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The ANRF plan has got off on the wrong foot
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Context
The ANRF Bill, passed in 2023, aims to boost research in India's universities and colleges. However, the recently announced Governing Board and Executive Council lack crucial representation, raising concerns about its effectiveness.
Composition and Representation Issues:
- Lack of University Representation: Despite 95% of students attending State universities and colleges, the board and council lack members from Central or State universities.
- Limited Industry Presence: Only one industry representative, an Indian-American businessman, is included, despite plans to raise 70% of funding from non-government sources.
- Inadequate Diversity: The committee has only one woman representative and lacks representation from Indian industry, entrepreneurs, and eminent academics from Central and State universities.
Structural Challenges and Required Reforms:
- R&D Underfunding: India needs to increase its R&D budget to 4% of GDP and overhaul the current funding system.
- Operational Improvements: The ANRF must implement a robust grant management system, standardized peer-review process, and ensure timely disbursal of funds.
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: The foundation needs to be free from stringent government financial rules and allow flexible spending without the Government e-marketplace (GeM) portal constraints.
Recommendations for Effective Implementation:
- Diverse Representation: Include practicing natural and social scientists from universities, more women, and young entrepreneurs in the committee.
- Leadership Criteria: The future CEO should have backgrounds in both industry and academia, capable of fundraising and understanding the global innovation ecosystem.
- Structural Overhaul: The ANRF must function differently from current government science departments to bridge research and teaching in universities effectively.
UPSC Mains Questions:
Q. Discuss the challenges faced by the research ecosystem in India. How can the ANRF address these issues and foster a culture of innovation in universities and colleges?
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