The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023
π Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023
π· 1. Background and Objective
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023 was enacted by the Indian Parliament with the goal of establishing a centralized and autonomous institution to fund, promote, and coordinate research and innovation across all disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, arts, and humanities.
π― Key Objectives:
Create a robust research ecosystem in India.
Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Increase private sector investment in R&D.
Promote inclusive and accessible research funding.
Act as a central body to streamline existing research funding mechanisms.
π· 2. What is the Anusandhan NRF?
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) is a statutory body created under this Act to:
Serve as an apex body for funding and guiding research.
Provide strategic direction to Indiaβs research efforts.
Replace and subsume existing bodies, such as the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
π· 3. Salient Features of the Act
ποΈ A. Establishment of the Foundation (Section 3β5)
The Anusandhan NRF is established as a body corporate with perpetual succession.
It has the power to acquire, hold, and dispose of property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued.
π₯ B. Governing Structure (Section 6β10)
The Foundation is governed by a multi-tiered structure:
1. Governing Board
Chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
Members include:
Union Ministers (Science & Technology, Education, Health, etc.)
Eminent scientists, researchers, and industry experts.
Representatives from academia and private sector.
2. Executive Council
Responsible for day-to-day operations and implementing decisions of the Governing Board.
3. Scientific and Research Advisory Committees
Provide expert guidance on different disciplines and sectors.
πΌ C. Functions and Powers (Section 11β15)
The Foundation shall:
Fund research projects across all academic disciplines.
Coordinate research activities among ministries, universities, and institutions.
Encourage collaborations between academia and industry.
Support innovation, translational research, and entrepreneurship.
Promote research in underserved and emerging areas.
Facilitate international collaboration.
Provide fellowships, awards, and research grants.
π· 4. Funding Mechanism (Section 16β18)
Funding will come from:
Government grants
Private sector contributions
Philanthropic donations
The NRF is expected to mobilize significant private investment into R&D.
All funds are maintained in a Consolidated Fund or designated research fund.
π· 5. Autonomy and Accountability (Section 19β22)
The NRF is given operational autonomy, but is subject to:
CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) audit.
Annual reports and financial statements to be tabled in Parliament.
Periodic review by expert committees.
π· 6. Repeal and Merger of SERB (Section 23)
The Act repeals the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008.
The SERB is merged into the NRF.
All assets, liabilities, and staff of SERB are transferred to the NRF.
π· 7. Legal and Administrative Powers
The NRF can:
Enter into MoUs and partnerships with universities, research institutions, and companies.
Take action against misuse of funds or breach of conditions.
Monitor and evaluate funded projects.
Recommend policy measures to the Government.
βοΈ 8. Case Law and Legal Principles (Relevant Judicial Precedents)
While there is no direct case law yet on the Anusandhan NRF Act, 2023 (as it is new), several legal principles from related contexts apply:
π§ββοΈ A. Autonomy of Research Institutions
In T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka (2002), the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of academic and institutional autonomy.
This principle supports the independent functioning of NRF, free from political or bureaucratic interference.
π§ββοΈ B. Public Accountability of Statutory Bodies
In Common Cause v. Union of India (1999), the Court held that all public authorities must function transparently and are subject to judicial review.
NRF, as a statutory body, must ensure transparency, fairness, and financial discipline.
π§ββοΈ C. Allocation of Research Funds
In Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India, the Court has often stated that public funds must be allocated fairly and non-arbitrarily.
This ensures that NRF funding decisions are not discriminatory or politically motivated.
π§ββοΈ D. Equal Access to Research Opportunities
Under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, equal treatment and right to education/research are recognized.
NRF must follow inclusive and equitable practices in funding and project selection.
π· 9. Impact and Significance
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Research Ecosystem | Streamlines and integrates fragmented research efforts. |
| Private Sector | Encourages CSR and R&D investments. |
| Academia | Provides cross-disciplinary and larger research grants. |
| Policy | Provides data and recommendations to guide national science policy. |
| Global Positioning | Aims to make India a global hub for innovation and research. |
π 10. Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Enacted | 2023 |
| Replaces | Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008 |
| Governing Body | Chaired by Prime Minister |
| Scope | All disciplines: science, tech, humanities, social sciences |
| Funding | Govt + Private sector + Donations |
| Key Functions | Fund research, promote innovation, advise government |
| Oversight | CAG audit, reports to Parliament |
π Conclusion
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023 is a transformative legislative step aimed at revolutionizing Indiaβs research landscape. By consolidating research efforts, promoting collaboration, and enabling increased funding, it seeks to position India as a global leader in knowledge and innovation. Its success will depend on how effectively it ensures inclusivity, autonomy, transparency, and academic freedom in practice.
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