The introduction of the National Research Fund Bill has been given the green light by the Union Cabinet in Parliament. This has again brought a focus on funding for science and technology. The special explainer talks about the National Research Foundation (NRF).
What is the National Research Foundation (NRF)?
The National Research Foundation intends to serve as a coordinating agency between researchers, industry, and multiple government agencies to bring the industry into the research mainstream. The establishment of the National Research Foundation is one of the most important recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020. The National Research Foundation (NRF) not only provides research grants to individuals but also intends to facilitate and strengthen research at universities in the country, especially in public universities, by funding researchers and infrastructure.
Funding The National Research Foundation will operate with a total budget of Rs. 50,000 crore over a period of five years. Of this amount, a total of 28 percent, which is Rs. 14,000 crore will be the government’s share. The remaining 72 percent, which is Rs. 36,000 crore will come from the private sector. The National Research Foundation proposes that the government’s share be increased to Rs. 20,000 crore per year. Out of the government share, Rs. 4,000 crore will be utilized from the existing budget of the Scientific and Technical Research Board, which will in effect be subsumed under the National Research Fund. Hence, the government earmarked an additional Rs 10,000 crore for NRF over the next five years.
NRF and ease of research
The National Research Foundation will create favorable conditions for research. First, the time between applying for research funding and receiving funding will be short. NRF, in its draft, has shortened the time of the peer review process, i.e. to just 6 months. However, releasing capital may still take time.
Second, ensure that all paperwork is handled digitally without having to send reams of paper in hard copy to the National Research Foundation. Third, all paperwork, financing inquiries, and approvals must be between the National Research Foundation and the research organization. This will keep the scientist out of trouble, allowing him to focus on his research better. Finally, timely release of funds will make research easier.
: What is “Lisa”, India’s first regional AI news anchor?
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn