minister said that the government envisions development
of an empowered science and technology base in the country
by the year 2015.
The government, he said, has initiated steps to attract
talent, rejuvenate university research, enable women
scientists to re-enter careers in science, strengthen
technology business incubation processes, promote excellence
in research, engage private sector in R&D, create
greater science awareness and develop scientific temper
among the people.
The government has also set up a Science and Engineering Research Board to channel increased funding for research initiatives undertaken during the eleventh five-year plan.
"New schemes have been introduced for knowledge alliances in bilateral and consortium modes, setting up of incubation centres and permitting mobility of scientists between CSIR laboratories and private industry," the report said.
Both policy makers and the scientific community have been expressing concern over the falling standards of research and the inability of scientific establishments across the country to attract talent.
