11th Plan triples allocation for science and technology

Realising the need to invest heavily in innovation and technology to meet the goals set under Vision 2025, the Eleventh Five Year Plan...

Realising the need to invest heavily in innovation and technology to meet the goals set under Vision 2025, the Eleventh Five Year Plan 8212; endorsed by National Development Council 8212; has more than tripled the proposed allocation for scientific research and development initiatives to be undertaken by the concerned government departments.

In its draft 11th Five Year plan, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, an entire chapter has been dedicated to science and technology titled Innovation and Technology. The draft plan admits that: 8220;the scientific and technological output is not commensurate with the potential of the country because of low investments in science and technology8221;. The Eleventh Plan has projected an outlay of Rs 73,304 crores for the period 2007-2012 as against the Tenth Plan8217;s outlay of Rs 25,301 crores.

It envisages the formulation of a National Innovation Policy to encourage competition among enterprises, greater diffusion of knowledge and increased support to early stage technology development initiatives and grassroots level innovations. In addition, it also talks of putting in place a legislative framework for providing incentives to innovators.

Emphasising on the need to spruce up, the draft draws comparisons with other nations, stating: 8220;the comparative strength of India in knowledge sectors would be seriously disadvantaged in competition to other nations with similar or even smaller sizes of economy relative to India if adequate investments are not made in this domain.8221; Listing the research and development R038;D statistics 2004-05, it says the country invests a meagre 0.8 per cent of gross national produce in R038;D compared to more than 2 per cent by developed nations.

It proposes the establishment of Centres Of Relevance and Excellence CORE in academic and R038;D institutions in select areas that are relevant to industries. Other proposals include the Council for Advancement of People8217;s Action and Rural Technology CAPART to become an effective link between technology generation centres and various ministries for dissemination and propagation of technology packages through employment generation and capacity building schemes.

To provide a boost to biotech clusters, creation of such clusters would be considered. It also proposes a National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority to provide effective single window clearance mechanism for all biotechnology products.

A shot in the arm

8226; Eleventh Plan projected outlay of Rs 73,304 crores for science and technology

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8226; Formulation of a National Innovation Policy to encourage competition among enterprises

8226; Proposes establishment of industry relevant Centres Of Relevance and Excellence in academic and R038;D institutions

8226; Creation of biotech clusters in Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Orissa, Punjab and West Bengal

8226; Proposal for a National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority for single window clearance for all biotechnology products