What in your opinion Has made of India an important Research Center?

What in your opinion

Has made of

India an important

Research Center?

Dierdre Pina

Science and technology have influenced the course of human civilization. Science has provided us remarkable insights into the world we live in. The scientific revolutions of the twentieth century have led to many technologies, which promise to declare new eras in many fields. As we stand today at the beginning of a new century, we have to ensure the fullest use of these developments for the well being of society.

Science and technology have been an integral part of Indian civilization and culture over the past 1000 years. Few individuals are aware that India was the source of important foundational scientific developments and approaches. This includes many great scientific discoveries and technological achievement in mathematics, astronomy, architecture, chemistry, metallurgy, medicine, natural philosophy and other areas. A great deal of these discoveries and approaches have traveled beyond India. India also assimilated scientific ideas and techniques from elsewhere, with open-mindedness and a rational attitude which is characteristic of a scientific culture. India’s traditions have been founded on the principles of universal harmony, respect for all creation and an integrated holistic approach. This background is likely to provide valuable insights for future scientific advances.

During the century prior to independence, there was an arousal of modern science in India through the efforts of a number of outstanding scientists. They were responsible for great scientific advances of the highest international degree. In the half century since Independence, India has been committed to the task of promoting the spread of science. The key role of technology as an important element of national development is well recognized. The Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 and the Technology Policy Statement of the 1983 enunciated the principles on which the growth of science and technology in India has been based on over the past several decades. These policies provide a vision and strategy that are applicable today, and will continue to inspire India in their endeavors.

With the encouragement and support that has been provided, there is today a sound infrastructural base for science and technology. This includes research laboratories, higher educational institutions and highly skilled human resources. India’s capabilities in science and technology cover a range of diverse disciplines, areas of competence, and of applications. India’s strength in basic research is recognized internationally. Successes in agriculture, healthcare, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nuclear energy, astronomy and astrophysics, space technology and applications, defense research, biotechnology, electronics, information technology and oceanography are widely recognized. Major national achievements include significant increases in food production, control of several diseases, and increased life expectancy of their citizens.

These developments have been highly satisfying. India is aware of the dramatic changes that have taken place, in the practice of science, in technology development, and their relationships with, and impact on, society. Particularly, the rapidness with which science and technology is moving ahead. Science calls for multi-institutions and in several cases, multi-country participation. Major experimental facilities, in several areas of basic research, require very large material, human and intellectual resources. Science and technology has become so intertwined that to be effective a policy needs to view them as one. The continuing change in the field of information and communication technology have had an impact on the manner and speed with which scientific information becomes available, and scientific interactions take place.

Science and technology have an unprecedented impact on economic growth and social development. This has led to increased restrictions on sharing of knowledge, to new norms of intellectual property rights, and to global trade and technology controlled regimes. Scientific and technological developments also have deep ethical, legal and social implications. The ongoing globalization and competitive environment have a significant impact on the product and services sectors of India. The nation continues to be firm in its resolve to support science and technology in all facets. India recognizes its central role in raising the quality of life of the ...

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Recognizing the changing context of the scientific enterprise, and to meet present national needs in the era of globalization, the Indian Government proclaimed the following objectives of its Science and Technology Policy: (see chart 1). It is recognized that these objectives will be best realized by a flexible Science and Technology Policy, which can readily adapt to the rapidly changing world order. The policy, reiterates India’s commitment to participate as an equal and willing global player in generating and utilizing advances in science and technology for the benefit of all humankind.

Today India has become one of the strongest in the world in terms of scientific manpower in capability and maturity. Hence, they are in a position not only to understand the technologies that they may have to borrow, but also to create their own technologies with extensive scientific inputs of native origin. India has come a long way since their independence, they have went from mere buyers of technology to that of a country that has made science and technology, to important contributors for national development and societal transformation. In a world where the powers are determined by their share of the world's knowledge, reflected by patents, papers and so on, the World Trade Organization starts to play a crucial role in the economic development of India. It is important for India to put all her acts together to become a continuous innovator and creator of science and technology products.

The number of scientists and technologists in India is large number but it is not commensurate with the requirements in quality when measured on a per capita basis. The demand is bound to increase in the coming years with more intensive activities involving science and technology. There is need to increase the rate of generating high quality skilled human resources at all levels. This process would naturally entail reversing the present flow of talent away from science, and initiating new and innovative schemes to attract and nurture young talent with an aptitude for research, and by providing assured career opportunities in academia, industry, Government or other sectors. Encouraging quality and productivity in science and technology, mobility of scientists and technologists between industry, academic institutions and research laboratories will be ensured.

For building up the human resource base in relevant areas, the agencies and departments concerned with science and technology will make available substantial funding from their allocation. Flexible mechanisms will be put in place in academic and research institutions to enable researchers to change fields and bring new inputs into traditional disciplines, and also to develop inter-disciplinary areas. India has placed emphasis on the continuing process of retraining to keep pace with the rapid advances taking place. Wherever considered necessary, training abroad will be resorted to, so as to build up a skilled base rapidly.

Women constitute almost half the population of the country. They have recently been provided significantly greater opportunities for higher education and skills that are needed to take up research and development as a career. To ensure their well being new procedures, and flexibility in rules and regulations, have been introduced to meet their special needs. New mechanisms have been instituted to facilitate the return of scientists and technologists of Indian origin to India, along with their networking, to contribute to Indian science and technology.

Schemes for continuing education and training of university and college teachers in contemporary research techniques and in emerging areas of science have been strengthened and new innovative programs started. The Government has also ensured that higher education is available to the widest possible section of creative students, transcending social and economic barriers. Educational policy and progress have been reviewed in the light of the goal of national development and priorities set from time to time. In its Resolution on the National Policy on Education in 1968, an emphasis on quality improvement and a planned, more equitable expansion of educational facilities and the need to focus on the education of girls was stressed. About a decade ago and a half later, the National Policy on Education (NPE-1986) was formulated which was further updated in 1992. The NPE 1986 provides for a comprehensive policy framework for the development of education up to the end of the century and a Plan of Action (POA) 1992, assigning specific responsibilities for organizing, implementing and financing its proposals India's commitment to the spread of knowledge and freedom of thought among its citizens is reflected in its Constitution (www.indiainbusiness.nic.in). (See enclosure 2).

India will be a more integrated with the global economy and will be a major player in terms of trade, technology and investment.

Policy Objectives

Recognizing the changing context of the scientific enterprise, and to meet present national needs in the new era of globalization, the Indian Government proclaims the following objects of its Science and Technology Policy.

The Directive Principle contained in Article 45 enjoins that “the State shall endeavor to provide within a period of ten years from the commencement of this constitution, for free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of fourteen years”. Article 29 (I) provides that any citizen having a distinct language, script, special care of the economic and educational interests of the underprivileged sections, particularly, the Schedule Castes and Scheduled tribes is laid down as an obligation of the state under article 46. Though education is the concurrent list of the constitution, the State Government plays a very major role in the development of education particularly in the primary and secondary education sectors. ()