Telecom Secretary K Rajaraman today said that the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023, will bring transformative change in the field of research and development in the country.

Addressing a National workshop on enhancing Indian Participation in Telecom Global Standard Bodies in New Delhi, Mr. Rajaraman said the nearly 50,000 crore rupees will be spent on the various initiatives of the government in the field of research and development.

The Secretary added that it will increase the size and quality of the research work in the country. He said that there is a need to work upon other funding bodies to create more funds for quality research work. Last month the Union Cabinet approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the Parliament. The approved Bill will pave the way to promote Research and Development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories. The Secretary also called upon the industry people and officials of various agencies to work in a collaborative manner to create synergy the research activities.

Talking about the role of Technology in economic activities, he said that India cannot move forward unless it becomes the producer of technology. He added that as a passive consumer of technology India will not achieve the rate of growth that had been targeted. Talking about the 6G technology, Mr Rajaraman that the government is working to achieve 10 percent share in global 6G patents by 2030. He added that it can only be achieved if all the bodies start working in a collaborative manner.