NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Sci & Tech)

Context: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) signifies priority and commitment to research and innovation at the highest level in the government, said Secretary of Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology at a titled Changing Landscape of Research Funding in India: Anusandhan National Research Foundation: India’s vision to Achieve Global Leadership on 25th August 2023. 

• The talk was hosted by the National Centre for Biological Sciences.
• The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 was passed recently by the Parliament that provides for establishing the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF).

Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023

• About: The Bill repeals the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008 and dissolves the Science and Engineering Research Board set up under it. 
• Objectives &  Functions: ANRF will be an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).
• Funds: It seeks to set up a Rs 50,000-crore fund, with a sizeable contribution from the private sector, to "seed, grow and 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. It seeks to set up different funds:
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund: For the financing of activities under the Act.
• Innovation Fund: For supporting outstanding creativity in the areas supported by the foundation
• Science and Engineering Research Fund: For the continuation of the projects and programmes initiated under the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008.
• One or more special-purpose funds for any specific project or research.
• Composition: NRF will have a Governing Board headed by the Prime Minister of India.  
• Other members of the Board are: the Union Ministers of Science and Technology, Education as Vice Presidents,  the Principal Scientific Advisor as Member Secretary, and Secretaries to the Departments of Science and Technology, Biotechnology, and Scientific and Industrial Research.
• The President of the Board may appoint or nominate additional members to the Board.