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ANRF Plan Got Off on Wrong Foot
Context: Composition of governing board and executive council of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) suggests a trajectory towards resembling a typical governmental department.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
- Establishment: It was established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) 2023 Act.
- Aim: T0 seed, grow, and promote research and development (R&D)
- Foster a culture of research and innovation across India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
- Function: Serve as apex body providing high-level strategic direction for scientific research, in line with recommendations of National Education Policy (NEP).
- Integration with SERB: The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established in 2008 was subsumed into ANRF.
Lack of Industry Representation
- ANRF’s governing board and executive council lack members from central and state universities/colleges it aims to support.
- The board and council are predominantly composed of government officials and academics, with minimal industry representation.
- Despite aiming for 70% funding from non-government and industry sources, its current composition doesn’t align with this objective.
- Board and council require members with hands-on knowledge of university systems to tackle existing bottlenecks, not just advisory roles.
R&D Underfunding
- India significantly underfunds research and development, with the need to increase the R&D budget to 4% of GDP.
- To boost research and make Indian innovation globally competitive, ANRF must:
- Be adequately staffed and implement robust grant management system
- Have an internal peer-review system with incentives for reviewers
- Ensure timely disbursal of research grants and fellowships
- Be Free from bureaucratic hurdles at all levels
- Provide flexible spending without stringent government financial rules
Needed Overhaul
- Diverse Representation: ANRF needs more natural and social scientists, especially women and young entrepreneurs.
- Future CEO Criteria: Essential for the CEO to blend industry and academia experience, adept at fundraising and global innovation.
- Overhaul: ANRF must avoid typical government department pitfalls, focusing on bridging research and teaching in Indian universities effectively.