Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has called for more and more Private Research Foundations to be assimilated with Government Scientific Departments for technology-led development in India. Delivering the keynote address at a workshop on Capacity Building for Science and Technology in New Delhi yesterday, Dr Singh called for equitable funding of scientific research and bringing in greater private participation. He said that Anusandhan National Research Foundation ANRF Bill passed by Parliament last week, aims at equitable funding and democratisation of resources in research and academics. 

The Minister emphasised that the ANRF Bill envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will catapult India to the League of developed nations pioneering new research in new frontiers. He said, ANRF Bill will have to nudge companies to invest in Research and Development. He added that the Government is planning a unique Public Private Partnership entity for which 36 thousand crore rupees of the research funding is to come from the private sector whereas the Government will put 14 thousand crore rupees for the same, to ensure greater participation of industry. Dr Singh said, scientists should adopt a team-driven approach to problem-solving and product development rather than an individual approach to research.