Lok Sabha Question No. 947 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Promotion of Research Culture
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Tharaniventhan M S, Smt. Kriti Devi Debbarman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 947

ANSWERED ON 10/02/2025

## Promotion of Research Culture

947. Shri Tharaniventhan M S: Smt. Kriti Devi Debbarman:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is proposing to promote research culture across the country;
- (b) if  so,  the  specific  measures  being  planned  to  support  research  innovation  in universities,research institutions and among young researchers;

(c) the details of funds estimated for such research culture; and

- (d)  the  details  on  the  expected  timeline  for  the  scheme's  implementation,  the  targeted beneficiaries and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure its success in promoting a sustainable research ecosystem?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

- (a)  to  (d):  The  National  Education  Policy,  2020  envisions  outstanding  research  as  a corequisite  for  outstanding  education  and  development.  Accordingly,  several  initiatives have been undertaken for the promotion of Research Culture in the country.

The Ministry  of  Education's  Innovation  Cell  promotes  technological  innovation  for social good across educational institutions. By fostering an environment that encourages creativity  and  entrepreneurship,  the  Cell  facilitates  the  development  of  sustainable commercial  models.  Through  initiatives  such  as  the  Smart  India  Hackathon  (SIH), Institution's  Innovation  Councils  (IIC),  KAPILA  (Kalam  Program  for  IP  Literacy  and Awareness), Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp and AICTE MoE Investor  Network,  it  strives  to  integrate  innovation  into  the  core  of  Higher  Educational Institutions (HEIs). The Innovation Cell collaborates with various Ministries and Government departments, ensuring that these innovations contribute to societal progress while also addressing real-world challenges.

Twenty three Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have been set up in the country which  are  premier  institutions  recognized  globally  for  excellence  in  technical  education, research,  and  innovation.  The  Budget  2025-26  further  envisions  creation  of  additional infrastructure  in  the  five  IITs  started  after  2014  to  facilitate  education  for  6,500  more students.

Further, i n pursuance to Para 60 of the Budget Announcement 2023-24 regarding "Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence', the Government has approved establishment of three Centres of Excellence (CoE) in Artificial Intelligence (AI); one each in the areas of health, sustainable cities and agriculture; with a total financial outlay of Rs. 990.00 Cr over the period of FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28.The fourth Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education has also been announced in Budget 2025-26.

Seven Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) also carry out research  in  frontier  areas  of science  to provide  quality  science  education  at  the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru is a premier Institute of higher learning and research.

The  Prime  Minister's  Research  Fellowship  (PMRF)  scheme,  announced  in  the Budget 2018-19, has been designed for improving the quality of research in various higher educational institutions in the country. By providing financial support, recognition, and an enriching  research  environment,  the  scheme  seeks  to  foster  innovation,  encourage interdisciplinary  research,  and  enhance  the  quality  of  Ph.D.  programs. As  of  now  3688 research  scholars  have  been  admitted  under  PMRF  scheme  in  various  PMRF  granting institutions  in  the  country.  Rs.  1067  cr.  has  been  released  under  the  scheme  till 31.01.2025.

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) nurtures the social science research  ecosystem  in  India  by  funding  research  of  the  faculties/scholars  working  in universities, research institutes, institutes of national importance and colleges. ICSSR has several programmes and schemes to support young researchers and research culture and innovation  in  universities  and  research  institutions  which  inter-alia  includeResearch Fellowships (Doctoral, Post-Doctoral and Senior), Research Programmes (Interdisciplinary/ multidisciplinary/ Inter-institutional), Research Projects and International Collaboration for activities like joint research projects, seminars/ workshops, publications etc.During  2024,  the  ICSSR  awarded  483  Doctoral  and  273  Post-Doctoral  Fellowships and33  Senior  Fellowships.  Further,  through  its  flagship  Major  and  Minor  Research Projects, ICSSR provides scholars with opportunities to conduct research that contributes to real-world policy and societal challenges. 250 Major Research Projects and 250 Minor Research Projects have been allocated for the financial year 2024-25.

The University Grants Commission (UGC)has developed 'Guidelines for establishment  of  Research  &  Development  Cells  in  Higher  Education  Institutions'  for setting up a robust mechanism for developing and strengthening the research ecosystem within the HEIs.So far, 1716 HEIs have established Research & Development Cells, as per the  UGC  guidelines.  The  UGC  is  also  implementing  the  UGC  NET-  Junior  Research Fellowship  scheme  to  provide  an  opportunity  to  the  scholars  to  undertake  advanced studies and research. During 2023-24 funds amounting to Rs.1640.84 crores have been disbursed by UGC under this scheme to 36050 beneficiaries.

The Council of Scientific and  Industrial  Research  (CSIR) also addresses national needs through it's innovative research, strong fundamental science, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship,  translation  research,  capacity  building,  and  policy  making.  Under  the Capacity  Building,  CSIR  has  implemented  various  sub-programmes  like  Doctoral  and Postdoctoral Fellowships, Extramural Research Scheme and Emeritus Scientist Scheme.

For strengthening the research ecosystem across India, the Department of Science and  Technology  is  also  implementing  the  Fund  for  Improvement  of  S&T  Infrastructure (FIST)  programme  and  the  Promotion  of  University  Research  and  Scientific  Excellence (PURSE) scheme.

Further,  the  'Anusandhan  National  Research  Foundation  Act,  2023'  has  been notified to establish the Anusandhan National Research Foundation to provide high-level strategic  direction  for  research,  innovation  and  entrepreneurship  in  the  fields  of  natural sciences including mathematical sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture. It also seeks to promote scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences. Total estimated cost of Anusandhan National Research Foundation for five years is Rs. 50,000 crores.

*****