REPORT NO. 310

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

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

THREE HUNDRED TENTH REPORT

DEMANDS FOR GRANTS (2018-2019) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (DEMAND NO. 84)

th (Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 13 March, 2018) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 13th March, 2018)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi March, 2018/ Phalguna, 1939 (Saka)

Web site: http://rajyasabha.nic.in E-Mail : [email protected]

Hindi version of this publication is also available

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

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

THREE HUNDRED TENTH REPORT

DEMANDS FOR GRANTS (2018-2019) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (DEMAND NO. 84)

(Presented to Rajya Sabha on 13th March, 2018) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 13th March, 2018)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi March, 2018/ Phalguna, 1939 (Saka)

C O N T E N T S

PAGES 1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (i)

2. INTRODUCTION (ii)

*3. ACRONYMS

4. REPORT

*5. RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS-AT A GLANCE

*6. MINUTES

______

* To be appended at printing stage

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (2017-18) (Constituted on 1st September, 2017) ------

1. Shri Anand Sharma –– Chairman RAJYA SABHA 2. Shri Prasanna Acharya 3. Shri S.R. Balasubramoniyan 4. Shrimati Renuka Chowdhury 5. Shri Rajkumar Dhoot 6. Shri C.P. Narayanan 7. Shri Parimal Nathwani 8. Shri Sharad Pawar 9. Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy 10. Shri Bhupender Yadav

LOK SABHA

11. Maulana Badruddin Ajmal 12. Shri Muzaffar Hussain Baig 13. Shri E.T. Mohammed Basheer 14. Shri Pankaj Chaudhary 15. Shri P.P. Chauhan 16. Kumari Sushmita Dev 17. Shri Ninong Ering 18. Shri Laxman Giluwa 19. Dr. K. Gopal 20. Shrimati Vasanthi M. 21. Shri Daddan Mishra 22. Shri Prabhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava 23. Shri Chirag Paswan 24. Shri Shivaji A. Patil 25. Shri Harinarayan Rajbhar 26. Shrimati Sandhya Roy 27. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh 28. Shri Nagendra Singh 29. Shri Vikram Usendi 130. Vacant 231. Vacant ______SECRETARIAT

Smt. Sunita Sekaran, Director Shri T.N. Pandey, Director Shri S. Rangarajan, Additional Director Shri Mohd. Salamuddin, Additional Director Shri Rajiv Saxena, Under Secretary

1 Shri Nagendra Kumar Pradhan ceased to be a member of the Committee w.e.f. 12th December, 2017 2 Shri Nana Patole ceased to be a member of the Committee consequent upon his resignation from the Lok Sabha w.e.f. 14th December, 2017.

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 Three Hundred Tenth report of the Committee. This Report deals with the detailed Demands for Grants (2018-2019) of the Department of Science & Technology (Demand No. 84).

2. In the meeting of the Committee held on the 12th February, 2018, 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 in its meeting held on the 6th March, 2018.

NEW DELHI; (ANAND SHARMA) March 6, 2018 Chairman, 15 Phalguna, 1939 Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests, Rajya Sabha. REPORT INTRODUCTION The Department of Science and Technology (DST) functions as the nodal agency to connect science and technology sector to Government verticals. DST provides the largest extramural research and development support in the country to strengthen national S&T capacity and capability through a competitive mode to scientists cutting across institutions and disciplines. This strategically important function mutually reinforces outcomes of our country’s educational, scientific and industrial R&D initiatives and helps transform the S&T landscape of the country. 2. The following constitute the mandate of DST:- • Formulation of policy statements and guidelines on Science and Technology (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; • Catalysing S&T interaction in societal programmes, and entrepreneurship development; • Science popularisation, communication and S&T Management Information System; • Promotion of Commercialisation of indigenous technology; • Support to technology development programmes, technology information and assessment; and • Providing services in the areas of: (i) Surveying & Mapping; (ii) Technology Development and Application 3. OBJECTIVES Main objectives of the Department of Science & Technology are as follows: a. Formulation of Policies relating to Science & Technology; b. Strengthening basic research and Expanding R&D base-Human capacity; c. Strengthening Basic research and Expanding R&D base-Institutional Capacity; d. Implementing Technology Development Programmes: from R&D to Commercialization; e. Societal interventions of Science & Technology; and f. International Science & Technology Co-operation 4. ORGANISATION 4.1 The Department of Science & Technology is the nodal Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Broadly, the organisational set up of the Department has been divided into Autonomous Institutes, Scientific Groups, Technology Development Board and Scientific Services besides the Administration and Integrated Finance divisions. There are 19 Autonomous Institutions and 5 Science/Engineering Professional bodies which are working in diverse areas for the promotion of Science and Technology. In addition, one new autonomous body viz. National Centre for Molecular Material Research, Thiruvanathapuram has been recently set up and National Innovation Foundation, Ahmedabad which was earlier a ‘Corpus Funded’ Financial Institute has been taken over by the Department as fully funded autonomous Research Institute. The Scientific Groups inter-alia consists of the Science & Engineering Research Council (SERC), National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), National Resources Data Management System (NRDMS), International Division, National Entrepreneurship Board (NEB), National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS). The Scientific Services have two subordinate offices, namely, National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) and Survey of India (SoI) under their administrative control. 4.2 The Department has informed that during the financial year 2017-18 a major exercise to review all ongoing schemes/programmes was undertaken. Starting from current financial year, all the schemes of the Department have been grouped into 3 broad heads viz. (i) Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building; (ii) Research and Development; and (iii) Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment. Reorganisation of schemes into 3 budget heads would facilitate greater flexibility to apportion funds depending on the priority of the programme within a particular broad scheme. Statutory Bodies viz. Science and Engineering Research Board and Technology Development Board and Autonomous Institutes and subordinate offices viz. Survey of India and National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation have been classified as non-schemes. 4.3 The detailed Demands for Grants (Demand No.84) of the Department of Science & Technology for the year 2018-2019 was considered by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests in its meeting held on the 12th February, 2018. 5. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN THE LAST THREE YEARS. 5.1 A comparison of the B.E., R.E allocation and Actual expenditure incurred by the Department for the last three years is given below: (Rs. in cr.) Year Budget Revised Actual % Utilization Estimate Estimate Expenditure against RE allocation 2015-16 3901.82 3854.80 3671.46 (95.24%)

2016-17 4496.32 4493.83 4325.59 (96.25%)

2017-18 4837.37 4746.81 3655.71 (77.01%) (as on 31.01.2018)

5.2 After examination of B.E. and R.E. allocations vis-à-vis Actual Expenditure for last three financial years i.e. 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 (up to 31st January, 2018) of the Department of Science & Technology, it is observed that the Department had utilised around 95 percent of the allocated funds in the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. The utilisation of funds in 2015-16 was 95.24% which improved to 96.25% in 2016-17. 5.3 The Committee observes that on the whole financial performance of the Department has been satisfactory. The Committee finds that the Department has been able to utilise 95% of allocated RE funds, in the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. However, when we compare performance of DST with other two Departments of Ministry of Science & Technology, we find that there is still ample scope for improvement. The Committee, therefore, recommends the Department to further strengthen its monitoring mechanism so that gainful utilisation of funds can be ensured. 6. FUND UTILISATION IN 2017-18 6.1 The B.E. and R.E. and actual utilisation of funds for the year 2017-18 are given as under:- Budget Estimates, Revised Estimates & Actual Expenditure 2017-18 (Rs. in Crore) Budget Revised (Actual Exp Sl. % Expenditure Schemes Estimates Estimates till No. vis-à-vis RE 2017-18 2017-18 31.01.2018)* 1 Secretariat 83.15 78.95 64.14 81.24 2 Survey of India 400.47 405.68 321.25 79.19 National Atlas & 3 Thermatic Mapping 19.31 18.18 12.52 68.85 Orgnisation Autonomous Institutions 4 1166.00 1065.00 784.67 73.68 and Professional Bodies Science and Engineering 5 800.00 800.00 680.00 85.00 Research Board Science and Technology 6 Institutional and Human 1087.50 1022.86 810.83 79.27 Capacity Building 7 Research & Development 595.50 505.14 377.14 74.66 Innovation, Technology 8 Development and 651.90 670.00 429.15 64.05 Deployment Technology Development 9 20.00 170.00 170.00 100.00 Board Science Counsellors 10 13.54 11.00 6.02 54.71 Abroad TOTAL 4837.37 4746.81 3655.71 77.01 * Figure obtained from E-lekha. 6.2 The Committee finds that Rs.4837.37 crore were allocated at BE 2017-18. In the year 2017-18, out of total allocated RE budget of Rs. 4746.81 cr., the Department could utilise Rs. 3655.71 crore by 31st January, 2018 which is 77.01% of total allocated RE budget. The Department is yet to spend 25% of funds within two months of the remaining financial year. The Department has informed the Committee that utilisation in 3rd quarter was Rs. 3180.36 crore till December, 2017. This comes to 67% of RE allocation in the year 2017-18. 6.3 Under S&T Institutional & Human Capacity Building, the Department was able to spend Rs. 810.83 crore, out of RE allocation of Rs. 1022.86 crore till 31st January, 2018. Similarly, under Science & Engineering Research Board, the Department has been able to spend Rs. 680.00 crore out of Rs. 800.00 crore BE allocation till 31st January, 2018. After going through the fund utilisation by the Department under various schemes, the Committee finds that fund utilisation under Science & Engineering Research Board, Technology Development Board, Survey of India and Secretariat Head is satisfactory. 6.4 The Committee, however, while examining actual fund utilisation observed underutilization under R&D Sector and Innovation, Technology, Development & Deployment Programme. Similarly, there seems underutilization of funds under Science Counsellors Abroad and Survey of India. For instance, under Science Counsellors Abroad scheme, the Department has been able to spend Rs.6.02 crore out of total allocation of Rs. 13.54 crore at BE 2017-18 which comes to 55% of RE allocation. Upon enquiry, about reasons of underutilisation of funds, the Department replied that reason behind low expenditure was vacant position of Science Counsellors. It was informed that out of the 4 positions of Science Counsellors, the position at Moscow and Washington DC were Vacant. The incumbent at Moscow was particularly repatriated and vacancy at Washington DC could not be filled up. 6.5 The Committee notes that during the financial year 2017-18, total BE allocation of Rs. 4837.37 cr. was reduced to Rs. 4746.81 cr. at RE stage whereas the Department has been able to utilise Rs. 3655.71 cr. by 31st January, 2018 which implies that the Department is yet to utilise 25% of the Budgetary support with two months left in the completion of financial year. 6.6 It is noteworthy, that Department's underutilization of allocated funds in schemes such as R&D, Science Counsellors schemes abroad does not present a healthy picture of the Department. The Department has to prioritise the utilisation of funds in Research & Development programmes and also fill up the vacancies in the Science Counsellors for optimal use of budgetary support. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department should make all efforts to fill up the vacant posts of Science Counsellors and concentrate on R&D schemes so that allocated resources are effectively utilised. 7. INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT 7.1 Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment forms an important component of multidimensional activities of the Department aiming at development of relevant technologies e.g. clean energy, water, waste management, advanced manufacturing, etc.; initiate programmes on emerging, and futuristic technologies e.g. Cyber-Physical-Systems; deployment and demonstration of successful technology solutions; support specific programmes addressing the challenges faced by the underprivileged sections of the society and less endowed regions of the country; promote start-up, innovation and incubation ecosystem; and developing scientific temper in the society. 7.2 Following are the main activities under ITDD programme:- (i) Technology Development Programme (ii) Technical Research Centre. (iii) Clean Energy Research initiative. (iv) Water technology initiative (v) Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems. (vi) Building Geo-spatial Capacity (vii) Drugs & Pharmaceutical Research (viii) S&T Programme for Socio-economic Development (ix) S&T led Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (x) Developing Scientific Temper in Society; and (xi) Exhibition and Fairs.

7.3 Budgetary allocation to ITDD Programme Year/Stage Allocation (Rs. in crore) BE 2017-18 651.90 RE 2017-18 670.00 Actual till 31/1/2018 429.15 BE 2018-19 720.00 It is evident from the abovementioned Table that under Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment Head, the Department has utilised only 64.05% of RE allocation till 31st January, 2018. In response to the Committee's query about reasons for underutilization of funds, the Department replied that reasons for slow take off were delay in new sanctions owing to lack of approval of continuation of National Entrepreneurship Development Board (NEB), and slow off take in Technical Research Centre, and slow take off in ST Component of Science & Society Programme. Reasons of marginal increased allocation as continuation of NEB have been recommended by Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) and being put up for approval of Competent Authority. 7.4 This year, allocation to ITDD has been increased from Rs. 670.00 crore at RE 2017-18 to Rs.720.00 crore. When the Committee desired to know the reasons for increase of allocation to the tune of Rs.50.00 crore, the Department informed that since all the activities undertaken in the ITDD programme barring two namely, NEB and DPRP were approved for continuation, more budgetary allocation was required. 7.5 The Department has informed that under ITDD, it has been also devising and implementing several initiatives to communicate S&T to the masses and inculcating scientific temper among the masses through National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in interesting, informative and innovative formats. NCSTC has made effective use of outreach activities including exhibitions & expos of mobile as well as static variety, hands-on, minds-on programs, and field based activities and action oriented projects to reach out to the masses, particularly the children, to popularize science. 7.6 The Department has further added that in order to augment the efforts being made, it has proposed 3 new initiatives namely:- (i) Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research (AWSAR). (ii) Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division. (iii) This year SEED Division has also embarked on a new initiative namely Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Vigyan Gram Sunkul Pariyojna (PDDUVGSP) which envisages adoption of a few clusters of villages, initially in 4 districts of Uttarakhand . 7.7 The Committee takes note of various initiatives undertaken by Innovation, Technology, Development and Deployment Programme particularly initiatives to communicate Science & Technology to the masses and inculcate creating scientific temper in the people through National Council of Science and Technology Communication in interesting and innovative formats. 7.8 The Committee hopes that initiatives like Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research (AWSAR) will encourage, empower and endow popular science writing through newspapers, magazines and social media by young PhD Scholars and Post-doctoral fellows. The Committee is also optimistic that enhanced allocation of Rs. 50 crore under the ITDD Programme will be meaningfully utilised. 8. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SECTOR 8.1 One of the core mandates of the Department is to promote R&D in emerging areas which are critical and have potential to transforms the landscape of science and technology in the near future. Some of the activities dedicated in this direction include National Mission on Nano Science & Nano Technology; Mega Science projects in the frontier areas of science; Missions on Climate Change programme; National Supercomputing Mission and leveraging international S&T cooperation for enhancing S&T competitiveness of the country. 8.2 Allocation to R & D Programme Year/Stage Allocation (Rs. in crore) BE 2017-18 595.50 RE 2017-18 505.14 Actual till 31/1/2018 377.14 BE 2018-19 609.00 As regards financial Performance under the R&D programme, the Department was allocated Rs.595.50 crore under this scheme at BE 2017-18 which was reduced to Rs.505.14 crore at RE stage 2017-18 and by the end of January, 2018 only Rs.377.14 crore could be spent in this scheme. 8.3 In response to a query regarding reduction of funds allocation to R&D programmes during 2017-18 and further utilisation of funds to the tune of Rs.377 crore (till January, 2018), the Committee was informed that the BE allocation for international Co-operation sub-head was Rs.153.00 crore. However, at the RE stage it was reduced to Rs. 114.64 crore based on the internal resource allocation of DST for R&D sector. The expenditure incurred by the International Co-operation division as on 31st January, 2018 is Rs. 100.06 crore which is 87% of the RE. 8.4 Explaining the reasons behind underutilisation of funds under the Mega science component of R&D Support budget head, it was informed that the expenditure turned out to be lower than expected because of ─ (i) continuing delay in implementation of India- based Neutrino Observatory project due to Court orders; and (ii) unexpected delay in meeting extremely tough technical specifications in prototyping of some components for the Thirty Meter Telescope and Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research project. 8.5 It was further added that barring some delays for obtaining approval for Indo-Israel Industrial R&D Fund under International Cooperation, and approval for continuation of Scheme of Nano Mission, the rest of the components of R&D are receiving regular disbursement. 8.6 The Committee takes note of the teething troubles faced by some of the initiatives such as Thirty Metre Telescope, India-based Neutrino Observatory and Indo-Israel Industrial R&D under International Co-operation which have caused underutilisation of funds under the Scheme. However, attributing the reason for reduction in allocation to Rs.505.14 crore at RE stage due to overall cut in allocation is hardly convincing. 8.7 The Committee finds that justification provided by the Department for underutilisation is understandable in case of highly scientific collaborative efforts such as India-based Neutrino Observatory, Thirty Metre Telescope & FAIR (Facility for Anti Proton & Ion Research Project). However, the reasoning that the reduction at RE stage was due to overall reduction in allocation is hardly convincing. Surrendering funds in R&D Sector, wherein India is already lagging behind countries like South Korea, Japan, Israel, USA and China, even in R & D expenditure as percentage of GDP (GERD) reflects poorly on the performance of the Department. 8.8 The Committee is of the firm view that surrender of funds in other schemes shows poor spendability under the scheme. The Committee, therefore, recommends the Department should try to be more realistic in anticipating the outcome of the schemes in order to maximize fund utilisation in R&D Sector. 9. BUDGETARY HEADS IN 2018-19 9.1 The Ministry of Finance has rationalised schemes of the Department of Science & Technology into six major Heads in BE 2018-19, namely (i) Secretariat Economic Services; (ii) S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building; (iii) Research & Development; (iv) Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment; (v) Science & Engineering Research Board; and (vi) Technology Development Board. 9.2 The details of each scheme are as follows:- i) Secretariat Economic Services: Provision is for Secretariat expenditure. ii) S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building: This includes allocations for the Autonomous Institutions and Professional Bodies, Survey of India, National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation, Research and Development Support, Multi-Disciplinary Research in Science and Technology, State S & T Programme, Disha Programme for Women in Science, Policy Research Cell, INSPIRE and Swaran Jayanti Scholarship for Outstanding Scientists. iii) Research & Development: This includes allocation for the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), International Co-operation, National Mission on Nano Science and Nano Technology, Super Computing Facility & Capacity Building, Synergy Projects (O/o the Principal Scientific Adviser) and Climate Change Program. iv) Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment: This includes allocation for the Technology Development Programme, Technical Research Centres, S&T Programmes for Socio-Economic Development, Technology Development Board (TDB), Information Technology and Exhibition & Fairs. v) Science & Engineering Research Board This includes allocation for the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). vi) Technology Development Board This includes allocation for the Technology Development Programme and Technology Development Board (TDB). As per output Outcome Frame work for Department of Science & Technology, output deliverable is to support Indian Industries for commercialization of technologies. The medium term expenditure framework is commercialisation of indigenous technology. 9.3 The Committee takes note of rationalisation of schemes and output-outcome framework for schemes in 2018-19 and hopes that the Department will be able to achieve the ‘Outcomes’ in the delivery of these services. 10. BUDGETARY ALLOCATION IN 2018-19 (Rs. in crore)

Budget Estimates 2018-2019 Budget Estimates Sl No. Particulars Demanded By 2018-2019 provided DST at RE by MoF meeting

1 Secretariat 139.41 134.10 2 Survey Of India 424.64 411.87 Sl No. Particulars Budget Estimates 2018- Budget Estimates 2019 Demanded By DST 2018-2019 provided at RE meeting by MoF

3 NATMO 24.17 21.48 Autonomous Institutions and 4 1399.98 1102.50 Professional Bodies Science and Engineering 5 1210.00 900.00 Research Board Science and Technology 6 Institutional and Human Capacity 1240.00 1124.43 Building 7 Research and Development 1003.00 609.00 Innovation, Technology 8 943.45 720.00 Development and Deployment 9 Technology Development Board 400.00 100.00 10 Science Counsellors Abroad 12.00 11.50 GRAND TOTAL- DST 6796.65 5134.88 10.1 It is evident from the abovementioned table that the Department had projected Rs.6796.65 Crore at RE meeting with the Ministry of Finance. However, it has been allocated Rs.5134.88 crore in the fiscal year 2018-19. Though the amount allocated is an increase of Rs.297.51 cr. over the BE allocation in 2017-18, some of the important programmes like Technology Development Board have been deprived of the required fund. The Department had projected Rs. 400.00 crore at RE meeting, however, it was allocated Rs. 100.00 crore. During the budget announcement 2018-19, the Government has announced three new schemes including Cyber Physical Systems. During the Demands for Grants meeting deposing before the Committee the Secretary requested for more allocations to meet the requirements for new schemes and Technology Development Board. 10.2 The Committee finds that under B.E. 2018-19, the Department had projected Rs.6796.95 crore at RE meeting with Ministry of Finance. However, it has been allocated Rs.5134.88 crore only. The Department has stated that this increase of Rs 297.51 crore in comparison to BE 2017-18 is too limited to meet the investments made by the Department into new and ongoing major initiatives of the Department viz. Cyber Physical Systems and thrust given to commercialisation under Technology Development Board, etc. which are of prime importance. 10.3 The Committee is of the opinion that curtailment of funds to the tune of Rs 1661.77 crore will hamper setting up of basic infrastructure for some of flagship programmes of the Government of India and will be detrimental to the growth of Science & Technology in the country in the long run. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department may take up the issue of disbursement of more funds strongly with the Ministry of Finance at the Revised Estimate stage with adequate planning and implementing mechanism. 11. NEW INITIATIVES in 2018-19 11.1 The Department has taken some new initiatives in 2018-19. The new initiatives conceptualized in 2018-19 will be made fully operational in subsequent years. These new initiatives are as under:- i) Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems ii) AWSAR: Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research iii) Setting up National Large Scale Solar Telescope iv) Mission on Energy Storage Materials v) Setting up of Water Innovation Centres vi) Research Park at IIT Gandhinagar vii) Vigyan Jyoti programme for girls in underrepresented areas of S&T in leadership institutions viii) Accelerate Vigyan: Training and workshops on high-end scientific infrastructure, skills and knowledge. ix) Policy and Portal for utilization of S&T infrastructure; and x) India S&T Portal with 360 connect. 11.2 Details of some of the new initiatives are as under:- Interdisciplinary Centre for Cyber Security and Cyber Defence of Critical Infrastructures Announcement for setting up of Interdisciplinary Centre for Cyber Security and Cyber Defence of Critical Infrastructures was made during the budget speech of Union Finance Minister in 2018-19. 11.3 The term Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) refers to machine based communication, analysts, inference, decision, action, and control in the context of a natural world. This is hugely multidisciplinary area including deep mathematics used in Artificial Intelligence, machine Learning, Big data Analytics, Block Chains, Expert Systems, Contextual Learning going to integration of all of these with intelligent materials and machines, control systems, sensors and actuators, robotics and smart manufacturing. Together these are the building blocks of future industry that will throw up both new challenges and opportunities. 11.4 Interdisciplinary Centre for cyber-security and cyber Defence of critical infrastructures aim to create facilities and laboratories to prototype, emulate and simulate cyber-physical critical infrastructures; bring together research expertise in cyber security, networking, information technology, industrial automation, machine learning, data base technologies, streaming data, algorithms, cryptography, protocols, game theory, software engineering, formal methods to contribute to defense of national infrastructure from cyber-borne threats, power systems engineering; and also to develop new course at the undergraduate and graduate level. The Centre also focuses to serve as a platform for consultancy, training and public awareness. 11.5 The Centre has been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs.14.4 crore for recurring and non-recurring equipment items. The deliverables of the Centre include: Creation of a long lasting centre of excellence in cyber security research, technology development, education and training, and advisor to the government on cyber security issues and development of indigenous cyber security tools, frameworks, and products. Man-power development, training at all levels, facilities for product testing for cyber-preparedness are other expected outcome from the Centre. 11.6 The Committee is of the view that the world is heading towards fourth industrial revolution, first being mechanization, water power and steam power; second, industrial revolution was about mass production, assembly line and electricity. Third to be precise is industrial revolution brought computerization and revolution in automation and Fourth that is industrial revolution will be on cyber physical systems and India must not miss this opportunity. 11.7 The Committee welcomes big data initiative, advances made in deep learning, robotics, smart sensors and quantum communications. The Committee hopes that with the help of partner countries such as Israel, Japan and Korea, India will be able to seize the fourth industrial revolution and garner benefits from it. 11.8 Quantum Information Science & Technology Programme Broad objectives of Quantum Information Science & Technology (QuST) Programme are : Development and demonstration of quantum computers, Development and demonstration of quantum communication & cryptography, Development of quantum-enhanced and inspired technology and development of advanced mathematical quantum techniques, algorithms and theory of quantum information systems. 11.9 The Department has also identified following five broad thematic areas of Quantum Information Science & Technology programme. (i) Quantum information technologies with photonic devices. (ii) Quantum information technologies with solid state, nitrogen vacancy, Magnetic Resonance. (iii) Quantum information technologies with ion-trap and optical-lattice devices. (iv) Quantum information technologies with superconducting qubit devices and quantum dot devices; and (v) Mathematical and Fundamental aspects of quantum computation and quantum information. 11.10 When the Committee desired to know the funds earmarked for QuST programme, it was informed that during the year 2017-18, Rs. 20.00 Crore was allocated for the entire Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical- Systems (ICPS) Programme and Quantum Information Science & Technology (QuST) is one of the programme under ICPS. 11.11 As regards expected deliverables of QuST Programme, the department has informed that the following important deliverables are expected to be achieved from QuST programme:- (i) Design of quantum register. (ii) 4-qubit quantum computer initially and possibility to scale up no of qubits. (iii) Gate implementation and quantum algorithm realization. (iv) 4-qubit quantum entangled state. (v) Generation of entangled states between two locations. (vi) Multiparty entanglement generation, detection, and quantification. (vii) De-coherence effects on entanglement generation, development of methods to overcome the same, and their demonstration. (viii) Demonstration of Quantum teleportation, remote state preparation, quantum dense coding; and (ix) Demonstration of quantum key generation between two locations and its security analysis. 11.12 The Committee welcomes the initiatives taken by the Department such as Cyber-Physical- Systems (CPS) and Quantum Information Science & Technology (QuST) and hopes that success in these initiatives would give much needed boost to Cyber security and Quantum Information Science & Technology. The Committee, therefore, recommends that adequate budgetary provisions should be made for these extremely important initiatives to make India future ready. 12. NATIONAL SUPERCOMPUTING FACILITY AND CAPACITY BUILDING 12.1 National Supercomputing Mission is driven by the aim to consolidate and build synergy in various ongoing efforts in supercomputing across the country. Some of the mission oriented departments such as Defence & Research Development Organisation (DRDO), DAE and other few leading academic institutions are involved in the use of supercomputers. 12.2 Supercomputing has potential applications in the fields of climate modeling, weather prediction, engineering including CFD, CSM, CEM, Agriculture Research and Education, Computational Biology, Materials & Chemicals., Molecular Dynamics, Atomic energy simulations, Security and defence applications, financial and Big Data Analytics. Additionally, it can also be used in the disaster simulations and management, Astrophysics and Information Repositories & Government Information Systems. 12.3 The major objectives of the Mission are:- (i) Make India a world leader in High Performance Computing (HPC) and to enhance the national capability in solving grand challenge problems of national and global relevance; (ii) Empower scientists & researchers with state-of-the-art compute facilities for their cutting-edge research in respective Domains; (iii) Reduce redundancies and avoiding duplication of efforts and investments; and (iv) Attain global competitiveness and self-reliance in HPC. 12.4 The Mission is partnered by the DST, the Department of Electronics and Information Technology in consultation with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and Centre for Development of Advance Computing (C-DAC), Pune. These organisations are preparing the strategies for implementing the Programme. In view of the inter- ministerial nature of the proposed mission, National Supercomputing Mission follows six principles namely ONE Mission, One Goal, Mission First, Centralised Planning, Decentralised Implementation, Clear Division of Roles, Responsibilities and Costs, Harmonisation, Coordination and Sharing; and Federated Governance Structure. 12.5 When the Committee desired to know about further progress under National Supercomputing Mission, the Department has informed the following actions have been taken so far:- Subsequent to the approval of the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), the officials of the two implementing Ministry & Department namely DST & MeitY had several meetings along with the implementing Institutions namely IISc and C-DAC to carry out Mission in accordance to an implementation strategy. This Mission aims at building a Supercomputing Grid for an eco-system for High Performance Computing (HPC) in a phased manner. 12.6 As per the information furnished by the Department the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) has the following four major verticals. a) Infrastructure b) Application Development c) Research & Development; and d) Human Resources Development (HRD) The Department has informed that both C-DAC and IISc are involved in all the activities. Apart from these activities C-DAC and IISc are also involved in Mission Management activities along with MeitY and DST. With respect to Infrastructure, C- DAC is entrusted with building the systems (Build approach which is in line with Make-in-India Mission) while IISc is entrusted with procurement of systems (Buy approach). 1. The NSM Executive Board (NSM-EB) has been constituted with Secretary, DeitY (now MeitY) and Secretary, DST co-chairing the EB. OM for this has been issued on 04.06.2015. 2. The first NSM-EB meeting was held on 09.07.2015 which lead to formation of Technical Advisory Committee for NSM (NSM-TAC) under Chairmanship of Dr VK Saraswat, Member – NITI Aayog. The OM for NSM-TAC was issued on 26.11.2015. 3. The second NSM-EB meeting was held on 02.12.2016. The NSM-EB has approved installation of 6 supercomputers with 3 in “build” approach and 3 with “buy” approach. Infrastructure Creation (Capacity Building) C-DAC: 4. Based on the approval of NSM-Executive Board (NSM-EB) C-DAC has to build two 650 TF (Tera Flops) and one 1.3 PF (Peta Flops) in Phase-I of build approach and cumulative capacity of 10 PF in Phase-II. C-DAC has finalized the RFP for both phases and the same was vetted by NSM-TAC. Cost of the RFP is Rs. 650 Crore (Rs. 130 Crore for Phase-I and Rs. 520 Crore for Phase-II). 5. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for “build” approach has been released by C- DAC, Pune and the pre-bid meeting has been recently conducted. IISc-Bengaluru: 6. Based on the approval of NSM – Executive Board (NSM-EB), IISc has to procure two 650 TF (Tera Flops) and one 1.3 PF (Peta Flops) under buy approach. 7. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for “buy” approach has been finalised and will be released by IISc-Bengaluru shortly. 12.7 Some important decisions taken by the Mission are to focus on developing indigenous super computers and enable local manufacturing thereof. C-DAC will be entrusted with building systems indigenously in phased manner (Phase-I: Assembly in India, Phase-II: Manufacturing in India, Phase-III: Design and Manufacturing in India). C-DAC will also build two 650 TF systems and one 1.3 PF system in Phase-I to be installed at IIT Varanasi, IISER Pune and IIT Kharagpur respectively. It will also be building four pilot systems of 100TF with different technologies (Intel, IBM, ARM & AMD). This will allow C-DAC to evaluate and decide technology most appropriate for Phase-III design. The systems once developed can be deployed as per requirement of mission. IISc will approach to procure two 650 TF systems and one 1.3 PF system in Phase-I to be installed at IIT Hyderabad, JNCASR Bengaluru and IIT Kanpur respectively. C-DAC will set up HPC Lab at C-DAC Pune for HPC system design, development and integration. And a System Software Lab at C-DAC Bangalore is in process of being set up for developing HPC System Software stack. 12.8 The following areas identified for applications development (i) Computational Biology and Drug Discovery, (ii) Climate modeling, Weather and Disaster prediction, (iii) Geophysical Applications (Oil, Gas and Mineral Exploration), (iv) AI and BIG Data Analytics, (v) Cryptography and Crypt Analysis, (vi) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Engineering Applications, (vii) Materials & Computational Chemistry; and (viii) Astronomy & Computational Physics 12.9 The focus of Research & Development is building capability to develop Exa-scale systems. Some of the challenges are Energy efficiency, System resilience, Exa-scale algorithms, Scalable System Software, Increasing efficiency of data movement etc. R&D in Silicon Photonics as an alternative technology to build processor interconnects would be explored and promoted. 12.10 The Department has informed that the Mission has now gathered momentum with 20 more Institutions to be identified for installation of Supercomputer Systems. They have added that availability of financial support to DST and M/o Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) needs to be ascertained for the next 3 years to fulfil the vision of HPC and Make-in-India come true. 12.11 As regards financial aspects, the Committee finds that total budget allocated for the seven years for Supercomputing Mission is Rs.4,500 cr. out of which DST will be contributing Rs.2,740 cr.; whereas Rs.1,760 cr. will be contributed by MeitY. The project was to be completed within seven years. Some of the key deliverables of the project are 70+ HPC installations, HPC Grid, Million-core cloud, development of HPC applications, 20000 HPC-aware manpower, R&D for next-generation Exa-Scale HPC. 12.12 Following Table provides the details of budgetary allocation made to DST under the Supercomputing Programme from 2015-16 to 2017-18. (Rs. in crore) Sl. No. Year Allocation Actual utilisation 1. 2015-16 71 71 2. 2016-17 84 83.47 3. 2017-18 115 115 12.13 Some of the main targets under the National Supercomputing Mission for 2018-19 are as under: (i) Placing or order for "buy" approach for 3 supercomputers and their Installation at 3 locations (ii) Placing order for components for 3 systems under "build" approach (iii) Assembling in India by the RFP successful bidder and its testing at site (iv) Connecting these into the supercomputing Grid with NKN as backbone; and (v) Identifying 20 more Institutions for installation with tentatively 8 under "buy" approach and 12 under "build" approach 12.14 The Committee finds that National Supercomputing Mission is now gathering momentum and hopes that it will realise the vision of High Performance Computing in near future. The Committee finds that fund utilistion by the Department of Science & Technology in the last three years has improved considerably and is now up-to-the-mark. The Committee recommends that the nodal Ministries namely Department of Science & Technology and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology must implement this Programme in Mission mode with the aim to give a boost to Make-in-India Programme as well. 13. INCREASING R&D EXPENDITURE 13.1 Research & Development activities play an important role in scientific advancement of any nation. However, as per some estimates on the contrary, superpowers of the world such as USA and China spend 2.8% and 2.1 percent of GDP respectively on R&D activities. Emerging countries like Israel and South Korea are spending as high as 4.3% and 4.2% respectively which is much higher than India. India’s spending on R&D is only about 0.6 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It occupies 7th position in terms of GERD (in billion $ Purchasing Power Parity) and it is far behind countries such as South Korea, Japan, China, Germany, France and USA. Among the BRICS; Brazil (1.2%), Russia (1.2%) and China (2.0%) spend more than 1%of their GDP on R&D as against India (0.69%). Most of the Developed worked also spend more than 2% of their GDP on Research & Development. India needs to spend more on R&D relative to its income level. 13.2 In addition to this, in India it is the government sector which mainly carries out around 62% spending in R&D. However, in most of the countries, the private sector spends the bulk of Research & Development even if government plays an import funding role. On the contrary, in India, the government is not just the primary source of R&D funding but also its the primary user of these funds. 13.3 When the Committee asked about India's expenditure on R&D, it was informed that expenditure on R&D in the country has been consistently increasing over the years and has increased 4 fold fromRs.20,086.34 crores in 2003-04 to Rs. 85,326.10 crores in 2014-15. It is estimated to be Rs. 94,516.45 crores in 2015-16 and Rs. 1,04,864.03 crores in 2016-17. The Following Table provides the details of National expenditure on Research & Development in last 2 decades. NATIONAL EXPENDITURE ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Year Public Investment Private Gross GERD as in R&D Investment in Expenditure on % of GDP (Rs. Crores) R&D (Rs. R&D (GERD) Crores) (Rs. Crores) 2004-05 18078.28 (75.0%) 6038.96 (25.0%) 2411.24 (100%) 0.74 2009-10 37735.75 (71.1%) 15305.55 (28.9%) 53041.30 (100%) 0.82 2010-11 40859.73 (67.9%) 19337.02 (32.1%) 60196.75(100%) 0.77 2011-12 42665.62 (64.7%) 23295.71 (35.3%) 65961.33 (100%) 0.76 2014-15 52787.71(61.9%) 32538.39 (38.1%) 85326.10 (100%) 0.69 2016-17* 60868.75 (58.0%) 43995.28 (42.0%) 104864.03 (100%) 0.69 Source: Data collected and complied by DST. Note : 1. *Estimated 2. Figure in parenthesis indicate percentage share in GERD. It is clear from the abovementioned table that Gross Expenditure on Research & Development as percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in India hovered around 0.7% only. 13.4 To achieve 2% target of GERD as a percentage of GDP, the Government has taken various measures such as successive increase in plan allocations for Scientific Departments, setting up of new institutions for science education and research, launching of new Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy 2013, creation of Centres of Excellence for research and state of the art facilities in emerging and frontline S&T areas in academic and national institutes, establishment of new and attractive fellowships for both national and overseas researchers and scientists, substantial grant to potential scientist through Extramural Research Funding Scheme, start-ups grant for young scientists and attractive pay package to scientists in addition to substantial revision of fellowships for research students, strengthening infrastructure for Research and Development (R&D) in universities, encouraging public-private R&D partnerships, recognition of R&D units and fiscal incentives and support measures for R&D in industries etc . 13.5 When asked about the budgetary allocation to the R&D programme, it was informed by the Department that it has asked for Rs.1003.00 crores at Budget Estimates 2018-19. However, Ministry of Finance allocated Rs.609.00 crore only which was Rs.394.00 crore less than the projected amount. When asked about shortage of funds, the Department furnished the total allocation and did not inform the Committee that whether they had taken up the matter with Ministry of Finance. 13.6 The Committee feels that India is lagging behind other countries of the world in respect of R & D contribution made by the private sector. In comparison to developed countries of the world, India’s R&D funding from non-government sector is abysmally low. Even in comparison to our neighbouring country China, we lag far behind. The percentage contribution of private sector and public sector to R&D contribution in India & China is nearly in reverse order. In China, private sector contribution is nearly 70 percent of R&D expenses while in India it is Government which makes nearly 62% contribution. Commenting on the private sectors contribution to R&D, the Department has informed that though, the private sector share in GERD has increased significantly over the years to 38% in 2014-15 but it is lower than the emerging and developed economies such as China, South Korea, Japan, US, UK, France, Germany, etc. with a share of more than 50%. 13.7 Another important challenge before India is to increase the ratio of private sector investment on R&D vis-à-vis public sector investment. The Committee enquired about the efforts made by the Department for enhancing the contribution of the private sector in R & D. In response thereto, the Department stated that the private sector engagement in R&D is presently small except in a few sectors such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and automotives mainly due to small size of the Indian industrial firms, high risks, low appropriability and disincentives created by high transaction costs and weak R&D fiscal support. 13.8 Informing about efforts made for increasing R&D Expenditure in the country, the Department added that it had taken several steps for increasing expenditure on R&D. When the Science & Technology & Innovation Policy, 2013 was released at that time, ratio of private sector investment on R&D vis-à-vis Public Sector Investment was only about 1%. Over the years, the ratio of private sector participation in R&D vis-a-vis public sector investment has increased significantly, at present it is 38:62. To further strengthen the participation of private sector in R&D, the Government has taken various measures such as encouraging public-private R&D partnerships, recognition of R&D units and fiscal incentives and support measures for R&D in industries, start-ups grant for young scientists, etc. 13.9 Another reason behind India lagging behind in R&D, is less number of Full time Equivalent scientists as compared to the developed world. The Department in reply to queries of the Committee in the meeting held on 12th February, 2018, stated that India has 2,82,994 in FTE R&D Personnel in 2015 as compared to China (15,24,280), USA (12,65,064). Japan (6,82,935) and Russia (4,44,865), South Korea (3,45,463). India ranks at 7th position in terms of FTE of R&D personnel ahead of France, Canada, Brazil, Italy and Australia. 13.10 It was further added that though FTE of researchers in science and technology has increased over the years but at present India has 215 researchers per million population as compared to developed economies such as USA (4231), Australia (4531), Finland (6986), Denmark (7198), Israel (8255) and Japan (5386). Emerging economies such as Korea (6899), China (1113) are also maintaining a high concentration of researchers for S&T led growth. To increase investments in R&D to 2% of the GDP, India needs to increase Full Time Equivalent (FTE) to a significant level to achieve global positioning in S&T sector. 13.11 The Committee feels that in order to enhance investment in R&D activities, number of Full Time Equivalents in science and contribution to R&D by both the government and private sectors needs to be significantly augmented. The Committee acknowledges that the challenge faced by India is low expenditure on R&D. Public investment on R&D was only Rs. 52788.00 crore in 2014-15 which is lower than scientifically advanced countries. Even among the BRICS countries, India's expenditure on R&D is the lowest. The Committee is of the view that public expenditure on R&D by the Government of India needs to be enhanced significantly so that India can march ahead in science, technology and innovation. 13.12 The Committee is also of the view that the Department should also take steps to enhance private sector's contribution to R&D sector. This may be done in numerous ways. For instance, the Central and State Governments may consider offering tax incentives for private sector companies investing in R&D sector. Similarly, Government may also consider investing in start-ups in a big way, providing grants to the budding scientists and recognition of R&D units. The Committee feels that it is only through the sustained and joint efforts of both public and private sectors, Gross national expenditure on Research & Development can be increased. 14. REBUILDING RESEARCH IN THE UNIVERSITIES. 14.1 At a time when research in the university appears to be declining because of neglecting of university teaching and research and preference to premiere specialised research institutions, the Committee desired to know from the Department about the details of initiatives being undertaken by the Department for upgrading research capabilities, building R&D infrastructure in universities laboratories. In response thereto, it was informed by the Department that they were running a few schemes such as (i) Funds for S&T Infrastructure (FIST), (ii) Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE); and (iii) Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIF) are in place to upgrade and augment the R&D infrastructure at various Universities, departments of a university and post-graduate college for their S&T related departments. While the FIST scheme operates in the competitive model of identification and support to any S&T department and post-graduate colleges, the PURSE scheme supports proactively to an university on the basis of 10 years aggregate research publications. 14.2 It was also informed that since 2000, the FIST scheme has identified and supported more than 2500 S&T departments in universities and related academic institution including about 350 post-graduate S&T based colleges in the country. Moreover, the services of analytical equipment to carry out R&D are also provided through SAIF scheme to a large number of researchers and students in the country to carry out research. 14.3 Apart from the above-mentioned three schemes, SAIF program has also helped to provide services of high-end analytical facilities to pursue the research activities by researchers. In the INSPIRE Program through its various components like Scholarship, Fellowship, etc. the augmentation of S&T human resources with the pool of talented students has been created to take care future research activities in the country. 14.4 At present, there are 17 Nos. Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility (SAIF) Centres at various places in the country and these are being supported by the Department of Science and Technology. 14.5 When the Committee desired to know the qualitative and quantitative progress taken place against increase in R&D medium term target, the following information was furnished. Scheme Quantity Quality

R&D Infrastructure -FIST Program 265 Departments It identified through competitive including PG colleges process based on their R&D outputs of -PURSE Program 40 Universities awarding support to a Department / -SAIF Program 17 SAIF Centres University / PG -Colleges INSPIRE Program, Number of Students Top 1% in the Board examination at -Internship ~ 25000 Class X, Class XII, 1st Rank holder at -Scholarship ~ 53000 PG level indicate the quality of students -Fellowship ~ 4100 being nurtured under these components -Faculty ~ 1000 14.6 Degradation in quality of university research Degradation in quality of University research has also been another area of concern. Replying to the query of the Committee about the steps taken to rejuvenate the quality of university research, the Department informed that the DST is also implementing the scheme titled “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)” through its various components improving university research. In components like INSPIRE Scholarship, INSPIRE Fellowship and INSPIRE Faculty, it identifies large number of bright students like top 1% of at the +2 examination of different education Boards for pursuing study in Science at BSc and MSc level for INSPIRE scholarship, 1st Rank holder in MSc / M.Tech at university level examination to pursue research for doctoral degree in INSPIRE Fellowship and INSPIRE Faculty for preparing independent leadership in research and nurtures them at every stage by way of providing scholarships / fellowships to them. This improves the quality of teaching and research by having very bright students in higher education sector starting from undergraduate to post-PhD level. 14.7 Low number of Ph.Ds in Sciences and Mathematics. Another pressing concern in this field low no. of Ph.Ds in Sciences and Mathematics. The Chairman of the Committee raised this issue during the Demands for Grants meeting asking about the trend in last one decade for Ph.Ds in these fields. In response thereto, the Department has informed that except for year 2009-10, the number of Ph.Ds have been increasing every year since 2006. The Department has furnished the following table based on information provided by University Grant Commission to support their conclusion. Trend in of PhDs in science & mathematics Source: University Grants Commission (UGC) Discipline 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 Science & 4605 4915 5165 4619 5271 6334 6641 7018 7617 8334 Mathematics 14.8 The Department has further informed that to further boost the number of students doing PhD in STEMM, the Science & Engineering research Board have well established schemes. They have increased the number of projects supported under Extra Mural Research. Funding Schemes such Core Research Grant (CRG) and Early Career Research Award (ECRA) has been increased substantially in the last three years. Since these projects essentially include manpower positions, a substantial number of Ph.Ds. are emanated from these projects. 14.9 The Committee takes note of Department's initiative for transformation of research undertaken in the universities and improvement in performance based on the Hirsch index in their contribution to research and publications. The Committee also notes the increase in funding by SERB and programmes like FIST, PURSE, SAIF and INSPIRE which are helping in improvement of research in the universities. 14.10 However, despite the achievements cited by the Department, the Committee finds that situation at the ground level i.e. in underdeveloped States and backward areas of the country has not improved very much. Most of the quality research is being done in Universities located in the major Centres of the country. Our Universities and colleges should ideally do both teaching and research but unfortunately in India the task of research has been handed over to the Research Institutions and National Laboratories and number of such Research Institutes is increasing with every passing year. As per an estimate, only 15-20% of Indian universities and colleges are doing both research and teaching, remaining are doing teaching only. 14.11 The Committee is, therefore, of the view that Department still have to put in tremendous efforts to make the quality of teaching and research in our Universities at par with the best in the world. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department should provide sustained focus on the quality of teaching and research in our Universities and Higher educational Institutions. 15. INCREASING THE NUMBER OF PATENTS 15.1 One of the major challenges faced by India in the field of Intellectual Property Rights has been the challenge of strengthening the domestic patent system. Economic Survey 2018-19 observes that while India’s patent applications and grants have grown rapidly in foreign jurisdictions; the same is not true at home. Residential applications have increased substantially since India joined the international patent regime in 2005. Economic Survey 2018-19 further observes that the number of patents granted fell sharply post 2008 and has remained low While Indian residents were granted over 5000 patents in foreign offices in 2015, the number for resident filings in India was little over 800. As per the Survey, the decrease in grants could have been due to a stricter examination process but evidence suggests that there is a severe backlog and high rate of pendency for domestic patent applications. 15.2 When the Committee desired to know about India's performance in patenting in the last 5 years, it was informed by the Department that according to the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, patent applications at Indian Patent Office (IPO) increased from 39,400 in 2010-11 to 46,904 in 2015-16. PATENT Applications during 2010-11 to 2015-16 (Number) Year 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 India 8312 8921 9911 10941 12071 13066

Foreigners Resident abroad 31088 34276 33763 32010 30692 33838 Total 39400 43197 43674 42951 42763 46904 15.3 As per the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) statistics, India registered 45,658 patents applications in comparison to China (1,101,864) and USA (589,410). In terms of R&D Expenditure (GERD in PPP$) China and US expenditure is in 12 digit whereas in India and Korea it is in 11 digit, but Korea it is 1.5 times more than India. Patent filing data by residents of China and US are within the range of 2 to 3 lakhs patents (excluding utility patents and design patents). In Republic of Korea total researchers are about 3.5 lakhs and domestic patent filing is 1.63 lakhs including petty patents. 15.4 When the Committee desired to know about the reasons behind low number of patents filed by Indians compared to their western counterparts, it was informed by the Department that the main reason for less number of patent applications filing are lack of awareness on patent system, its benefits among individuals, academic institutions and industry apart from low spending on research and development by private sector. As per Economic Survey 2018-19, main reason for less patent filing is less number of R&D manpower and expenditure on R&D in India as compared to these countries. As per UNESCO, data on S&T comparative data for number of researchers shows that in the US and China, R&D manpower is more than 12 lakhs whereas in India is R&D Manpower 2.82 lakhs (latest data available NSTMIS DST 2017-18 for India). 15.5 The Department accepts that patent filling trend by resident and non-residents also show that fewer patents per capita are done by Indians. One out of 45658 Indians take patent in comparison to China (1101,864), USA (5,89,419) and Republic of Korea (213694) which reflects India's not so good standing in technology. Intellectual property right :Patent in 2016 Indicator :1 - Total patent applications (direct and PCT national phase entries) Office Origin Numbers China Resident 1204981 China Non-Resident 133522 India Resident 13199 India Non-Resident 31858 Republic of Korea Resident 163,424 Republic of Korea Non-Resident 45,406 United States of Resident 295327 America United States of Non-Resident 310244 America Source: WIPO statistics database. Accessed by DST on February 13, 2018 15.6 The Department has informed that number of more than 11 lakhs patent claimed by China can be referred to total in 3 categories, (i) Patents, (ii) Utility Patents (petty patents means protection on novelty only, inventiveness is not examined, in other words mere workshop improvements, duration of protection is also half the patents only 10 years); and (iii) Design Patents all are is in almost equal numbers. Korean data also consist of both patents and utility patents, and US data consist of design patents and plant patents. In India, there is no system of utility patents. Parallel to design patents in India there is a separate system called Industrial Design Registration and for plant there is separate system of registration of plant varieties, those numbers are not counted as patents, and hence comparison is giving distorted picture through data of these three countries. 15.7 When the Committee desired to know the steps taken to address the issue of lack of Intellectual Property Rights and patent awareness in India which is responsible for less patent filing, the Department has informed that in order to address this problem, DST is strengthening the patent awareness and facilitating mechanism at Centre and State level in addition to Patent Facilitating Centre functioning at Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) and 26 Patent Information Centers in 26 states with more support and capacity building. To create patent professionals in India, DST is also giving one year training on patent and IPR to about 100 plus women scientists/per year to enhance the pool of patent professionals with. 15.8 As per Economic Survey 2018-19, due to manpower shortage there is a backlog of almost 2 lakh patents pending examination. In 2016-2017, there were only 132 examiners for all patent applications in India. This has meant that patent examination and granting can take 5 or more years. Given the rapid rate of technological obsolescence, the inordinate delays in processing patents penalize innovation and innovators within the country. It was also informed that Government recently hired over 450 additional patent examiners which will help in creation of an expedited filing system for Indian residents in 2017. 15.9 The Committee takes note of the steps taken up by the Department for strengthening patent system such recruitment of patent examiners and training modules. The Committee feels that having addressed issues on the patent filing side, addressing patent litigation issues will also be crucial to ensure that the patent system effectively rewards innovation. The Committee finds that there is a lack of awareness about patent filing and backlog in granting patents in India. Pendency rate in granting patent is also very high. The Department needs to spread awareness about importance of patenting to secure knowledge in the globalised world. 15.10 The Committee expresses its concern about low number of patents filed within India and is of the view that Department not only needs to spread awareness about patenting but also help create patent professionals. The Committee also finds that there is a huge gap between the demand and supply of expert human resource in the field of intellectual property management in India. 15.11 The Committee, therefore, is of the view that setup like Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) of the DST should be made "Centre of Excellence" and be provided necessary infrastructure and support in providing specialised IPR training to staff of Patent offices. The Committee commends efforts of the TIFAC for providing one year training on patent and IPR but feels that there is still dearth of skilled manpower in the field Intellectual Property Rights/Patents. The Committee, therefore, recommends the Department not only to impart training to more people but also encourage universities to introduce short and medium term courses for training in patenting particularly in bio-sciences and biotechnology. 16. INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ASTROPHYSICS 16.1 Established in 1971, Indian Institute of Astrophysics is an autonomous institution of the Department of Science & Technology. The broad objectives of the Institute are to promote, guide and conduct research in all branches of Astrophysics and allied topics. The Institute undertakes research in the areas of Sun and Solar System, Stars and Stellar Systems, interstellar medium and galaxies and related physics, through theoretical, computational, observational and experimental techniques. The observing facilities established during 2012-17 at Hanle, Kavalur, Gauribidanur and Kodaikanal are well utilised by the researchers. Many landmark achievements have emerged from various research activities of the Institute. IIA is the lead Indian institute for implementing the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project in the international consortium comprising USA, Canada, India, China and Japan. Physical performance 16.2 On being asked about the achievements of the Institute, it has been informed the following some of the notable achievements of IIA in the last 5 years: (i) Completion of first prototyping of M1 Control System Elements (actuator, edge sensor and segment support assembly) for the Indian component of the Thirty Meter Telescope. (ii) The Visible Emission Line Coronograph payload, being designed for the ADITYA-L1 solar mission of ISRO, has cleared the Preliminary Design Reviews; prototype development has been initiated. (iii) Using the major optical telescopes of IIA, new variable astrophysical sources have been discovered in the globular cluster NGC 5904. Using high resolution spectra, detailed abundance analysis of four unexplored candidate post-Asymptotic Giant Branch stars have been done. Black hole masses of 24 sources have also been derived using observational data. (iv) A systematic study using observations from radio, optical, X-ray and gamma-ray bands has been carried out in order to understand the nature of a new class of gamma-ray emitting sources (NLSy1 galaxies). (v) Establishment of the world-class MGK Menon laboratory at CREST, Hosakote for integration and testing of space instrumentation. (vi) Setting up of the 1.3 m J.C. Bhattacharya Telescope at Kavalur. (vii) Delivery of the UV Imaging Telescope payload to ISRO (highest angular resolution telescope with a large field of view) for launch on ASTROSAT – has shown excellent in-orbit performance. Exciting new results obtained from high angular resolution imaging in UV astronomy – discovery of multi-star systems, clear evidence for new star formation in the vicinity of galaxy mergers and in clusters of galaxies. (viii) Completion of installation of the High-Resolution Spectrograph (HESP) as a new instrument for the Himalayan Chandra Telescope at Hanle, Ladakh; and (ix) Initiation of new optics fabrication and testing facility at Hosakote for the Thirty Meter Telescope project. 16.3 During its visit to Indian Institute of Astrophysics in January, 2018, the representatives of IIA informed the Committee that prototypes of critical subsystems like actuators, edge sensors and segment support assembly, have been developed with major involvement of Indian industry. Substantial progress is made on the development of the Visible Emission Line Coronograph, the major instrument on ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission as lead institution. The Committee was also informed that high-resolution UVIT payload on ASTROSAT delivered by IIA, was yielding excellent data revealing new details of young stars in stellar clusters, centers of galaxies and interacting galaxies. Financial performance 16.4 The Committee desired to know about the total grants-in-aid given to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in the last three years. In response thereto, the Committee was informed that IIA was allocated around Rs.55 crore as grants-in-aid in last three years on an average. The following table provides the details of grants-in-aid provided to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru during the last three years and the corresponding Expenditure figures: Financial Year Grants-in-aid Expenditure Utilization given (Rs. crores) (Rs. crores) 2014-15 50.73 54.52 107% 2015-16 55.89 54.04 97% 2016-17 57.51 55.51 97% 2017-18 (till 31.12.2017) 44.90 54.03 120% 16.5 The Committee desired to know about the financial constraints faced by Indian Institute of Astrophysics in achieving its goals in terms of funding and facilities. The Committee was informed that extramural competitive brands have been received by the Institute for various projects and contribution from Government funding agencies, Industry and other sources. In order to venture into newer areas of astrophysics the Institute needed to acquire new instruments and upgrade telescopes and also recruit world class faculty members. 16.6 The Committee appreciates the efforts of research scholars, faculty and the other authorities of Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The Committee also takes note of substantial progress taken place in building of important instruments of Aditya- L1 mission as lead institution. The Committee also recommends that IIA community should leave no stone unturned to strengthen their efforts and capabilities to reach greater heights in the frontier areas of Astrophysics and to initiate research in new areas of high energy physics and to reach the next level of performance and excellence. 16.7 The Committee is also happy to note that UV Imaging Telescope built by Indian Institute of Astrophysics is functioning well two years after its launch with the ASTROSAT Satellite. The Committee also takes note of excellent fund utilisation by the IIA in last three years and recommends that Department of Science and Technology should make sure that the Institute does not face any financial hindrance in undertaking its Research. 17. SURVEY OF INDIA 17.1 Survey of India, the national survey and mapping organisation of the country under the Department of Science & Technology, is the oldest organisation of Government of India, set up in 1767. As the Nation’s principal mapping agency, SoI bears special responsibility to ensure that the country’s domain is explored and mapped suitably to provide base maps for expeditious and integrated development and that all resources contribute their full measure to the progress, prosperity and security of our country now and for generations to come. The Department is undertaking infrastructure modernization and technical skill development of Survey of India (SoI) and National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO) under the programme “Modernization of Mapping Organizations”. 17.2 The Committee also finds that Survey of India also acts as adviser to the Government of India on all survey matters, viz. Geodesy, photogrammetry, Mapping and Map Reproduction. The main duties and responsibilities of the Survey of India are enumerated below:  All Geodetic Control (Horizontal and Vertical) and Geodetic and Geophysical surveys.  All Topographical Control, Surveys and Mapping within India.  Mapping and Production of Geographical Maps and Aeronautical Charts.  Surveys for Developmental Projects.  Survey of Forests, Cantonments, large scale city surveys, guide maps, cadastral surveys etc.  Survey and Mapping of special maps.  Spellings of Geographical names.  Demarcation of the External Boundaries of the Republic of India, their depiction on maps published in the country and also advice on the demarcation of inter-state boundaries.  Training of officers and staff required for the Department, trainees from Central Government Departments and States and trainees from Foreign Countries as are sponsored by the Government of India.  Research and Development in Cartography, Printing, Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Topographical Surveys and Indigenisation.  Prediction of tides at 44 ports including 14 foreign ports and publication of Tide Tables one year in advance to support navigational activities.  Scrutiny and Certification of external boundaries of India and Coastline on maps published by the other agencies including private publishers. 17.3 The Department has informed that it has initiated certain schemes and measures for modernization of mapping organisation which are as follows: (i) Formation of Geospatial Data set for National Geospatial Information System (NGIS) (ii) Redefinition of India Vertical Datum (iii) Creation of National Topographical Database on 1:10,000 scale and (iv) Modernization of Tidal Gauge Network 17.4 So far as the budgetary allocations are concerned, approved outlay for Survey of India programme in 2017-18 was Rs.400.47 crore. The details of Budget allocation, Revised Estimates 2017-18 and Actual expenditure as on 31st January, 2018 are given in the following table: (Rs. In crore) Head BE 2017-18 RE 2017-18 Actual Expenditure (as on 31st January, 2018) Revenue 390.89 393.10 317.44 Capital 9.58 12.58 3.80 Total 400.47 405.68 321.25

17.5 Approved BE allocation 2017-18 for Survey of India was Rs. 400.47 cr. It is also clear from the aforementioned table that the Department has been allocated Rs.405.68 crore at RE 2017-18 and out of allocated amount it has been able to utilise only Rs. 321.25 crore by 31st January, 2018. Particularly in the capital section, the Department utilised only Rs. 3.80 cr. allocated under the programme by 31st January, 2018 out of the RE allocation of Rs. 12.58 by 31.01.2018. 17.6 When the Committee desired to know about the progress made for modernization & upgradation of infrastructure and technical capabilities, it was informed that Survey of India proposed to upgrade national topographic database using high resolution satellite imaging, field instruments and equipment in all SoI offices are proposed to be upgraded for this purpose. Further, it is proposed to connect all SoI offices though e-platform for efficient exchange and compilation of information. 17.7 The Committee desired to know about the objectives of newly launched Nakshe Portal, in response thereto, it was informed that objectives of Nakshe Portal are to provide direct access (i) Direct access to the any citizen for all topographical maps of the country using Aaadhar number, (ii) Free of cost maps delivery to any citizen in pdf, easy to view as pdf viewer are freely available, (iii) Direct access to such authoritative maps of the country on medium, scale to any citizen will bring transparency and would facilitate developmental activities at lowest administrative levels. 17.8 The Committee is aware that Survey of India had started the task of its modernisation in Twelfth Five year Plan. However, it could not complete the same by 2017. The Committee while taking note of launching of 'Nakshe' portal and Geo- portal initiative of Survey of India hopes that task of modernisation of India's oldest organisation will be completed on priority basis. 18. EFFORTS TO ARREST BRAIN-DRAIN 18.1 The Committee desired to know about the details of efforts being made by the Department for arrest brain-drain the country. The Department informed that it had taken several steps to contain and reduce brain-drain. The schemes / programmes are designed to identify promising researchers with innovative ideas and provide them with training and research opportunities in niche areas of science and engineering. Offering attractive research fellowships, strengthening infrastructure for R&D etc. have created significant interest to scientists to undertake research in the country. Some of the notable programmes of the Department targeted at researchers especially young scientists include: Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), National Postdoctoral Fellowship (N-PDF), Early Career Research Award (ECRA) etc. These schemes provide a platform for young scientists to develop as independent researchers; and continue to perform research in the country. Ease of funding, speed of delivery, attractive fellowships etc. are brought into the system and provide propitious environment for doing quality and value added research in the country. 18.2 Informing about Ramanujan Fellowship, it was stated by the Department that Ramanujan Fellowship is targeted scheme aimed to attract highly skilled researchers Indian nationals working overseas by providing them attractive avenue to pursue their R&D interests in Indian institutions. Impact of scheme was evaluated by a Search and Selection Committee and it was observed that the scheme had served its aim of providing a good re-entry opportunity for the recipients. The awarded fellows published a number of research articles on their scientific investigations in peer reviewed reputed journals of high impact factor. The age profile of the Ramanujan Fellows indicates that the vast majority of the Fellows are in the early-career stage. Majority of the Ramanujan fellows are absorbed by the Indian S&T system through permanent positions within a period of five years. The year-wise numbers of scientists returned to India through the Fellowship were 55, 8, 40, 34, and 39 in the last five years (2012-2017). 18.3 In addition to this, Scientific & Engineering Research Board also started 3 schemes since 2017-18, namely Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme (VAJRA), overseas visiting Doctoral Programme Fellowship and Inspire Faculty scheme. 18.4 Informing about the VAJRA Scheme, it was stated that VAJRA Faculty Scheme is aimed to bring overseas scientists and academicians including NRI and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) to India to work as adjunct / visiting faculty for a specific period of time in public funded academic and research institutions. The residency period of VAJRA Faculty in the host institution would be for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 3 months every year. In the first round of selection, a total of 43 foreign faculties including NRIs and OCIs have been recommended for undertaking research visits for collaborative research in our Academic and Research Institutions. 18.5 Overseas Visiting Doctoral Programme (OVDF) has been instituted for enhancing the international mobility of Indian research students which has the potential to create a talented pool of globally trained manpower. This scheme offers opportunities for PhD students admitted in the Indian institutions for gaining exposure and training in overseas universities / institutions of repute and areas of importance to country for period up to 12 months during their doctoral research. The selected fellows will be paid a monthly fellowship amount equivalent to US $ 2000, one-time Contingency / Preparatory allowances of Rs. 60,000/- to cover visa fee, airport transfer charges, medical insurance, etc. 18.6 Lastly, INSPIRE Faculty scheme which is the last component of Innovation of Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE). INSPIRE scheme is aimed at arresting the migration of researchers from India to abroad right after their PhD degree. When the Committee desired to know the impact of the scheme it was informed that in last five years 415 out of 1044 candidates had received INSPIRE Faculty scheme to migrate from abroad to India to pursue independent research at various Host Institutions in the country as a case of brain-gain. The year-wise details are as follows:- Year of offer Total number of INSPIRE Number of students from abroad Faculty offer 2012-13 196 70 2013-14 203 104 Year of offer Total number of INSPIRE Number of students from abroad Faculty offer 2014-15 205 86 2015-16 231 78 2016-17 209 77 Total 1044 415 (39.70%) 18.7 The Committee takes note of the schemes run by the Department that have resulted in arresting brain-drain of accomplished scientists particularly National Post-doctoral Fellowship, INSPIRE and Early Career Research Scheme. The Committee also notes that through Visiting Advanced Joint Research Scheme, Overseas Visiting Doctoral Programme and Ramanujan fellowship the Department is trying bring our best minds back. The Committee hopes that these initiatives will create conducive environment for doing research in the country at par with international standards and yield desired results.

19. KIRAN PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN 19.1 Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) was launched in 2014-15. KIRAN consolidates all women-centric programmes into a holistic scheme that promotes gender equality, empowers women with S&T inputs to develop and adapt appropriate technology, enables transfer of proven technologies and demonstration of live technology models and supports /encourages women scientists constrained with a break in their career to return to mainstream science. 19.2 The Department has informed that KIRAN tries to address various issues related with women scientists (e.g. unemployment, relocation etc.), provide opportunities in research, entrepreneurship, science communication, technology development/demonstration and self employment etc. & Support research infrastructure development through its schemes namely CURIE and WTP. The Department has also informed that financial target of KIRAN for women scheme has also been achieved and about 90% of budgetary allocation has been utilized till 31st January, 2018 and remaining 10% will be achieved by 31st March 2018. 19.3 The physical targets of 2017-18 for KIRAN Scheme have been successfully achieved. Total 522 Women Scientists have been supported under Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) under its three components viz. WOS-A, WOS-B and WOS-C. One new women-only University is recommended for budgetary support under CURIE (Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities) and support has also been extended to another existing beneficiary women- only university for 2nd Phase of CURIE. One new program has also been launched during 2017-18 under KIRAN, namely Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics & Medicine). 19.4 The Committee desired to know as to what extent KIRAN for woman has been able to deal with mobility issues of women scientists and efforts that have been made to enhance its outreach to all parts of the country. In response thereto, it was informed by the Department that under KIRAN Scheme of DST, 468 Women Scientists & Technologists have been supported through three components of Women Scientists Scheme (WOS). During the year 2017-18, to bring back to mainstream women who had a break in career, budgetary support was sanctioned for 309 in WOS-A, 56 in WOS-B and 103 in WOS-C were during 2017-18. In addition, one more women-only university was added to the existing six women-only universities who are getting budgetary support under CURIE (Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities) for strengthening their Research and Development capacity and capability. Further, various components of KIRAN are now online and all the important information about these is placed on the website of DST and well covered through social media as well. First call under the Mobility component of KIRAN was also made in 2017-18. 19.5 As regards, evolving policy framework and facilitate DST in addressing issues specific to women in Science and Technology domain, it was informed that a Standing Committee for Women in Science, comprising of eminent persons from academia as well as practitioners too has been constituted in 2015-16, which has met twice and made several recommendations which are under consideration. 19.6 The Committee notes that there is a very small share of the women in the scientific R&D in the country. The Committee feels that the Department and various institutes under it should also be forthcoming in recruiting more female researchers and scientists into their organisation. While taking note of steady increase in number of women scientists being supported under different schemes, the Committee feels that the number is still trifling. The Committee feels that the 'KIRAN' for women should not only iron out the problems and difficulties but also empower women scientists to pursue a career in scientific research and also augmenting the women pool of scientists in the country. The Committee also takes note of setting up of Standing Committee for women in Science in the Department and hopes that its recommendations will be executed in letter and spirit. 20. NODAL DEPARTMENT FOR DOING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS AND MEDICINE (STEMM) RESEARCH 20.1 The Committee also observes duplication of same research efforts in different Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) Ministries/Departments. For instance, both Department of Science & Technology and CSIR of Department of Scientific & Industrial Research have developed milk adulteration testing kits. 20.2 The Committee during the Demands for Grants meeting held on 12th February, 2018 raised this issue of the mechanism of co-ordination with other scientific Departments to avoid overlap of research projects with the Department. In response thereto, the Department replied that it has a well-established mechanism to manage R&D with close coordination with other Scientific Departments. The Department has made attempts to have the representation of other scientific departments in the evaluation committees, especially, for high value research programmes. The scientists of the Department are also take part in many of the decision-making committees of other Departments. Many of the members of the Peer Review Committees of the Department also serve in the Peer Committees of other Departments. These measures ensure sharing of know how amongst the various other departments involved in research work, and help the Department to ensure co-ordination in research and to avoid overlap in research and optimum utilization of resources. 20.3 However, despite this Co-ordination peer Committees claims made by Department, the Committee finds that many Ministries/Departments have overlap of research. For instance, Department of Science & Technology, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Department of Atomic Energy and Ministry of Earth Sciences have developed technology for desalination of water. Similarly, electronic machine for checking blood pressure has been developed by many Departments. Ministry of Earth Sciences gives advisory to the fishermen through its NAVIC service of Department of Space about cyclone /Tsunami, provides advisory to the fishermen, potential fishery zone and helps in tracking of ships. However, the Committee finds that Air Port Authority of India has in collaboration with ISRO has also developed an application named GAGAN which also helps to reach the OSF, potential fishery zone and provides Tsunami warnings to the fishers folks/mariners at sea through GAGAN satellite system in tracking of ships. The Committee during examination of the Demands for Grants came across that both NAVIC and GAGAN provide almost alike services to fishermen/mariners. Overall, the Committee finds that co-ordination amongst the STEMM Ministries is somewhere lacking . 20.4 Another problem is that products/technologies developed by the Ministries/Departments are not getting commercialised. There is a small number of scale up products available of the technologies developed in the market. The Committee is of the view that technology lying in the labyrinth of the laboratories is malingerer and its success lies in application for benefit of the humanity. 20.5 The Committee also feels that an effective Co-ordination mechanism amongst the Scientific Ministries/Departments is needed in order to ensure that laboratories and Institutes are integrated seamlessly and required facilities for commercialisation is provided. The Committee, therefore, recommends that Department of Science & Technology may co-ordinate in formulating an action plan with the scientific Ministries/Departments in this regard and the Department of Science & Technology, being the Department responsible for science policy formulation in the Ministry of Science & Technology, may be made nodal department for this purpose.