(a) whether the Government has enhanced its investments in Genome research and other Life Sciences research;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether India’s spending on research and development as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product is far below as compared to other developing countries;and
(d) if so, the steps taken to enhance the funding for such researches?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.59 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.10.2008 REGARDING GENOME AND LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCHN
(a) & (b) Yes Sir.The life sciences research including genome research is largely supported by the Department of
Biotechnology.Besides,Department of Science & Technology,Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of Ministry of
Science & Technology,Indian Council of Agriculture Research and Indian Council of Medical Research also support genomic
research in life sciences.The total expenditure incurred during the 10th Plan (2002-2007) amounting to Rs.2151.56 crores has
been enhanced by 3.5 times during 11th Plan(2007-2012) with a total allocation of Rs.7589.00 crores for promotion of life
sciences research,education and technology development.Similarly,for genomic research,compared to 10th Plan expenditure of
about Rs.250.00 crores,during the 11th Plan an allocation of Rs.1077.00 crores has been made by the Government.
(c) During 11th Plan,Government has enhanced allocation for Scientific Departments to Rs.75304.00 crores from Rs.25301.35
crores during 10th Plan.However,according to the available official statistics,the expenditure in India on Research and
Development (R&D) in terms of percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is lower compared to that of a few developing
countries such as China,but it is higher compared to several other developing countries like Argentina,Brazil,Egypt and
Sri Lanka.The R&D expenditure as percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the year 2005-06 was around 0.88%.
(d) The Government has taken various measures to increase the expenditure on Science & Technology in the Country.These
measures include higher allocation to scientific research from Plan to Plan for setting up of new institutions for science
education and research; creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging frontline areas in academic and
national institutes;introduction of new and attractive fellowships and incentives;strengthening infrastructure for R&D in
universities;encouraging public-private R&D partnerships;and instituting national awards and academic chairs for recognizing
outstanding scientists.