New board for funding research projects

New board for funding research projectsThe government has set up National Science and Engineering Research Board which will provide funds for research projects to the scientific bodies in the country and thus save them all the trouble of dealing with the bureaucratic procedures.

The board was approved almost two years ago and it is expected to start work this month. The concept is the same as National Science Foundation of US which enjoys freedom from the government and its decision making is not dependent on the other departments.

Scientists are optimistic about the proposed level autonomy given to the board. The board is completely separate from Department of Science and Technology (DST). The government has been increasing scientific funding from some time now. The allocation for the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Biotechnology has increased more than 100% in the last five year period.

The total budget allocation for the two departments were at 1449 crore in the 2005-2006 which rose to 3225 crore in the budget for 2010-2011. Experts believe that there is adequate funding available in the country however the distribution mechanism and agencies are inadequate.

The Board will begin with an initial allotment of 1000 crore meant for funding of basic research projects. It will increase the funding which was until now done by the Science and Engineering Research Council under the Department of Science and Technology.

The Secretary of DST will chair the board in which other members will be brawn from the scientific community and various departments of Ministry of Science and Technology.

The government will also appoint an Oversight Committee comprising of 4 to 5 members who all will be scientists.

The members are expected to be notifies within 10 to 15 days. The concept of an independent funding agency has been considered since more than a decade ago. The parliament approval was received in December 2008 and the board was expected to begin operations last year.

The formation of the board was delayed to prolonged notification process and some issues relating to the laws. The board although independent from the DST will be answerable to the central government.