Cabinet has approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in Parliament to strengthen the research eco-system in the country

The National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 was approved on June 28, 2023 by the Union Cabinet, which is presided over by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. The approved Bill will pave the way for the establishment of NRF, which will launch, grow, and support research and development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India's universities, colleges, research institutes, and R&D labs. 

After the approval by the Parliament, the bill will establish the National Research Foundation (NRF), an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country in accordance with recommendations made by the National Education Policy (NEP), at an estimated total cost of US$ 6.1 billion (Rs. 50,000 crore) over a five-year period (2023-28).

The administrative department of the NRF will be the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals from various disciplines. The Prime Minister will serve as the ex-officio President of the Board and the Union Ministers of Science & Technology and Education will serve as the ex-officio Vice-Presidents due to the NRF's extensive reach, which affects all ministries. An Executive Council, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, will govern NRF's operations.

The NRF will forge collaborations between business, academia, government departments, and research institutions, and will create an interaction mechanism for the participations and contribution of industries and State governments. It will concentrate on developing a regulatory framework and setting up policies that can promote cooperation and greater industry R&D spending.

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which was founded by an act of Parliament in 2008, would also be abolished by the bill and absorbed into NRF, which has a broader scope and encompasses operations beyond those of SERB.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.