National Research Foundation Bill – NRF Bill 2023
Today, the Union Cabinet, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave the green light for the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 to the Parliament. This critical move aims to lay the foundation for NRF, a body envisioned to kindle, develop, and advocate for Research and Development (R&D) initiatives, and cultivate an environment of research and innovation across Indian academic institutions, research centers, and R&D labs.
The proposed NRF, upon successful approval from the Parliament, will act as the pinnacle authority, steering the course of scientific research within the country in line with the suggestions proposed by the National Education Policy (NEP). The total projected budget for this ambitious plan over the next five years (2023-28) is estimated to be Rs. 50,000 crore.
Under the proposed bill, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) will oversee the NRF’s administration. A Governing Board comprised of distinguished scholars and professionals from various disciplines will govern the NRF. Given the NRF’s broad purview, which affects all ministries, the Prime Minister will serve as the President of the Board in an ex-officio capacity. Similarly, the Union Minister of Science & Technology
and Union Minister of Education will serve as the ex-officio Vice-Presidents. The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India will chair the NRF’s Executive Council, which will govern its operations.The NRF is envisaged as a bridge builder among industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions. It aims to create a platform that facilitates the active participation and contributions from industries and State governments, alongside the scientific and ministerial lines. The emphasis will be on shaping a policy framework and establishing regulatory processes that can stimulate cooperation and amplify industrial expenditure on R&D.
The new bill will supersede the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which was formed under a Parliamentary Act in 2008, by assimilating it into the NRF. This assimilation broadens the mandate and scope of the NRF beyond the existing activities of SERB.
The NRF’s potential impact on the research community in India is significant. It not only promotes an ecosystem of innovative thinking and exploration but also bolsters the nation’s intellectual capital. By fostering partnerships among different stakeholders, it can catalyze transformative ideas and solutions that could propel India toward a prosperous and technologically advanced future.
