Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023

About:

• It seeks to establish the NRF or Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
• According to the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP), it will be an apex organization that provides high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the nation.
• It aims to provide 50,000 crore over a five-year period for encouraging research and innovation at all levels of the nation’s research institutions, colleges, and universities.

Functions of NRF:

• NRF will establish partnerships between businesses, academia, government departments, and research organizations. 
• It will also provide a framework for engaging businesses, state governments, as well as scientific and line ministries, in participation and contribution.
• It will concentrate on developing a regulatory framework and setting up policies that can promote cooperation and greater industry R&D spending.

Structure of NRF:

• The NRF will have a governing board of 15 to 25 distinguished researchers and professionals, led by the prime minister, who will serve as the ex-officio president.
• The NRF’s vice presidents will be the education and science ministers.
• NRF’s administrative department will be the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• The proposed foundation would also include an executive council led by the senior scientific adviser.

Significance of the bill:

• Encourage increased industrial investment in R&D (research and development).
• Encourage collaboration between industry, academia, and government agencies.
• Encourage research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and arts in order to support innovation.

Issues with the Bill: 

• Private Funding: Funding from corporates is around 70%, it may lead to profit driven research and hamper societal benefits.

• State Participation: Cooperative federalism may be weakened by the exclusion of state governments and state higher education councils.

• Funding Mechanism Uncertain: The private sector’s commitment to funding lacks transparency and enforceability.

Conclusion:

• The bill is expected to boost India’s global competitiveness in science and technology by fostering excellence, relevance, and impact of research output.

Why in news?

• Parliament has recently  passed the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill.