India’s National Research Funding Crisis: Will the NRF Bill Bridge the Gap?
India has long been grappling with a funding crisis in the field of research, with limited funds available to higher educational institutions. Inadequate funding has resulted in curtailed research work and a lack of opportunities for faculty members. The country’s investment in research and innovation (R&I) as a percentage of GDP has steadily declined over the years, reaching an alarming low of less than 0.7 percent, the lowest in the world. This is significantly lower than the global average of 1.8 percent and even lower than the investment made by countries like the US, China, Israel, and South Africa.
The lack of funding in research and innovation has led to several challenges in India’s academic landscape. The number of researchers per lakh of population is significantly low compared to other countries, and there is a notable disparity in the number of patent applications and papers published by Indian scientists in peer-reviewed journals. While established institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) receive a significant share of the research funding, state-run universities, which constitute a substantial number, receive only a fraction of the budget.
In an attempt to bridge this funding gap and boost research and innovation in the country, the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill was introduced in 2023. However, the big question remains unanswered – how much funding will be made available in the coming years? The Ministry of Human Resource Development has been pushing for an increase in the intake capacity of higher education institutions, while the Ministry of Finance has imposed a ban on the creation of new teaching posts. This has resulted in a financial crunch at the university level, affecting infrastructure and learning outcomes for students.
The NRF Bill has been hailed as a landmark decision, but concerns have been raised about the reliance on private funding. The government has announced that over 70 percent of the funding envisioned under the NRF will come from the private sector. However, skeptics argue that the corporate sector is unlikely to invest in research unless it directly benefits their business interests. This raises questions about the sustainability of private funding and its impact on basic research.
To address this issue, there is a need to strengthen the academia-industry connection and encourage industry participation in research. Collaboration with the private sector can help universities and academic institutions generate the necessary funds. Private universities and prestigious institutes like the IITs have already embraced this approach, contributing to research and innovation in various fields.
While private funding can supplement research funding, the government’s role in providing adequate support for basic research and infrastructure related to research and development (R&D) cannot be undermined. It is crucial to strike a balance between public and private funding to ensure the sustainability and diversity of research endeavors.
Additionally, state universities and academic bodies must explore alternative funding sources such as donations and alumni contributions. Philanthropy can play a significant role in supporting research if policies like inheritance tax, which encourage wealth donation, are introduced. However, it may not be easy for state universities to attract funds through donations, especially when compared to their private counterparts.
The NRF should serve as a catalyst for research by allocating funds to state universities that possess the potential and expertise to contribute to research and innovation. A committee of experts should be formed to identify these universities and their areas of specialization. It is crucial to tap into unexplored areas of research across various disciplines, including applied sciences, environmental sciences, and social sciences. This will not only enable India to catch up with other countries but also position it as a global leader in research and innovation.
In conclusion, India’s national research funding crisis requires urgent attention and remedial action. The NRF Bill holds the promise of bridging the funding gap, but the real question lies in how much funding will be made available. Balancing public and private funding, fostering academia-industry collaboration, and exploring alternative funding sources will contribute to the growth of research and innovation in the country. It is essential to prioritize investment in research and develop a functional research ecosystem to propel India forward on the global stage.
