- The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), a high-level body aimed at directing scientific research in India, has no representation from the Indian industry, as per the Ministry of Science and Technology’s recently published list of members.
- State universities, expected to be major beneficiaries, are also not represented.
- Only two universities are represented: the Indian Institute of Science and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
- The 15-member Governing Board includes only one industrialist.
- Other members include the Ministers of Science and Education, and the Secretaries of departments under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
- It aimed to boost research with ₹36,000 crore (70% of its ₹50,000 crore five-year outlay) from non-government sources, including industry and philanthropists.
- The ANRF replaces the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established in 2008, and proposes a broader definition of research, encompassing science, engineering, IT, liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities. The Board includes the chair of the Indian Council of Historical Research.
The ANRF Act, 2023
- ANRF aims to seed, grow and promote research and development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
- ANRF will act as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research as per National Education Policy (NEP).
- The Act empowers the Prime Minister to nominate up to five members from business or industry to the 15-member Governing Board.
- Principal Scientific Adviser to the Union government, serves as the Member Secretary.
Dig Deeper: Read about the VAJRA faculty scheme.
