India’s Budget Boosts Research and Innovation Funding

The 2025 Union Budget of India has made commitment to research and innovation. It earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This funding aims to enhance private sector research, particularly in deeptech and emerging sectors. The budget aligns with national missions in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and nuclear energy.

Funding for Research and Development

The dedicated Rs 20,000 crore fund is part of a larger Rs 1 lakh crore initiative announced in 2024. This initiative aims to strengthen research and development in the private sector. The DST will oversee the fund’s allocation. This funding is expected to create strategic autonomy in key technology sectors.

National Geospatial Mission

The government has launched the National Geospatial Mission with a budget of Rs 100 crore for 2025-2026. This mission aims to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure. It supports the National Geospatial Policy 2022, which aims to make India a leader in geospatial data access and usage.

Advancements in Biotechnology

The budget reflects a strong commitment to biotechnology. An allocation of Rs 3,446.64 crore marks a 51.45% increase from the previous year. The ‘Bio-RIDE’ scheme will promote bio-entrepreneurship and innovation. This will help accelerate advancements in areas like gene editing and sustainable agriculture.

Support for Startups and Private Sector

The budget expands the Small Industries Development Bank of India Fund for Startups with an additional Rs 10,000 crore. This aims to enhance the deeptech ecosystem. Startups in biotechnology, AI, and space technology are expected to benefit from this funding.

Focus on Clean Energy and Nuclear Power

The budget includes ambitious plans for nuclear energy. The goal is to increase nuclear power generation to 100 GWe by 2047. The introduction of small modular reactors (SMRs) will play important role in this transition. Private sector participation is now welcomed in the nuclear sector.

Challenges in Scientific Research Funding

Despite the budget’s positive aspects, experts express concerns about the low allocation for basic scientific research. The National Education Policy recommends 6% of GDP for education, but current allocations fall short. Critics argue that curiosity-driven research is being overshadowed by mission-oriented funding.

Integration of Science and Technology in Education

The budget aims to integrate science and technology into education. Initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs and Centres of Excellence in AI are part of this effort. However, there are concerns about the adequacy of support for universities and the quality of education.

Public-Private Partnerships

The budget emphasises public-private partnerships in science and technology. Collaboration between industry and academia is expected to encourage innovation. This approach aims to enhance India’s competitiveness in various sectors, including healthcare and agriculture.

Emerging Missions and Initiatives

Several missions announced in the budget, such as the Aroma and Floriculture Missions, align with agricultural initiatives. These missions aim to boost farmer incomes and promote sustainable practices. The Green Hydrogen Mission supports the transition to clean energy.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the role of public-private partnerships in advancing India’s technological innovation.
2. Critically examine the implications of low funding for basic scientific research on India’s long-term development.
3. What are small modular reactors? How do they contribute to India’s nuclear energy goals?
4. Explain the significance of the National Geospatial Mission. How can it impact various sectors in India?

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the role of public-private partnerships in advancing India’s technological innovation.

1. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) leverage resources and expertise from both sectors to encourage innovation.
2. They enhance collaboration between academia, industry, and government, driving research and development efforts.
3. PPPs can lead to faster commercialization of technologies, benefiting startups and established companies alike.
4. These partnerships can address funding gaps and reduce risks associated with research and innovation projects.
5. Successful examples in sectors like healthcare and clean energy demonstrate the potential of PPPs in India.

2. Critically examine the implications of low funding for basic scientific research on India’s long-term development.

1. Low funding hampers the progress of fundamental research, which is crucial for innovation and technological advancements.
2. It may lead to a reliance on foreign research, affecting self-sufficiency and strategic autonomy in critical sectors.
3. Reduced investment in basic science limits the development of a skilled workforce and future scientists.
4. Curiosity-driven research, essential for breakthroughs, may be overshadowed by mission-oriented funding priorities.
5. Long-term development goals may be compromised, affecting India’s global competitiveness in science and technology.

3. What are small modular reactors? How do they contribute to India’s nuclear energy goals?

1. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are nuclear reactors with a power capacity of 300 MWe or less.
2. They are designed to be built in factories and transported to sites, reducing construction costs and time.
3. SMRs enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
4. They can support India’s goal of increasing nuclear power generation to 100 GWe by 2047.
5. Private sector participation in SMR development can accelerate innovation and investment in nuclear technology.

4. Explain the significance of the National Geospatial Mission. How can it impact various sectors in India?

1. The National Geospatial Mission aims to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data access.
2. It supports the National Geospatial Policy 2022, promoting efficient use of geospatial data across sectors.
3. Enhanced geospatial capabilities can improve urban planning, disaster management, and infrastructure development.
4. It encourages innovation in agriculture, healthcare, and transportation by enabling data-driven decision-making.
5. India can emerge as a global leader in the geospatial sector, boosting economic growth and job creation.