The approval of the National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 is a crucial step towards enhancing India’s research environment.

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Introduction

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in Parliament. This key step intends to establish the NRF, an apex organisation that will play a crucial role in encouraging a culture of research and innovation across Indian universities, colleges, research institutes, and R&D laboratories.

Key Highlights:

1. Establishment of NRF: The National Research Foundation will be created after Parliament approves the NRF Bill. This top body will give the nation’s scientific research high-level strategic direction in line with the National Education Policy’s (NEP) guidelines.
2. Administrative Department and Governing Board: The administrative division for NRF will be the Department of Science and Technology (DST). A prestigious Governing Board made up of illustrious academics and industry leaders from many fields will oversee the foundation.
3. Collaboration and Participation: NRF will facilitate collaborations between government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and other organizations. The foundation will concentrate on developing a legislative and regulatory environment to encourage cooperation and increase business R&D investment.
4. Repeal of Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB): The NRF Bill, while broadening its mandate, will also incorporate the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established in 2008 through a parliamentary act, leading to the repeal of SERB.

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