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DST Funding Model for State S&T Councils
Context:
NITI Aayog has recommended that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) replace core grant support with project-based funding for State Science & Technology Councils, citing limited state-level R&D output and growing dependence on Central institutions.
Background on State S&T Councils:
- Established since the 1970s, these Councils were created to decentralise science governance and align R&D with region-specific socio-economic needs.
- They support research projects, science outreach, patent filings, and S&T policy implementation at the state level.
Key Findings of the NITI Aayog Report:
- Recommends replacing core grants with project-based funding from DST.
- Notes disproportionate contribution to national R&D by Central institutions versus State institutions.
- Reveals that central funding forms a minuscule share of State Councils’ budgets: e.g., Gujarat (?1.07 crore of ?300 crore), Kerala (zero central contribution).
Budget Insights:
- Despite the structural issues, the Councils saw a 17.65% increase in their budgets between FY 2023–24 and 2024–25.
- The report raises concerns over regional disparities in S&T development across states.
Policy Shift Implication:
- Transitioning to project-based support may enhance accountability, output-driven funding, and alignment with national priorities.
- However, it may weaken the financial autonomy of weaker States and widen the existing regional R&D imbalance unless carefully structured.
Related Institutional Frameworks:
- DST operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology and is responsible for coordinating science funding and policy at both national and sub-national levels.
- NITI Aayog, as the apex public policy think tank, periodically evaluates the effectiveness of intergovernmental funding structures.
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