The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently uploaded a draft of the 5th National Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) on its website. This new policy will serve as a replacement for the Science Technology and Innovation Policy of 2013.
Objective of the Policy
The primary aim of the STIP is to stimulate groundbreaking changes by implementing short, medium, and long-term mission mode projects. It strives to foster an environment that encourages research and innovation among both individuals and organizations. In addition, it seeks to identify and address the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian Science Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem, thereby catalyzing the socio-economic development of the country and enhancing its global competitiveness.
Equity and Inclusion in STIP
There are significant provisions in the policy related to equity and inclusion. For instance, it proposes that women should have at least 30% representation in all decision-making bodies. Furthermore, it suggests providing “spousal benefits” to partners of scientists from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) community. The policy also emphasizes the importance of including the LGBTQ+ community in discussions about gender equity, and advocates for the safeguarding of their rights.
Child and Elderly Care
Another crucial aspect of the policy is its focus on child and elderly care. It proposes making child-care benefits gender-neutral and offering flexible work timings and sufficient parental leave to cater to maternity, childbirth, and child care. Moreover, it recommends that all publicly-funded research institutions and universities should provide day-care centres for employees’ children and incorporate provisions for elderly care.
Provisions for Disabled
The policy also addresses the needs of people with disabilities. It calls for “structural and cultural changes” in all publicly-funded scientific institutions to support their inclusion.
Other Provisions
Other notable proposals include considering an individual’s “academic age” rather than biological age in relation to selection, promotion, awards, or grants. It also suggests removing the prohibition of married couples working in the same department or laboratory.
Open Science Policy (One Nation, One Subscription)
Promoting the accessibility of scientific knowledge and data, the government proposes to buy bulk subscriptions of all crucial scientific journals worldwide and grant free access to everyone in India. It aims to establish a Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory to act as a central repository for all data generated from scientific research in the country.
Research and Education
The establishment of Education Research Centres (ERCs) and Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) is proposed to provide research inputs to policymakers and engage stakeholders. Research and Innovation Excellence Frameworks (RIEF) will be developed to enhance research quality and promote stakeholder engagements. Also, a dedicated portal, the Indian Science and Technology Archive of Research (INDSTA), will be set up to provide access to publicly-funded research outputs.
Strengthening India’s Strategic Position
The policy aims to position India among the top three scientific superpowers in the next decade by achieving technological self-reliance. It sets a goal to double the number of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researchers, Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD), and private sector contribution to the GERD every five years. The establishment of a Strategic Technology Board, bridging all strategic government departments to monitor and recommend technologies, is also suggested.
Last Modified: February 10, 2024