The NITI Aayog in 2025 proposed major changes to the funding and functioning of State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils. These councils have played a key role since the 1970s in decentralising scientific governance to meet state-specific needs. The new report titled ‘Roadmap for Strengthening State Science and Technology Councils’ suggests shifting from core grant support to project-based funding by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This aims to improve efficiency and align research with evolving demands.
Role and Funding of State S&T Councils
State S&T Councils support scientific research, innovation, patent filing and policy advice at the state level. They receive funding mainly from state governments with minimal central grants. For example, Gujarat’s council had a ₹300 crore budget in 2023-24 but only ₹1.07 crore came from the Centre. Kerala’s council had zero central funding despite a ₹150 crore budget. This shows the limited financial role of the Centre in state-level science.
Challenges Faced by State Councils
State Councils struggle to keep pace with rapid changes in research and development. Most scientific output in India still comes from centrally funded institutions. Councils face difficulties in attracting project-based grants from various central ministries. Over-reliance on fixed core grants limits their flexibility. Regional disparities in funding also hinder balanced scientific growth across states.
Budget Trends and Regional Imbalances
Between 2023 and 2025, total state funding for S&T councils rose by 17.65%. States like Kerala (₹173.34 crore), Haryana (₹130 crore), and Uttar Pradesh (₹140 crore) increased allocations. Maharashtra’s budget surged by 130%. Conversely, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand faced budget cuts. These uneven trends risk neglecting scientific infrastructure in some regions.
Recommendations for Strengthening Councils
The report advises DST to reduce core grants and focus on project-based funding. Councils should improve governance and link more closely with local industries and public sector units. It encourages directing resources to state universities rather than central research institutes. This would nurture local talent and innovation tailored to state needs. Greater efforts are needed to tap diverse central funding sources.
Significance for India’s Scientific Ecosystem
State S&T Councils can play a major role in accelerating India’s scientific progress through collective efforts with central institutions. Reforming their funding and governance can help them better contribute to research productivity. Addressing regional imbalances and encouraging industry linkages will strengthen the national innovation system.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of State Science and Technology Councils in India’s scientific development and the challenges they face.
- Explain the impact of regional disparities in science funding on balanced socio-economic growth with suitable examples.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of project-based funding versus core grants in public scientific research? How can governance reforms improve research outcomes?
- Comment on the importance of decentralised scientific governance in India and its implications for innovation and industrial development.
