Parliament of India Rajya Sabha

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

ONE HUNDRED-FIFTY FIFTH REPORT

ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS (2006-2007) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) (DEMAND NO. 81)

(PRESENTED TO THE RAJYA SABHA ON THE 18TH MAY, 2006) (LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA ON THE 18TH MAY, 2006)

RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI MAY, 2006/VAISAKHA, 1928 (SAKA) E-Mail : [email protected] Web site: http://rajyasabha.nic.in ______C O N T E N T S

1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE 2. INTRODUCTION 3. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE

4. SUMMARY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS 5. MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE ______COMPOSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (YEAR 2004)

1. Shri P.G. Narayanan –– Chairman

RAJYA SABHA

2. Dr.Prabha Thakur 3. Shri Dilip Singh Judev 4. Shri Nand Kishore Yadav 5. Shri Ravula Chandra Sekar Reddy #6. Shri Suryakantbhai Acharya $7. Vacant &8. Vacant *9. Vacant §10. Vacant

LOK SABHA

11. Shri Sukhbir Singh Badal 12. Shri Jasubhai Dhanabhai Barad 13. Dr. Sujan Chakraborty 14. Shri Pankaj Choudhary 15. Shri Mohan S. Delkar 16. Shri Francis Fanthome 17. Shri Anantrao Gudhe 18. Shri Babubhai K. Katara 19. Shri A. Venkatesh Naik 20. Shri Brahmananda Panda 21. Smt. Neeta Pateriya 22. Shri Adhalrao Shivaji Patil 23. Shri Bachi Singh ‘Bachda’ Rawat 24. Shri K.C. Singh “Baba” 25. Shri Rakesh Singh 26. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh 27. Dr. Ramlakhan Singh 28. Smt. Jayaben B. Thakkar 29. Shri D. Venugopal 30. Shri Sita Ram Yadav 31. Shri Aruna Kumar Vundavalli ______INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests, having been authorised by the Committee to present the Report on its behalf, present this One Hundred-Fifty Fifth Report of the Committee. This Report deals with the detailed Demands for Grants (2006-2007) of the Department of Science & Technology (Demand No.81).

2. In the meeting of the Committee held on the 7th April, 2006 the Secretary and other Officers of the Department of Science & Technology gave an overview of the various activities of the Department and the Members sought clarifications on various aspects of the performance of the Department to enable it to scrutinise the Demands for Grants.

3. The Committee expresses its thanks to the Officers of the Department for replying to the clarifications sought by the Members and placing before it the required material to enable the Committee to scrutinise the Demands for Grants of the Department of Science & Technology.

4. The Committee considered and adopted the Report at its meeting held on the 15th May, 2006.

NEW DELHI; P.G.NARAYANAN, May 15, 2006 Chairman, Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests. ______REPORT

Since time immemorial human civilization has progressed on twin wheels of Science and Technology and Trade. Right from the days of stone tools to the modern days of robotic assembly lines, societies which were technologically ahead not only gave better material conditions to it’s members but also heavily impacted on the value systems of the society, encouraging values like rationalism which, in-turn, paved way for further progress. History is witness to the fact that science has fundamentally changed human civilizations. Whether it was the stone age or the modern age of bio-technology and space exploration, man has been continually metamorphosing his immediate environment to suit his needs of the day. Science cannot be denied the credit for solving many of the human problems, if not all. 2. In ancient time India had strong tradition of scientific enquiry and rational analysis. The world owes the zero and the decimal systems to India. After independence we have been trying to catch up with lot of progress and achievements. It is for this reason that various departments under the Ministry of Science and Technology were inaugurated so that India could rise to the challenges of modern civilization which are predominantly technological in nature. 3. The Department of Science & Technology (DST) was established in May, 1971 with the primary objective of promoting new areas of Science and Technology and to play the role of a nodal Department for organising, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country. The mandate given to DST include, among others: Formulation of policy statements and guidelines on S&T Promotion of new areas of scientific research Co-ordination of inter-Departmental S&T efforts Support basic and applied research in universities and other institutions International S&T Co-operation Support high quality research in autonomous bodies where specialization ranges from advanced medical research materials to astronomy. Catalyzing S&T interaction in societal programmes, and entrepreneurship development Science popularisation, communication and S&T Management Information System Promotion of Commercialisation of home grown technology Support to technology development programmes, technology information and assessment Surveying & Mapping (Survey of India and National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation) Meteorology (IMD) Technology Development and Application 4. In consonance with its philosophy of fostering and promoting science and technology, the Government of India has assumed major responsibility of supporting S&T activities in the country. Over the years, the investments in S&T sector have stepped up significantly. From an allocation of Rs. 349 crores in the Seventh Plan to the Department of Science and Technology, the investments have gone up to Rs. 1192 crores in Eight Plan and Rs. 1497 crores in the Ninth Plan. A provision for Rs. 3400 crores has been made in the Tenth Plan. Recent initiatives taken by the Department include: * Mission mode programme on seismology. * National Mission on Bamboo Applications. * Major programme on drugs and pharmaceutical research & development. * Nano Science & Technology Initiatives (NSTI) * Setting -up of Instrument Development Board. * Strengthening National Innovation Foundation to promote grass root level invention * Women Scientists Scholarship Scheme. * Swarnajayanti Fellowships for outstanding young scientists * Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) in universities and related institutions * Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana. * Technopreneur Promotion Program (TePP). * Institution and announcement of India Science Award 2004. * Establishing high performance computing network facilities for research purposes * Executing Joint Technology Development projects with industry and socio-economic Ministries * Modernizing autonomous research institutions * Setting up of a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration (NABL) * Setting up a Patent Facilitating Cell to provide support to scientists and technologists on all aspects of patenting. * Creation of Technology Business Incubators. BUDGETARY ALLOCATION 5. The Budgetary Estimates of the Department of Science & Technology for the year 2006- 2007 are placed at Rs.1746.00 crores (Plan Rs.1340.00 crores and Non-Plan Rs.406.00 crores) compared to last year’s B.E. and R.E. were Rs.1636.00 crores and Rs.1446.00 crores respectively. The Committee has been informed that the reason for reducing the allocation at RE stage is the non approval of EFC in the case of National Mission on Nano Science and Nano Technology which resulted in a reduction of Rs.200.00 crores. Further, the CCEA decision to dissolve the Pharmaceutical Research and Development Support Fund (PRDSF) was obtained only in January, 2006. As a result, the allocation of Rs.150 crores made available in BE for this purpose could not be fully utilized resulting in a reduction of Rs.44.50 crores. No new programmes have been introduced in 2006-07. However, the rise in allocation is from Rs.1240.00 crores (Plan) in 2005- 06 to Rs.1340.00 crores (Plan) in 2006-07, which represents an increase of 8.06%, is a normal growth to cater to increased level of activities within existing programmes. 6. The Committee has been further informed that the percentage increase in total allocations, both Plan and Non-Plan in BE 2006-07 as compared to B.E. 2005-06, is 6.7% i.e. from Rs.1636.00 crores to Rs.1746.00 crores. The comparing increase in Plan allocation is from Rs.1240.00 crores to Rs.1340.00 crores, which represents an increase of 8.06%. 7. On being asked about the projected demand of the Department of Science and Technology for B.E. 2006-07 and whether the allocated funds were sufficient for carrying out the activities of the Department, the Committee has been apprised that the projected demand for the Department of Science and Technology for BE 2006-07 was Rs. 1437.00 crores (Plan) but the allocated funds were sufficient as the shortfall of Rs. 97.50 crores can be absorbed by suitable planning of activities and expenditure. 8. When asked about the head-wise quarterly expenditure as well as total expenditure of the Department for 2005-06 along with the reasons for non-uniform pace of expenditure, the Department furnished the Grant wise/Major head-wise expenditure, which are as under:- ( in % ) Major Head June 2005 Sept.05 Dec.05 Total upto Dec. 05 3425 15.55 27.65 13.28 56.49 3451 29.83 24.57 24.20 78.59 3455 24.56 21.22 23.28 69.05 5425 03.48 14.94 46.32 64.74 7425 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 5455 00.79 00.38 06.14 07.32

9. The Committee was informed that under the Major Head 3425, expenditure up to December, 2005 was 56.49% as against the required level of 67%. The shortfall was on account of non approval of EFC in the case of national Mission on Nano Science and Nano Technology and the late approval for dissolution of the Pharmaceuticals Research and Development Support Fund (PRDSF). Expenditure under Revenue Major Heads 3451, 3455 and 5425 had reached the required level of 67% upto December, 2005. Expenditure under Major Head 5455 meant for Capital Expenditure by IMD has been only 7.30% upto December, 2005. However, this does not include expenditure booked by other Accounts Offices on behalf of IMD. The expenditure under this Major Head has been unsatisfactory as finalizing technical specification for the equipment; technical evaluation and placement of orders following prescribed procedures did not materialize to the extent desired due to complexities involved. 10. The Committee has considered the reasons given by the Department for maintaining uniform pace of expenditure throughout the year. It does not, however, feel satisfied and convinced by them. The Committee would like that the Department may evolve suitable mechanism so that the expenditure should not reach the desired level at the close of the financial year but it should be uniform, to the extent possible, throughout the year. The reasons given show lack of coordination in decision-making and indicate that an ad-hoc approach is being adopted. The Committee therefore, strongly recommends that a blue print be drawn for the purpose and process should not be delayed if externalities are not involved. Indian Association for Cultivation of Science, Kolkata 11. The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata established in July 1876, is a national institution for higher learning whose primary purpose is to foster high quality fundamental research in frontier disciplines of the basic sciences. Founded by Dr. Mahendra Lal Sircar, a philanthropist, the activities at the Association in the very early years were supported by generous public contributions. It was conceived and planned in the backdrop of the great cultural and intellectual awakening of the nineteenth century Bengal and was desired by its founder to be an institution 'solely native and purely national'. The original objective of the Association, which continues even today, was to cultivate science in all its departments both with a view to its advancement by original research and to its varied applications to the arts and comforts of life. 12. Now it is an autonomous body funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the government of India and by the government of West Bengal. A number of specific projects raised by individual scientists or groups of scientists are being supported by different funding agencies such as CSIR, DAE, DNES, DST, DOS, DSIR, ICMR, INSA, NSF, UGC and UNDP. The Institute has dynamic programmes for the pursuit of research leading to the doctoral degree and for post-doctoral work and has Visiting Scientists Scheme. Proposed programme during 2006-07 The Institute will conduct R&D in thrust areas of physical and chemical sciences including energy research for advancement of knowledge. Continue programme on cancer biology and bioenergitics. Physico-chemical studies of adsorption of textile dye on to microbial biomass. Studies in porous materials using transition metals. A new phase for the synthesis and charactorisation of oxides and sulfides with different aligned 1- D nanoforms and suitable dopanpants will be started to tailor their optical properties for photonic applications. 13. The Committee has been informed that the allocation made to Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, which has been increased to Rs. 35.40 crores in 2006-2007 against Rs. 28.00 crores B.E. and Rs. 27.40 crores R.E. in the year 2005-2006, is in pursuance of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee’s recommendation in its 149th Report which has recommended that the institutes like Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science should be provided with all possible help to maintain contemporary standards so that research being conducted by such institutes may not suffer as a result of lack of funds and equipment. Keeping in view this recommendation, the Department has provided additional grants to undertake replacement of obsolete equipment and also create state-of-the-art facilities for conducting research in frontier areas of science and technology like nano-materials, ultra fast chemical reactions etc. 14. The Committee notes with satisfaction about the additional financial provision to the country’s oldest research Organisation for replacing obsolete equipments and improve its working condition. However, the Committee is of the opinion that this premier organization needs a new building and more funds for buying new instruments for its better functioning. The Committee suggests that the Department may take up the matter with the concerned State Government to acquire land for the said purpose. Bose Institute, Kolkata. 15. The Institute undertakes research in the fields of Plant sciences, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Quantum Mechanics, Astrophysics and Condensed Matter Physics. The institute has over the years trained a large number of Ph.D. students. Major achievements during 2005-06 were: 16. Analysis of the active site and the salt tolerance domain of inositol synthase genes of oryza (RINO 1) abd Porteresia by in vitro mutagenesis and their bacterial expression. Raising of siderophore overproducing and nonproducing mutants of an isolated and biochemically characterized strain of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Contitnuation of the work of identification and charaterisation of receptor proteins from muctard and chickpea aphid. Thecatalytic subunit of PKA rom bovine lens has been purified and characterized and its role in chaperone function has been studied. With a view to understand the role of helicobacterial effectors in modulating host cell signal transduction , novel antigens of mycobacterial were tested for their diagonostic utility and the role eukaryotic were explored. Proposed programme during during 2006-07

17. The Institute will conduct R&D in the field of Plant Sciences, modern biology, quantum machenics, astrophysics etc. The Instiute has already established the National Facilities for Astro- partical Physics, Space Science and Proteomic and Genomics. The Institute proposes to set up a childrens science resource center and build a J.C. Bose Seminar Complex at Mayapuri. The Instiute will continue to take several intituional projects in chosen areas of R&D. 18. Bose Institute, Kolkata has been allocated Rs.24.40 crores this year against Rs. 18.00 crores in B.E. and Rs.17.40 crores in the year 2005-06. The Committee has been informed that additional grants have been provided to enable the Bose Institute to replace some of the obsolete equipment and to facilitate research in modern biology like transgenic rice and mustard lines for salt tolerance, insect resistance, structural analysis of proteins etc. 19. The Committee is of the opinion that the Department should draw a long-term time schedule and accordingly make long-term investments in the institutions rather than doing it in an ad-hoc manner. It, therefore, strongly recommends to the Department to undertake studies of individual institutions to find out areas where they can excel and make investments accordingly rather than following piecemeal approach. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram 20. The mandate of the Institute is to develop appropriate technologies to meet the health care needs of the country and initiate training and research programmes integrating biomedical technology and health sciences, while demonstrating high standards of patient care in medical specialties. The Institute therefore has a Biomedical Technology (BMT) Wing for the R&D activities, a tertiary care Hospital with bed strength of 239 for cardiovascular thoracic and neurological diseases and the Achutha Menon Centre for health sciences studies for research and training in public health. Major achievements during 2005-06 were: Four products including New Bioceramic Composits are expected to be on Technology Transfer and five products are expected to reach the final stages of development. Many products are expected to enter the clinical evaluation and technology transfer phases during the year. To clear the rising demand on hospital services, the facilities and bed stregnth is likely to be increased by 50%. Construction of two new hostels to accommodate 50 students each. Proposed Programmes for the year 2006-2007 21. The Institute will continue its research to develop appropriate technologies to meet the health care needs of the country and initiate training and research programme intergrating biomedical technology and health sciences while sustaining high standards of patient care in medical specialties. A. Biomedical Technology The following products are expected to be on Technology transfer and production stage during the year. Commercialisation of the centrifugal pump and hemoconcentrator by the industry Marketing of the field test kit for testing the antibiotic sensitivity of mastitis milk by the industry High performance disposable ECG electrodes for neonatal care and also MRI compatible electrodes. Calcium Phosphate based injectable Bone Cement for spinal and orthopedic surgery. New Model of the Chitra valve The following products are expected to reach the final stages of development during the year. Bifurcated vascular graft. Advanced state of the art polyurethane based Dental Composites A new cobalt alloy based metal stent developed under the prestigious NMITLI programme of CSIR A new nano-particle based oral insulin delivery system being developed under the prestigious NMITLI programme of CSIR. To expand the testing services provided by the Institute. Work for establishing a National testing center will be continued so as to complete the project by 2007-08. B. Hospital Services To increase the hospital services at least by 25 percent to meet the rising demand for services. C. Public Health and Academic Affairs 1. Constructing two new hostels to accommodate 50 students each to be taken up. New courses in gender, ethics and health economics to be started.

22. On being observed by the Committee that there were wide fluctuations in allocation made to Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram during 2005-06 Rs.69.50 crores (B.E.) and Rs.77.60 crores at (R.E.) the Committee was informed that since the Committee in its 149th Report had recommended that the Institute should focus on further research on bio-medical research and not confine itself to superspecialty hospital, the institute had intensified its R&D activities in frontline areas such as tissue engineering, movement disorders, interventional radiology, epidemiological investigations to delineate risk factors for specific diseases, develop biologically compatible materials etc. Additional grants at R.E. stage were provided to help the Institute to augment hospital patient care facilities and also provide reduced cost of treatment for the needy population. The hospital provides nearly 50% beds to poor patients at reduced cost or no cost as a mandate provided by Parliament to help the people from the poorer segments of the society with affordable treatment. Additional grants will be provided based on trend of expenditure and the requirement of the Institute during the financial year at R.E. stage. 23. The Committee notes with satisfaction that additional grants at R.E. stage were provided to help the Institute to provide reduced cost of treatment for the needy population and the hospital provides nearly 50% beds to poor patients at reduced cost or no cost. It also notes that additional grants will be provided to the Institute during 2006-07 as per its requirement. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT, SCIENCE & ENGINEERING RESEARCH COUNCIL (SERC) Objectives: To promote research in newly emerging and frontier areas of science and engineering including multidisciplinary fields. To selectively promote the general research capability in relevant areas of science and engineering taking into account capability of the host institute. To encourage young scientists to take up challenging R&D activities. To give special encouragement to projects from less endowed university departments. To encourage patenting facilities to scientists and technologists in the country for Indian and foreign patents on a sustained basis. To promote basic and applied research in frontline areas of engineering and technology in various academic and research institutions, in collaboration with industry and user agencies (where applicable), and to transfer such technologies for developmental activities. To create and strengthen S&T infrastructure in Universities and National Institutes Creation of core groups/units around an outstanding scientist Major Achievements during 2005-06 were: 24. A total of about 400 new projects would be sanctioned under broad areas of Science & Engineering in the current financial year. In addition releases for 900 plus ongoing projects would be made. Proactive role of the Programme Advisory Committee would certainly give thrust to various schemes. The PAC – Animal Science has taken new initiative to generate quality research proposals in Animal Physiology. More sophisticated equipments and facilities would be established at different parts of the country. 25. The committee notes the steps taken by the Council to further basic research. The Committee is of the opinion that technological advances cannot be made without path-breaking research in basic sciences, which, in-turn, need world class laboratories and quality human resource. The Committee takes note of the various scholarships and fellowships being given by the Council and is hopeful that the present gap between the requirements of quality human resource and its supply will be abridged in the near future. Technology for Bamboo Products (National Mission for Bamboo Application) Objectives 26. The key objectives of the Mission are to promote value addition and commercialization of bamboo products leading to economic opportunity, employment, environmental management, entrepreneurship and export. The Mission seeks to: Develop and promote environment friendly, value-added bamboo based products, practices, technology & processes, including wood substitutes to reduce pressure on scarce timber resources Promote innovative design capabilities, fabrications techniques & testing methodologies Improve industry-lab-user linkages for collaborative technology development & transfer Effect inter-institutional/industry interaction, in the domestic and international arenas for technology sourcing, absorption & dissemination Provide financial assistance on repayable basis for risk minimisation towards new product & market development. Development of small & medium enterprises Empower people at the grass-root level encompassing farmers, artisans and other stakeholders for more employment generation with improved remunerative opportunities. 27. To support the upgradation and enlargement of the bamboo sector, with a particular emphasis on value added products and applications, the core application and thrust areas of the NMBA include wood substitutes and composites, structural and constructional applications, bamboo shoots, propagation and cultivation, machinery and process technologies, industrial products and energy and related applications. Major Achievements during 2005-06 were: 28. Four manufacturers of bamboo composite material entered commercial production. Bamboo based roofing material was developed and commercialised. Pre-fabricated structures were developed, and are being inducted at different locations, including for post-disaster operations. Two bamboo shoot processing units entered commercial production. Tissue culture protocols for bamboo were commercialised, and are now available commercially for 5 major species. New and improved vegetative propagation practices were developed. A mechanised furniture unit was established. Multi-locational trials for bamboo cultivation were commissioned, and packages of practices for intensive cultivation were developed. Demonstrative bamboo gasifiers, using IISc updraft designs were inducted. Models of charcoal manufacture, including drum-charring, and kiln based production were disseminated; the latter attained yields > 34% in field trials. Three lines of primary processing machinery, suited for Indian bamboos were developed, and a range of secondary processing machinery Proposed Programmes for the year 2006-2007 29. Four more manufacturing units for bamboo composite material are expected to go into production, and at least four units for conversion of bamboo and bamboo composite material. Two gasifiers, in the 1 Mw class will be commissioned, using bamboo and bamboo waste, as well as four smaller gasifiers, for electricity and for thermal applications. Technologies for bamboo fibre and bamboo based activated carbon will be developed, and evaluated. Torrification, as a possible solution to the problem of flowering bamboo (Melaconna baccifera) will be tested and evaluated. Mapping and assessment of bamboo areas in the North East, specifically flowering areas will be completed, and the data and maps handed over to the State Governments. A special focus will be the utilisation of bamboo waste, from processing activities, and its conversion to products. Specialised applications of bamboo strip cultivation, including shelter belts and wind breaks, and thorny perimeter fencing will be taken up. 30. Wide fluctuations have been noticed in allocation to Technology for Bamboo Product (Mission Mode Project). While the B.E. of Rs. 34.00 crores was provided initially, it was drastically reduced to Rs. 17.58 crores R.E. in the year 2005-2006. The B.E. in the year 2006- 2007 has again increased to Rs. 35.00 crores. On being asked about the reasons for drastic cut at R.E. stage last year, the Committee has been informed that the grants allocated were based on programmes ready for implementation. There was a shortage of programmes during 2005-2006 and this resulted in reduced grants at R.E. level. The department has taken stock of available programmes which are ready for implementation while providing B.E. in 2006-2007. 31. The Committee feels that the objective of producing wood substitutes to reduce pressure on our forests is of utmost importance. Given the amount of de-forestation that has taken place over the years and the rising demand of urban material culture which takes heavy toll of our limited natural resources, alternate arrangements to meet the demand of modern times without doing ecological damages have to be evolved. The Committee would also like to emphasize that such technologies should also be disseminated to spread awareness among the masses and raise their sensitivities towards natural environment to a level, which can make modern life-styles sustainable. 32. The Committee has been informed that there was a shortage of programmes during 2005- 2006 and this resulted in reduced grants at R.E. level. The Committee strongly recommends that assessment of ready for implementation programmes should be done at the B.E. stage itself so as to reflect realistic budgeting. The Committee also desires that the Department should study the reasons for shortage of programmes during 2005-06 and take suitable remedial measures in that regard. S&T PROGRAMMES FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (SCIENCE & SOCIETY DIVISION) Objectives: To promote research, development and adaptation of technology for improving quality of life of weaker sections, women and rural people. To motivate scientists for applying their knowledge and expertise to problems of weaker communities including women: To strengthen existing institutions, field groups, science based voluntary organizations, etc. involved in research and application of innovative S&T solutions; and To motivate scientists and technologists for applying their expertise to problems in the rural areas. Proposed Programmes for the year 2006-2007 Science & Society Programmes 33. Individual need based projects would be strengthened on one hand, while, new programmes/projects would be taken up. Number of individual projects from different parts of the country will be supported focusing on farm & non-farm sector. It is proposed to continue ongoing activities and launch need based coordinated programmes on Technology based Integrated Watershed Management;Non-Edible Oils (NEO), Initiation of S&T based sustainable water management in village ecosystems, ‘Biological Integration of Farming Activities& Resource Management’ (BIOFARM); Energy Conservation and Development for Rural Areas.; Projects under new initiatives for Tsunami affected areas; Initiation of S&T based programme for elderly population in the areas to encourage innovative work and indigenous S&T development at the grassroots level. 34. It is also proposed to continue the long-term support to S&T based field groups involving new groups, set up of area specific Rural Technology Parks, continue and strengthen the integrated and holistic development of model villages with multi-sectoral and cluster approach, to consolidate replicable technologies developed through earlier projects of SSD, Strengthen R&D efforts on ongoing coordinated programmes/new initiatives. Tribal Sub-Plan 35. During 2006-07, efforts will be continued to encourage technology development project and also to further refine the interventions in the ongoing sectors. The thrust during 2006-07 will be developing sustainable location specific projects on regeneration of local natural resources and optimal utilization, value added product making so as to generate income and employment locally. The efforts will be continued to under take research, design and development in the traditional vocations for socio-economic upliftment and improving the quality of life of scheduled tribes. Area specific S&T based development plan for tribal regions. Special programme will be undertaken to benefit the tribals through innovative mechanism linking sustainable rural livelihoods and conservation of protected areas. More efforts will be given to strengthen the ongoing programmes projects. A coordinated programme focusing on sustainable livelihoods of tribals around protected areas/National parks is proposed to be launched. A Coordinated programme on Angora Wool production processing is planned to be initiated in Uttaranchal. 36. A coordinated programme on demonstration and training in sustainable agricultural technologies and related entrepreneurship development to be coordinated by GB Pant Institute of Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh is proposed to be launched shortly in North East India. Special Component Plan for Scheduled Caste 37. Scheduled Caste population is traditionally engaged in vocations such as municipal work, carcass collection, tanning, footwear making, basket making, carpet weaving, handloom and jute work, construction work, pig and other small animal rearing, casual work in agriculture and other petty trades both in rural and urban areas. Most of them do not have agricultural land. A part of SC population is also engaged as rickshaw pullers. The surplus community lands allotted to them are fallow without facilities of irrigation and not viable for agricultural operation. Therefore, the future programmes will be for improving / enhancing the capabilities of scheduled caste population in the traditional vocations. S&T based alternative/new intervention will also be introduced improving the socio-economic conditions of the SC population. The following sectors have been planned intervention through research design and adaptation:- Introduction of improved machinery in traditional occupations (cycle rickshaw and mobile pressure cleaners, etc.) Introduction of alternative vocation and entrepreneurial skill development Production of building elements Products from agro-processing Production of Non-traditional fiber composite for luggage, etc. Production on recycled material –waste utilization Introduction of Non-traditional crops for small farmers Women Component Plan 38. Based on the experience gained during the past, projects on need based, location specific appropriate and relevant S&T intervention will be supported. Successful technology packages, which are economically viable, ecologically sustainable and gender sensitive, will be selected for dissemination through coordinated programmes. Some of the areas proposed for launching coordinated programmes are; vector control with community participation, drudgery reduction in sericulture, post harvest utilization technology of seaweed, inland aquaculture, and diversified products from lac, pottery & ceramics, a major focus will be development of ergonomically tools for women for use in agricultural operations. Women's Health intervention programmes will continue to be the focus of support to include women in the adolescent, child bearing and post menopausal age. 39. Fellowship scheme for women scientists will be continued and it is proposed that 50 -75 women scientists will be provided the fellowship under the WOS-B scheme. Ongoing projects under this scheme will also be provided support. A Task force for women scientists has been set up, recommendations arising from the Task force will be carried forward for implementation. A gender budgeting cell has been set up in the Minstry.This Cell will facilitate obtaining gender desegregated budget data in the ministry and to facilitate greater expenditure directed to women scientists or towards issues which affect women. 40. An allocation of Rs. 30.00 crores has been made for a new scheme called Women Component Plan under S&T programmes for Socio-Economic Development.The Committee has been informed that the Women component Plan under S&T programme is not a new scheme. The budget provisions for the scheme had been indicated earlier under the Science and Society Programme in the Expenditure Budget. However, Women Component Plan and Science and Society Programmes existed as separate programmes in the Detailed Demand for Grants. The Ministry of Finance & the Planning Commission have issued directives that Government Departments should have a gender disaggregated budget in all the schemes operated by them. With a view to bringing about gender desegregation in the budget, various schemes of the Department of Science and Technology in which the allocation for women was 30% or more or wherein the allocation was 100% pro-women, have been brought under the umbrella of the Women Component Plan with an allocation of Rs.30.00 crores. 41. Allocation made to Science and Society Programme which stood at Rs.9.00 crores at B.E. and R.E. stages in 2005-2006 has been drastically reduced to Rs.5.50 crores in B.E. 2006-2007. On being asked about the reasons for such a steep fall in allocation, the Committee has been informed that the Women Component Plan (WCP) had been clubbed with Science and Society Programme in the Expenditure Budget Vol. II and shown as a single Science and Society Programme. However, the Women Component plan existed as a separate sub-head in the Detailed Demand, for Grants of DST with a provision of Rs.4.00 crores in BE 2005-2006. The provision in BE 2005-2006 for Science and Society programmes in the Detailed Demands for Grants was Rs.5.00 crores. In the light of the Finance Ministry’s directive regarding gender budgeting, the hitherto combined Science and Society Programme and Women Component Plan have been shown as separate programmes in the Expenditure budget 2006-2007 Vol. II as well. Therefore, while apparently there is a decline in the budget allocation for science and society, in fact, the Science and Society Programme has in effect received an increased allocation of Rs.0.50 crore, i.e. from 5.00 crores in BE 2005-06 to Rs.5.50 crores in BE 2006-2007. 42. The importance of science is ultimately attested by the basic changes it brings in day-today lives of people in general. Science has to shoulder social responsibility and cannot remain confined to academic research and idle curiosity. It is in this context that the importance of the above programme has to be seen. Women Component Plan, Special Component Plan for Scheduled Caste and Tribal Sub-Plan are no doubt, a good initiative but they need to give encouraging results in future. The above schemes are potential vehicles of social change and, therefore, deserve special attention. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATION AND POPULARIZATION/NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATION (NCSTC) Objectives: 43. To communicate science and technology among the people, inculcate scientific temper among them. Major Achievements during 2005-06 were: Research : Special paper on Science Communication/Science Journalism introduced at Saurashtra University and V.B.S. Purvanchal University. Software Development : Production of “Ignited Minds” a 13 part episode on projects of National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) by M/s Pulse Media Pvt. Ltd. has been completed and the programme is now being aired by Doordarshan. 30 episodes of Radio Serial titled “Jeevan Ek Roop Anek” were broadcast from 33 AIR stations. Kits have been given to registered listeners of the radio serial. Production of 13 part episode the serial “Hum Honge Kaamyab” has been completed and the serial is expected to be telecast by Doordarshan during the year. Ten assignments for new video programme on various select topics for which bids have been received will be completed by end March 2006. Training: 44. Training Programme-cum-workshop of three days duration each for Master Resource Persons on ‘Celebration of International Year of Physics-2005’ held at Assam, Shimla, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, Bangalore during June-July 2005. This will be followed by State level and Local level training. 45. Regional Resource Persons training on “Detection & Prevention of Adulteration in Food stuffs” to be held at Dehradun and State level workshop in U.P. are on the anvil. State level Resource Persons “Training Programmes on Developing Volunteers for Disaster Preparedness” in U.P. is to held at Dehradoon. Coordination& Meeting: 46. Flagging off Ceremony of “Vigyan Mail- Science Exhibition on Wheels” on 26 April 2005 by Hon’ble MOS (S&T and OD). The train returned to Delhi on 8th July 2005 after traveling to 26 destinations spread all over India. The exhibition was visited by lakhs of interested visitors at each halt. This activity involved participation by about 20 scientific departments and agencies. 47. Kits, Booklet, Poster, Institutional based activities, Physics learning campus, & Orientation workshop for school teacher was organized as part of International Year of Physics in India. Science among Students : Several Motivation Progremme for Talented school Students have been supported. One such programme was held at Patna by Science College, Patna. Development of Braille books, audio cassettes and large print books on life and contribution of Indian scientists by Arushi, Bhopal. AGRASAR lecture-Demonstrations on Fire Prevention and Awareness were organized by Patheya, Delhi Young Student Scientist Adoption Programme (YSSAP) organized by Noorul Islam College of Engineering, T.N. Quiz Competition on Science & Technology to celebrate International Year of Physics by SPRERI, Gujarat. It is also planned to Award 20 Associate-ships to young science communicators. Field Programmes : Visit of talented children to S&T establishment was organised at Jhansi, and Tiruvarur. First People’s Education Congress, sponsored by DST, was organized at Allahabad during 15-17 September 2005 Four regional evaluators meet for Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) at Vijaywada, Gangtok, Jamshedpur, Jaisalmer have been held. Around 300 evaluators involved in the NCSC earlier were invited these meets. State level Children Science Congress are underway and these will culminate in National Congress to be held at Bhubaneswar during 27-30 December 2005. Scientific Exposure of Masses through Science Exhibitions was done in Uttaranchal by PAHAL. Orientation programme for activity guides on Bio-diversity- “Nurture Nature for Future” planned and sponsored. World Year of Physics- Training of Resource Persons, grants to S&T Council & NCSTC Network for field projects. Science Day: Several activities to spread scientific awareness were organised all over the country as part of Science Day Celebrations. The national event was organized at New Delhi International Cooperation Promotion of Innovation– support was extended to “Steer the Big Idea 2005”. Participation by 4 select students in an International Exhibition held in Malaysia in May 2005 was facilitated. Dr. Jean Audouze, UNESCO-Kalinga Prize Awardees for the year 2004, was presented with the Award during Sept.2005 at Delhi. DST sponsored the award money as well as his visit at different place within the country including Jaipur, Hyderabad, Delhi , Pune, Goa to interact with the scientific community and students. Progress of Science City Allahabad is slow as HRD Ministry is likely to review the project. Proposed Programmes for the year 2006-2007: 1. Training in S&T Communication A variety of training programmes are planned to develop resource persons in the areas of science writing, science popularization through puppetry, origami, model rocketry, aero- modeling, explaining of so-called miracles, detection of food adulteration, etc. While most of the activities are continuing in nature, some new and innovative techniques/methods are also envisaged. 2. Children’s Science Congress (CSC) Children’s Science Congresses, which has become a catalyst for invoking the informed decision making amongst children by rational thinking, will be continued. New and challenging issues will be introduced. 3. Field Based Projects It is proposed to undertake activities on science & technology communication on the important issues that emerged during the Year of Scientific Awareness 2004. Programme is being planned. New programmes on science & technology in Water & Sanitation field will be supported. Teacher’s Science Conference too will continue to be held. Jathas and other field programmes, such as contact programmes, lectures, exhibitions, visits to S&T establishments, etc. will continue. It will also be the endeavour of the Parishad to organize mobile exhibitions on select topics like Disaster Management. As a spill-over of International Year of Physics celebrations, a number of activities are proposed to be undertaken for science students and general public through science museums, universities and research laboratories. Activities for observing 2007 as Year of Planet Earth will commence from January 2007. This will be preceded by developing software, training of resource persons, etc. 4. S&T Software Development/ Production/ Dissemination As has been the practice in the past, the Parishad has planned to develop/ produce various software materials intended for mass S&T awareness, including audio-visual programmes, CDs, publications, posters, other exhibits, etc. 12 Video programmes will be completed during this period. The Parishad will also continue support for popular science magazines and audio-video programmes in regional languages. 5. Information Networks/ Databases A database of Parishad’s programmes on S&T communication is being maintained. The website of the Parishad www.vichar.nic.in will be upgraded and there will be provision of web pages of active voluntary organizations in the area of S&T communication and popularization. Publication of RVPSP Sandesh, a bilingual monthly newsletter will continue. Support to activities in Science Clubs will be continued. 6. Incentive Schemes The number of NCSTC awards have been recently increased and two new awards for popularizing science through mass media have been introduced. In addition, there is a proposal to institute some Chairs in academic institutions besides a few fellowships on S&T communication. 20 Associate-ships for young science communicators will continue and 20 new Associates will be selected and supported. 7. Research in S&T Communication R&D in the area of science communication is being given a new thrust. A number of research projects in the areas of scientific literacy, S&T coverage in mass media, new tools and modes of S&T communication, history of S&T communication in various languages, etc. have been envisaged. Publication of Indian Journal of Science Communication, a half-yearly research journal in science communication, will continue. 8. International Cooperation India will be hosting an international event under the “Steer the Big Idea” banner in collaboration with CII to showcase innovative ideas of young students of about 35 countries on the lines of those held in Japan in 2004 and Malaysia in 2005. The Parishad will endeavour be take up some projects with international collaboration in the area of S&T communication/ popularization, especially with the neighbouring countries 48. During the financial year 2005-2006, the National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) was allocated Rs.15.00 crores (BE) to support its activities in S&T Communication and Popularisation. However, the same was revised to Rs.10.00 crores (RE) as funds earmarked for some of the activities could not be released due to various constraints like lack of good proposals under the Year of Physics programme and Eco-Water Literacy. A provision was made for transfer of funds for holding and usage of the Vigyan Mail rake from Railways which has not been received yet. For the year 2006-2007, a budget provision of Rs. 15.00 crores has been made for continuing schemes as well as some initiatives like Gender Empowerment, Films on select issues, Incentives & Fellowships, Year of Planet Earth-2007 in addition to holding the 3rd edition of international competition in Delhi for the first time towards the end of 2006 on Innovations by young students under its Steer the Big Idea initiative. 49. In a country where efforts have been made during the last fifty years to achieve total literacy, spreading scientific awareness, remove superstition and inculcate scientific thinking, the success has been modest. Beyond the success islands of new India, which are generally metropolitan, there is an India on the other side of the digital divide that is largely rural, backward, steeped in regressive social values and superstitious thinking. The challenge before the Department is to take the offensive against backwardness in this part of India, which has not been able to keep pace with the rest of the country. The various awareness programmes run by the Department should not only continue but, in-fact, increase and cover different parts of the country. What is also required is to keep track of the results achieved by way of feedback mechanism so that effectiveness of such programmes could be evaluated from time to time. National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) Objectives: 50. The National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting is a mission mode project of the Government presently functioning as Division of DST. Its objectives are development of an NWP system for generating location specific forecasts for providing weather based agro- advisory services to farmers, and NWP guidance to other user agencies, including India Meteorological Department and Defence. It has three Divisions, viz: Research Divisions, which is responsible for development/implementation of models data assimilation system and diagnostics, Application Division which is responsible for coordinating agro-met Advisory Services in 127 Agro-climatic zones, and for customizing forecast products for different user agencies, and Computer Division responsible for acquiring and maintaining computer systems and infrastructure supports. Major Achievements during 2005-06 were: 51. The major goal of the centre is to produce in real time the best possible weather forecasts for the country. NCMRWF implemented All India medium range weather forecast bulletin for media, web based district level forecast and increased the number of Agro-Advisory Service Units (AAS) from 83 to 107 during the year 2005-2006. All India weekly agro-advisory was prepared and disseminated to 400 users during monsoon period of 2005. NCMRWF provided its medium range weather forecasts to various sectors like energy (Petroleum /Power), Transport , Water Resources, Adventure and sports and Defence. As a capacity building measure conducted a number of training programmes for different users like Navy, Airforce and AAS Unit personnel. The computing power at the Centre was enhanced form 28.8 Gflops to 486 Gfops with the augmentation of Param Padma machine. A 3-DVAR mesoscale data assimilation scheme was also implemented during the year 2005-2006. This year computing power enhanced to 1.3 terrflop. by upgrading CRAY SVI to CRAY XI E. Proposed Programmes for the year 2006-2007 52. The efforts to upgrade computing and infrastructure facilities shall continue with a aim to become and remain internationally competitive. It is proposed to deploy Automatic Weather Station (AWS) in a phased manner at all the AAS units which shall enable NCMRWF to provided District level Agro-advisory Services. It is envisaged that computing power will increase to 1.2 Tflops in the year 2006-07 and this shall enable NCMRWF to run a 75 km resolution Global Model for improved forecast accuracy. WRF model shall be made operational at a 12 km resolution for Tropical Cyclone forecast. NCMRWF shall also run a 16 member Ensemble prediction system to arrive at a statistically significant forecast. The experimental extended range/ seasonal prediction system shall be made operational. Apart from the above, NCMRWF shall incorporate Radiance assimilation, contribute in various field campaigns like meso-Network. It is expected that the Web-based Data service shall be operational and the BIMSTEC center shall be converted to real mode with full infrastructure. 53. There is fluctuation in allocation for National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting from Rs. 22.00 crores in B.E. 2005-06 to Rs. 19.00 crores in R.E. of the same year. In 2006-2007 allocation has been increased to Rs. 25.25 crores in B.E. The Committee has been informed that the reduction in budget allocation of NCMRWF from Rs. 22.00 crores in B.E. 2005- 2006 to Rs. 19 crores in RE 2005-2006 is due to saving in salary, foreign travel, supplies & material, office expenses and professional services.Allocation in BE 2006-07 is enhanced to Rs. 25.25 crores to upgrade computing and infrastructure facilities, visualization, networking, I.T. infrastructure with emerging technology, etc. and to purchase equipments for auditorium. The provisions, which are based on an assessment of requirements, may undergo changes based on actual progress of schemes which is dependent on several factors. In case additional requirements arise during the course of the year, the provisions can be enhanced, based on needs at the RE stage. Therefore, the budget provisions made at the BE stage do not adversely affect the programmes of the Centre. 54. The Committee recommends that the upgradation of computing and infrastructure facilities, visualization, networking, I.T. infrastructure should be done as soon as possible. Since the objectives of the Centre is to generate location specific forecasts for providing weather based agro-advisory services to farmers, and NWP guidance to other user agencies, including India Meteorological Department and Defence, upgradation of existing technologies is the need of the hour. Weather forecasting needs constant improvements both in technology as well as expertise. The Country still has substantial number of farmers caught in the vagaries of unpredictable monsoon and other natural phenomenon. They can immensely benefit from better forecasting in the future. TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT BOARD 55. The Government of India constituted Technology Development Board(TDB) in September, 1996, under the provisions of the Technology Development Board Act, 1995, with adequate fund to consolidate further Technology Development in the country by bringing together the efforts of industry and R&D institutions for achieving integrated excellence. Therefore, the main objective of the Board is development and commercialisation of indigenous technology and adaptation of imported technology for wider domestic application. For the achievement of this objective, the Board provides financial assistance in the form of equity, loan and grant out of the fund administered by the Board to companies engaged in commercialisation of indigenous technology etc. Besides, TDB also endeavours to provide a framework that would facilitate and stimulate coming together of an entrepreneur and innovator to respond to market demand. Major Achievements during 2005-06 were: 56. During 2005-06, TDB has signed 18 agreements having project cost of Rs.223.40 crores against which TDB’s commitment is for Rs.69.69 crores and Rs.70.13 crores (including the disbursement of pending commitments of previous years) have so far been disbursed. 57. The distinction achieved in the treatment of distillery effluent, seed support for STEP/TDB’s, Drinking water purification based on membrane filtration technology, Polyherbal patented inventions, Power from municipal solid waste, Antigens and Proteins from native source, software medical diagnostic and Recombinant Human Platelet Deriver growth factor are worth special mention. Proposed Programme for the year 2006-2007 58. TDB will enhance its potential to provide financial assistance (loan, equity and grant) to promote development and commercialisation of indigenous technology and adoption of imported technology. The Board will also play an important role in priority support to Techno-entrepreneur In the end of 2005-06 the Board will still have 59 proposals out of 110 received to be considered during next financial year. In order to meet the pending commitment and those of next financial year, TDB has made a provision of Rs.112 crores for the disbursement of loan and grant during the year 2006-07. It may be added that disbursement of loan, grant and equity is made out of the grant-in-aid received from DST and also from the internal source of TDB. 59. Allocation made for payment to Technology Development Board against Cess Receipts has been drastically reduced to Rs.33.50 crores in B.E. 2006-2007 from Rs. 43.50 crores and Rs.42.66 crores in B.E. and R.E. respectively in 2005-2006. The Committee has been informed that the reasons for such steep reduction is the allocation made for payment to TDB against R&D Cess receipts has been reduced to Rs.33.50crores in B.E. 2006-07 from Rs.43.50 crores in B.E. 2005-06 and Rs.42.66 crores in R.E. 2005-06. Despite increased commitments for 2006-07, Technology Development Board (TDB) has been allocated Rs.33.50 crores which is less than the BE &RE for 2005-06 due to the fact there were cash balances and increased repayments available with TDB to cater to the increased commitment. 60. As the mandate of the Department is to produce and disseminate indigeneous technologies, the Committee is of the opinion that the Board has a big responsibility to promote grass-root innovations and give such innovators as much help as possible. The Committee feels that though the Government has taken institutional initiatives to the above effect, there have not been many success stories on the ground. Commercialization is yet another area which has to be tackled. India, with a large number of small farmers and a huge population in small towns with modest purchasing power, can easily be a good market to such small scale technologies. SYNERGY PROJECTS Objectives 61. The Scheme “Synergy Projects” has targeted to achieve the objectives of studies, pilot projects and development efforts that can nucleate or catalyze large multi-disciplinary projects or help in networking institutions whose work has a common objectives but the efforts are currently fragmented. They are more in the nature of evolving projects in response to urgent national S&T needs, as perceived from time to time, and this response has to be quick. Some of the projects undertaken by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to GOI relate to improving S&T environment in the country. Major Achievements during 2005-06 were: 62. Among projects, RuTAG, a Specialized Rural Technology Up-gradation Project has been initiated in the States of Tamilnadu, Uttaranchal, Karnataka and Rajasthan through various collaborative programmes with specialized institutions such as BARC, CFTRI, IGCAR, IITs and National Institutes of Technology with the partnership of State Government and NGOs. Based on the recommendations of Core group for R&D in the automotive sector (named CAR), six thrust areas were identified and expert panels were constituted to prepare status papers on each of these areas. The proposals for projects like (a) Advanced Materials – Hyderforming and tailor welded blanks (b) Low cost engine management system for 2 or 3 wheelers (c) Intelligent and interactive telematics using the wireless technologies for transportation systems and (d) project on telematics for Traffic Control and Vehicle Tracking at Koyembedu Bus Terminus, Chennai are designed for development of technology in pre-competitive stage. The projects on the development of a Bulk Encryption Unit and on the development of an explosive detector are scheduled to complete successfully in March, 2006. Proposed Programme for the year 2006-07 63. Besides the current projects Machine Tool Manufacturing Sector has been identified as key area of cooperation, collaborative research, development and technology support in a meeting organized at IISc, Bangalore on 8.10.2005 by a large number of industry representatives and faculty members of the institutions. In the next step, specific proposals will be drawn up for collaborative programmes/projects to be taken up for technology development. As it has been done in the automotive sector, these projects will also attempt to address issues through a consortium of industries and institutions in pre-competitive format. 64. A proposed project on the development of State-of-the-art cantilever-based explosive detectors is likely to be taken-up as a Synergy Project in the early part of the next fiscal. The implementing organizations would include the Semiconductor Complex Ltd., Punjab; The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam; the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, Chandigarh; the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. 65. Allocation received by Synergy projects has been steeply raised to Rs.20.00 crores in B.E. 2006-2007 from Rs.7.00 crores in B.E. and Rs.8.64 crores in R.E. respectively in the year 2005- 2006.The Committee has been informed that the reasons for steep rise in allocation is that the Synergy Projects implemented by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India are coming up with pilot projects which can nucleate and calalyze major multi-disciplinary projects or help in networking institutions, who have worked on a common objective but whose efforts are presently fragmented. These projects relate to national development or national security. The physical outputs that the Synergy Projects are aiming at to achieve are a national Energy Map for India i.e. MARKAL, analysis of Indian Patenting activity in the International and Domestic Patent System, evolution of high-tech technologies in critical areas of mission oriented agencies, evolution of materials scenario and performance in critical areas by mission oriented agencies, GaAS- Epitaxial multi junction Quantum Well Infrared Photo detectors (QWIPs), preparing test bed for QWIPs arrays explosive detectors based on IMS technology, identification of recharge zone to rejuvenate drying springs in mountainous regions of Uttranchal, desalination of water and water reuse, establishment of Advanced Facility in Information Security and Cryptology, automotive sector projects, etc. The increase in the Budget provisions for the Synergy Projects is mainly to meet the needs of the Advanced Facility in Information Security and Cryptology. 66. Given the limited amount of funds available for research and technology development and the need to initiate research studies in various emerging fields, the need for synergizing and proper networking of various projects is of utmost importance not only to avoid duplication but also for appropriate channelising of scarce resources. As these projects relate to national development or national security, they acquire much more importance. The Committee feels that formulation of National Energy Map, providing direction to face the challenges of emerging international patent regime and coordination of mission oriented projects should be under taken with the seriousness they deserve, as they will determine the emerging contours of future development. 67. The Committee recommends to the Department to explore the prospects of a introducing full-fledged Science Channel on T.V. to increase awareness about scientific development among the masses. This Channel can also help bringing masses to the fold of the mainstream and build their potential to participate in national development and get benefited by them. ______SUMMARY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The Committee has considered the reasons given by the Department for maintaining uniform pace of expenditure throughout the year. It does not, however, feel satisfied and convinced by them. The Committee would like that the Department may evolve suitable mechanism so that the expenditure should not reach the desired level at the close of the financial year but it should be uniform, to the extent possible, throughout the year. The reasons given show lack of coordination in decision-making and indicate that an ad-hoc approach is being adopted. The Committee therefore, strongly recommends that a blue print be drawn for the purpose and process should not be delayed if externalities are not involved. (Para 10) 2. The Committee notes with satisfaction about the additional financial provision to the country’s oldest research Organisation for replacing obsolete equipments and improve its working condition. However, the Committee is of the opinion that this premier organization needs a new building and more funds for buying new instruments for its better functioning. The Committee suggests that the Department may take up the matter with the concerned State Government to acquire land for the said purpose. (Para 14) 3. The Committee is of the opinion that the Department should draw a long-term time schedule and accordingly make long-term investments in the institutions rather than doing it in an ad-hoc manner. It, therefore, strongly recommends to the Department to undertake studies of individual institutions to find out areas where they can excel and make investments accordingly rather than following piecemeal approach. (Para 19) 4. The Committee notes with satisfaction that additional grants at R.E. stage were provided to help the Institute to provide reduced cost of treatment for the needy population and the hospital provides nearly 50% beds to poor patients at reduced cost or no cost. It also notes that additional grants will be provided to the Institute during 2006-07 as per its requirement. (Para 23) 5. The committee notes the steps taken by the Council to further basic research. The Committee is of the opinion that technological advances cannot be made without path-breaking research in basic sciences, which, in-turn, need world class laboratories and quality human resource. The Committee takes note of the various scholarships and fellowships being given by the Council and is hopeful that the present gap between the requirements of quality human resource and its supply will be abridged in the near future. (Para 25) 6. The Committee feels that the objective of producing wood substitutes to reduce pressure on our forests is of utmost importance. Given the amount of de-forestation that has taken place over the years and the rising demand of urban material culture which takes heavy toll of our limited natural resources, alternate arrangements to meet the demand of modern times without doing ecological damages have to be evolved. The Committee would also like to emphasize that such technologies should also be disseminated to spread awareness among the masses and raise their sensitivities towards natural environment to a level, which can make modern life-styles sustainable. (Para 31) 7. The Committee has been informed that there was a shortage of programmes during 2005- 2006 and this resulted in reduced grants at R.E. level. The Committee strongly recommends that assessment of ready for implementation programmes should be done at the B.E. stage itself so as to reflect realistic budgeting. The Committee also desires that the Department should study the reasons for shortage of programmes during 2005-06 and take suitable remedial measures in that regard.

( P a r a 3 2 ) 8. The importance of science is ultimately attested by the basic changes it brings in day-today lives of people in general. Science has to shoulder social responsibility and cannot remain confined to academic research and idle curiosity. It is in this context that the importance of the above programme has to be seen. Women Component Plan, Special Component Plan for Scheduled Caste and Tribal Sub-Plan are no doubt, a good initiative but they need to give encouraging results in future. The above schemes are potential vehicles of social change and, therefore, deserve special attention. (Para 42) 9. In a country where efforts have been made during the last fifty years to achieve total literacy, spreading scientific awareness, remove superstition and inculcate scientific thinking, the success has been modest. Beyond the success islands of new India, which are generally metropolitan, there is an India on the other side of the digital divide that is largely rural, backward, steeped in regressive social values and superstitious thinking. The challenge before the Department is to take the offensive against backwardness in this part of India, which has not been able to keep pace with the rest of the country. The various awareness programmes run by the Department should not only continue but, in-fact, increase and cover different parts of the country. What is also required is to keep track of the results achieved by way of feedback mechanism so that effectiveness of such programmes could be evaluated from time to time. (Para 49) 10. The Committee recommends that the upgradation of computing and infrastructure facilities, visualization, networking, I.T. infrastructure should be done as soon as possible. Since the objectives of the Centre is to generate location specific forecasts for providing weather based agro-advisory services to farmers, and NWP guidance to other user agencies, including India Meteorological Department and Defence, upgradation of existing technologies is the need of the hour. Weather forecasting needs constant improvements both in technology as well as expertise. The Country still has substantial number of farmers caught in the vagaries of unpredictable monsoon and other natural phenomenon. They can immensely benefit from better forecasting in the future. (Para 54) 11. As the mandate of the Department is to produce and disseminate indigeneous technologies, the Committee is of the opinion that the Board has a big responsibility to promote grass-root innovations and give such innovators as much help as possible. The Committee feels that though the Government has taken institutional initiatives to the above effect, there have not been many success stories on the ground. Commercialization is yet another area which has to be tackled. India, with a large number of small farmers and a huge population in small towns with modest purchasing power, can easily be a good market to such small scale technologies. (Para 60) 12. Given the limited amount of funds available for research and technology development and the need to initiate research studies in various emerging fields, the need for synergizing and proper networking of various projects is of utmost importance not only to avoid duplication but also for appropriate channelising of scarce resources. As these projects relate to national development or national security, they acquire much more importance. The Committee feels that formulation of National Energy Map, providing direction to face the challenges of emerging international patent regime and coordination of mission oriented projects should be under taken with the seriousness they deserve, as they will determine the emerging contours of future development. (Para 66) 13. The Committee recommends to the Department to explore the prospects of a introducing full-fledged Science Channel on T.V. to increase awareness about scientific development among the masses. This Channel can also help bringing masses to the fold of the mainstream and build their potential to participate in national development and get benefited by them. (Para 67) ______MINUTES XXI TWENTY FIRST MEETING

The Committee met at 11.00 a.m. on Friday, the 7th April, 2006 in Committee Room ‘A’, Ground Floor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

PRESENT

1. Shri P.G.Narayanan –– Chairman

RAJYA SABHA

Shri Ravula Chandra Sekar Reddy Shri Suryakantabhai Acharya

LOK SABHA

Shri Francis Fanthome Shri Anant Gudhe Shri Babubhai Katara Shri A. Venkatesh Naik Smt. Neeta Pateriya Shri Bachi Singh ‘Bachda’ Rawat Dr. Ramlkhan Singh Shri D. Venugopal Shri Sita Ram Yadav

SECRETARIAT

Shri R.K.Singh, Officer on Special Duty Shri Alok Chatterjee, Deputy Secretary Shri C.B.Rai, Under Secretary Shri S. Rangarajan, Committee Officer

Representatives of the Department of Science & Technology Prof. V. S. Ramamurthy, Secretary Shri Sanjiv Nair, Joint Secretary (Admn.) Shri K. P. Pandian, JS & FA Maj. Gen. M. Gopal Rao, Surveyor General of India Shri Dinesh Sharma, Secretary, TD Board Dr. D. N. Singh, Scientist-‘G’ Shri B. Lal, ADG (IMD) Shri Rao V. Aiyagari, Scientist-‘G’ Dr. Laxman Prasad, Scientist-‘G’ Shri Anuj Sinha, Scientist-‘G’ Shri A. K. Kalra, Scientist-‘G’ Dr. H. K. Mittal, Scientist-‘G’ Brig. R. Siva Kumar, Scientist-‘G’ Dr. B. Hari Gopal, Scientist-‘G’ Dr. S. Chattarjee, Scientist-‘G’ Shri Sanjeeva Rao, Scientist-‘F’ Smt. Vineeta Sharma, Scientist-‘F’ Shri B. K. Shukla, Scientist-“F” Shri M. Sridharan, Controller of Accounts Shri Shambhu Singh, Director Shri Navneet Verma, Director Shri K. S. Napolean, Director Shri A. J. Kurian, Director Shri Davender Nath, Dy. Secretary Shri S.C. Chawla, Dy. Secretary

2. The Chairman welcomed the Secretary and other officials of the Department of Science & Technology and requested the Secretary to make a brief presentation regarding the Demands for Grants (2006-07) of the Department. Thereafter, the Secretary made a visual presentation regarding the major activities formulated for the year 2006-07 and achievements of the Department during the year 2005-06. He also mentioned about the budgetary allocations under different heads as also the functioning of the Department. The Members then sought clarifications on points arising out of the presentation. The Secretary replied to them. 2. A verbatim record of the proceedings was kept. 3. The Committee then adjourned at 1.00 p.m. ______XXII TWENTY SECOND MEETING

The Committee met at 3.00 p.m. on Monday, the 15th May, 2006 in Committee Room ‘A’, Ground Floor, Parliament House Annexe , New Delhi.

PRESENT

1. Shri P.G.Narayanan –– Chairman

RAJYA SABHA

Dr. Prabha Thakur Shri Dilip Singh Judev Shri Suryakantbhai Acharya

LOK SABHA

Dr. Sujan Chakraborty Shri Francis Fanthome Shri Brahmananda Panda Shri Adhalrao Shivaji Patil Shri Bachi Singh ‘Bachda’ Rawat Shri K.C. Singh ‘Baba’ Smt. Jayaben B. Thakkar Shri Sita Ram Yadav

SECRETARIAT Shri R.K.Singh, Officer on Special Duty Shri Alok Chatterjee, Deputy Secretary Shri C.B.Rai, Under Secretary Shri S. Rangarajan, Committee Officer 2. The Committee took-up for consideration its draft 155th, ***, ***, ***, ***, *** and *** Reports on Demands for Grants (2006-07) pertaining to the Department of Science & Technology, ***, ***, ***, ***, *** and *** respectively. After some discussion, it adopted all the reports without any modification. 3. The Committee authorised the Chairman, and in his absence, Dr. Prabha Thakur to present the Reports in the Rajya Sabha and Dr. Sujan Chakraborty, and in his absence, Shri Francis Fanthome to lay the same on the Table of the Lok Sabha on Thursday, the 18th May, 2006. 4. The Committee, then, adjourned at 4.20 p.m. to meet again at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, the 22nd May, 2006. ______***Related to other matters.

# Nominated w.e.f. 24th March, 2006. $ Dr. Chhattarapal Singh Lodha ceased to be a Member of the Committee w.e.f. 23rd December, 2005 consequent upon his expulsion from the Rajya Sabha. & Prof. Saif-Ud-Din Soz ceased to be a Member of the Committee w.e.f. 29th January, 2006 on being inducted into the Union Council of Ministers. * Smt. Kum Kum Rai ceased to be a Member of the Committee on expiry of her term in the Rajya Sabha w.e.f. 2nd April, 2006. § Shri Birabhadra Singh ceased to be a Member of the Committee on expiry of his term in the Rajya Sabha w.e.f. 2nd April, 2006.