Budget focus
The new Budget emphasizes research in critical areas like agriculture and clean energy.
The CSIR's budget increased by 10% to ₹6,323.41 crore for 2024-25.
The removal of the angel tax is expected to boost private capital inflow for biotech start-ups.
The Budget supports agricultural research, including speed breeding platforms and climate-resilient crops.
The Budget aims to improve clean energy generation and infrastructure with specific allocations.
The Budget supports clean energy through tax reductions on raw materials and increased PLI scheme funding for pharmaceuticals.
Emphasis on creating employment opportunities and internships to encourage science careers
New initiatives like the i3C BRIC-RCB PhD program aim to enhance cross-disciplinary skills and innovation.
There is a push to commercialize technologies from research labs with more private sector involvement.
Some scientists, like Subhash Lakhotia, argue that the actual increase in funding may be nominal and offset by inflation.
There is skepticism about the operationalization and impact of the ₹1 lakh crore Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Concerns
Funding distribution is skewed, with a significant portion going to IITs and limited funds for state-run institutions
Some experts feel that the budget allocations are not significantly higher compared to previous years.
Concerns about the focus on prototype development over basic research in the ANRF.
The private sector’s interest in investing in basic research has been limited, leading to calls for higher government funding.
The ₹1,000 crore allocated for a venture capital fund for space technology is seen as inadequate due to high capital requirements
Questions arise about whether the actual funds will match the allocated amounts and how effectively they will be used.
The requirement for quarterly reports and zero budgeting may create additional burdens for researchers.
Scientists are calling for more substantial government funding to support basic research.
Suggestions
Scientists are calling for more substantial government funding to support basic research.
There is a need for continuous evaluation of funding and policy to ensure support for both basic and applied research
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