CHAPTER XXVIII
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
S
cience and Technology (S&T) have always
been an integral part of Indian culture.
Natural philosophy, as it was termed in those
ancient times, was pursued vigorously at
institutions of higher learning. The Indian
Renaissance, which coincided with our independence
struggle, at the dawn of 1900s witnessed great strides
made by Indian scientists, who have left indelible
imprints on the world S&T scene.
This innate ability to perform creatively in
science came to be backed with an institutional setup and strong state support after the countryÕs
independence in 1947. Since then, the Government
of India has spared no effort to establish a modern
S&T infrastructure in the country. The Government
firmly believed that S&T would be the twin tools
that would help bring about social equality and
economic development to enable India join the
mainstream of world community. This conviction
was reflected in the Scientific Policy Resolution
(SPR) of 1958.
Several scientific departments were set up by
the Government of India with specific objectives.
These organizations at once met the immediate
social needs even as they allowed the country to
leap-frog into the modern high-tech world. The
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the
Department of Science and Technology (DST) and
the Department of Space (DOS) were among the
first S&T departments in the country with the Prime
Minister himself or herself taking the reins.
The DST, which was established in May, 1971,
has the important objective of promoting new areas
of science and technology and to be the nodal
department for coordinating those areas of science
and technology in which a number of institutions
and departments have interest and capabilities.
Thus, the DST has a unique role in promoting basic
research and technology development in the
country. The DST also assists in formulation of
policy statements and guidelines on S&T and has
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acted, till recently, as Secretariat to apex advisory
bodies of Government of India on S&T.
The DSTÕs success in promoting new areas of
S&T are best appreciated when one realizes that
several unique agencies and departments were formed
after hiving off promotional activities from DST after
their reaching a stage of criticality. The National
Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) (now transferred to
DOS, 1975), Department of Environment (1981),
Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (1982),
Department of Ocean Development (1981),
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
(1985) and Department of Biotechnology (1986) were
all, at one time, part of DSTÕs promotional activities.
While other S&T departments have focused
domains of activity, DSTÕs mandate is broader. It
draws upon the scientific strengths of a large number
of universities, other higher educational institutions,
national laboratories and even R&D laboratories in
the private sector and works towards the growth of
important emerging areas in S&T and their
application to economic and societal development,
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wherever possible. For taking the benefits of
scientific knowledge to the society at large, DST
interacts with socio-economic ministries and
these ministries are increasingly seeking advice
and active participation of DST in deciding
upon the S&T inputs required for their
programmes and activities.
Apart from this continuing process of
promoting new areas, networking institutions,
coordinating multi-institutional projects and
establishing specific infrastructure for S&T, DST
aids a number of high-quality autonomous
scientific research institutions specializing in
different areas -- ranging from medical research,
materials and earth sciences to astronomy.
Another major responsibility of DST, often
overlooked, is to provide scientific services to
the country at large. The India Meteorological
Department (IMD), an organization of DST,
regularly provides meteorological services to
the country as well as to the world community.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has
recognized IMD as one of the Regional Centres for
meteorology-related services. Mapping- and
cartography-related services are provided by the
Survey of India and the National Atlas & Thematic
Mapping Organization (NATMO).
The DST has also been assigned major responsibilities towards development and application of
indigenous technology. For this purpose, a fund for
Technology Development and Application has been
generated and, to administer the fund, the
Government has constituted the Technology
Development Board in 1996.
The DSTÕs mandate, role and responsibilities
are thus truly multi-dimensional and extremely
dynamic in nature. No wonder, extremely flexible
and multi-pronged approaches and instruments
have been used by DST in achieving its goals and
fulfilling its national responsibilities.
A brief resume of the activities and
achievements of DST are given below which reflect
the wide canvas on which it operates.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
S
cientific research, as a source of human knowledge, forms an integral part of the cultural
process. Historically, it has been nurtured by all civilized societies primarily for its cultural value. In contemporary society, however, promotion and pursuance of scientific research have also become the
means of survival and an economic necessity. Human society in coming years is going
to be increasingly technology-driven. Technology rides
on the back of basic R&D in
Science and Engineering and,
hence, scientific R&D will be
increasingly a driving force in
the health, wealth and
strength in the coming
decades. With the globalization of economies, it will be
impossible to guard our economic sovereignty unless we
are able to compete technologically. But, it is innovative
science which provides
insights and approaches to
development and helps leapfrog rather than follow the
trodden path and provides
the basis and understanding
of technology. It is, therefore,
of utmost importance to create a strong edifice of basic
research in science and engineering to guarantee the
long-term technological competitiveness of India.
The DST promotes
R&D in the emerging and
frontier areas of science and
engineering through the
Science & Engineering
Research Council (SERC).
The SERC is an apex body consisting of eminent
scientists from universities, national laboratories
and industry. The SERC provides support for
meeting the research needs of individual scientists,
establishment of core-groups and centres of
excellence and setting up of major national research
facilities. In addition, the Council supports training
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programmes for young scientists, organization of
summer/winter schools and so on.
Through the SERC initiatives, it has been
possible to promote and strengthen research in a
wide variety of areas like structural and reproductive
biology, plant physiology genetic engineering and
biotechnology, neurobiology, animal behaviour, laser
spectroscopy, condensed matter physics, solid state
chemistry, organic chemistry, technical acoustics,
robotics and manufacturing, geotechnical
Top: A cross-circuit wind tunnel facility at IIT,
Kanpur ;
Bottom: A geo-technical centrifuge facility at IIT,
Mumbai, the main assembly.
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engineering, climate research etc. Several major
research projects, facilities and centres of excellence
have also been established recentlyÑNational
Centre for Computational Fluid Dynamics at Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai; Facility for
Technical Acoustics at Indian Institute of Science
(IISc), Bangalore; Facility for Laser Scanning
Confocal Microscope at Centre for Cellular and
Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, and
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi;
development of high resolution photoelectron
spectrometer at IISc, Bangalore; National Single
Crystal X-Ray Diffractometer Facility at University
of Hyderabad; development of PECVD based
process for amorphous silicon solar cells at IACS,
Kolkata; a cross circuit wind tunnel facility at IIT,
Kanpur ; a geo-technical centrifuge facility at IIT,
Mumbai ; Nonlinear Dynamics Unit at
Bharathidasan
University,
Tiruchirapalli;
development of an on-line UHV-STM facility at the
Nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi; and single
crystal X-ray diffractometer facility for
Macromolecular Crystallography at All India
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
Under Earth System Sciences, the programmes
taken up are -- the Monsoon and Tropical Climate
(MONTCLIM) Programme, Indian Climate Research
Programme (ICRP) and Bay of Bengal and Monsoon
Experiment (BOBMEX). Three Automatic Weather
Stations (AWS) and one permanent mountain
meteorological observatory at Gangotri glacier have
been established. Under the Seismicity Programme,
good infrastructure has been created at various
identified locations and laboratory facilities have
been established in different institutions. New
geographical areas like, the Delhi region, Peninsular
shield and the Bihar plains, have also been taken up
for carrying out integrated studies. Modern
seismological observatories have been set up at a
few selected locations in the North East region. A
programme on microzonation of mega cities has also
been initiated. A national initiative is being launched
to strengthen the seismic network in the country.
Top: Online UHV- Stm facility at the Nuclear Science
Centre, New Delhi;
Top right: A Crystal structure determined at the Single
Crystal Diffractometer Facility at AIIMS, New Delhi;
Right: A view of the production plant for a-Si solar
modules designed and fabricated indigenously at
IACS, Kolkata.
Recognizing the importance of R&D for the
growth of the Indian Drug Industry, a major
programme on Drugs and Pharmaceuticals has
been launched. The DST selectively supports
collaborative projects between industry and
research institute/university. Some important
projects have been: characterization of crystals of
biological macromolecules of medicinal and
industrial importance, strengthening of pharmacological testing facilities and identification of
immunomodulating potential of products and
extracts of natural origin.
Efforts to encourage young scientists have been
intensified. A Fast Track Scheme for supporting
research projects from young scientists below the
age of 35 years has been started. A new programme
of Swarnajayanti Fellowships has been launched to
mark the Golden Jubilee of Independence. This
fellowship is awarded to exceptionally creative
young scientists in the age group of 30-40 years to
pursue world-class research. About 20 persons have
been given these prestigious fellowships after a
rigorous selection. Another important initiative is
the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) which
has been launched with the active support of IISc,
Bangalore; IIT, Mumbai; AIIMS, New Delhi; and
PGIMER, Chandigarh. This is to encourage young
students, right from the school and undergraduate
level, to take up research as a career. A total of 120
students received these scholarships in 2001. Young
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Scientists (under the age of 35) are provided better
and disseminating vital S&T information for
opportunities of training in laboratories abroad in
decision-making at the national level. National
selected areas of science and engineering for periods
surveys have been carried out to collect information
ranging 3 to 12 months (BOYSCAST Programme).
on resources devoted to S&T activities in the
An Integrated Science Olympiad Programme,
country. As a result of such surveys, useful
covering Physics, Chemistry and Biology, is
documents related to R&D statistics at the national
currently on in collaboration with the DAE and the
level and in industry and a directory of extramural
Ministry of Human Resource Development. Indian
R&D projects have been brought out. These
teams have been performing very well in the
documents have been very well received by the
corresponding International Olympiads. A scheme
science community, both in India and abroad.
has been floated to utilize the expertise of scientists
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
retired from service to prepare monographs, books
hile underlining the need for research in basic
and treatises.
sciences, it is also necessary that R&D must
A scheme called ÔFund for Improvement of
have relevance for national priorities and goals.
S&T Infrastructure in Universities and Other
After all, this complementarity was envisioned in the
Higher Educational Institutions (FIST)Õ has been
Scientific Policy Resolution of
launched. It is meant to
1958. Above all, research
provide
infrastructural
should be geared to stimulate
facilities for basic research
HE NEW THING IN THE
economic growth and have a
and nurture a congenial
MODERN WORLD IS
practical base. The urgent
environment for promoting
need to develop techniques
R&D in emerging areas and
SCIENCE AND SCIENCE IS
that would assist in acceleratattracting fresh talent. On a
THE NEW HUMANISM.
ing the pace of industrial
competitive basis, the DST
D.S. KOTHARI
growth cannot be ignored, for
has so far identified 221
this has a direct bearing on the
departments/laboratories for
quality of life and economic well-being of the nation.
support under this scheme.
The DST has pursued its agenda of Technology
The existing Regional Sophisticated Instrument
Development
through
the
Technology
Centres (RSICs)/Sophisticated instruments facilities
Development Board (TDB) and Technology
(SIFs) located in various educational institutions and
Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council
research organizations are continuing to serve the
(TIFAC). A long-term Technology Forecasting
research needs for sophisticated analytical
exercise was conducted by TIFAC and Technology
instruments such as ICP, WMR, EPR, Mass
Vision 2020 documents have been brought out in
Spectrometer XRD, TEM and SEM among the
17 different areas.
scientists in the country. Several projects on
As a follow-up of Technology Vision 2020
development of instruments in the following areas
documents, TIFAC has embarked on several
were funded -- analytical, medical, environment
important projects in the ÔMission ModeÕ. The
monitoring and pollution control, food processing,
ÔMission ModeÕ was considered necessary because
testing and measuring, geo-scientific, agri-electronic,
of the overall complexity of technology proving and
textiles, leather instrumentation and sensors.
transfer, infrastructure support, inter-institutional
A National Science & Technology Management
linkages, development of market and orientation of
Information System (NSTMIS) has been set up with
government policies. It ensures that all critical
the responsibility of collecting, collating, analysing
W
T
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components fall in place in the end-to-end
chain leading to the final product or goal.
Among these Technology Vision 2020
Mission Projects are : Bihar Agricultural
Project; Eastern UP Agricultural Project;
Kancheepuram Agricultural Project;
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle
(IGCC) Project; and REACH. The Mission
REACH (Relevance and Excellence in
Achieving New Heights in Educational
Institutions) is aimed at creating Centres of
Excellence in selected departments of Science
& Engineering Colleges at par with the best
in the world to attract industries to solve
targeted problems in a time-bound manner.
Among the earlier mission mode
projects of TIFAC were: the Sugar
Technology Mission; the Fly Ash Mission;
and the Advanced Composite Mission.
The Sugar Technology Mission aims at
technological upgradation of plants to
accomplish cost-effectiveness of sugar
production, improvement in plant deficiency, quality of sugar, and energy saving.
Technology upgradation work has been
undertaken in 30 sugar factories. New
technologies which have been successfully
implemented include Separate Clarification
of Vacuum Filtrates, Use of Decanter
Centrifuge, Low Pressure Extraction System
and Thin Film Sulphur Burner for continuous
generation of SO2 to achieve satisfactory juice
clarification parameters.
The Advanced Composite Mission successfully
launched 20 projects, out of which six projects were
completed successfully and various products were
developed which included composite artificial
limbs, FRP gear case etc. Several major users have
become active partners recently and eight projects
have been launched which have direct relevance to
the Indian Railways.
The Fly Ash Mission made significant impact
on fly ash utilization, its safe disposal and services
Top: Low Pressure Extraction System (LPE) for
energy saving during sugarcane juice extraction
Bottom: Use of flyash bricks in World Bank office
building at Trebeni, West Bengal
associated with its management. The Fly Ash
Mission has so far undertaken 55 projects, of which
35 have been completed. The completed projects
have had significant multiplier effects. Due to
increased awareness, there has been a considerable
increase in fly ash utilization.
Under the Home Grown Technology (HGT)
Programme, several companies have successfully
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The first industry sponsored technology ÔMembrane
OxygeneratorÕ enters clinical trials prior to
commercial production.
developed pilot-scale technologies and started
commercial production immediately after the HGT
phase. These relate to natural dyes, rapid diagnostic
kits for cattle and poultry, farm animals and
domestic fowls, bio-adhesive for sutureless surgery.
Under the Technopreneur Promotion Programme
(TePP) started jointly by DST, DSIR, and TIFAC to
tap the vast innovative potential of Indian
innovators, several projects have been supported
which include development of zeolite based
Catalytic Converter, next generation Membrane
Oxygenerator etc.
A single-window Patent Facilitating Centre
(PFC) has been set-up in TIFAC to provide
comprehensive information related to patenting and
intellectual property and to provide facilities to
scientists and technologists on patents and, in
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general, to create awareness and understanding of
this area. The Patent Facilitating Centre (PFC) has
helped in filing over 72 patents. It has also helped in
conducting numerous patent searches and has
become a major focal-point for assistance to the
scientific community on all issues related to
Intellectual Property and Patenting.
As part of the IS-STAC mechanism, 12 Joint
Technology Projects have been launched in
collaboration with various socio-economic
Ministries. Significant among them are development
of Column Floatation Technology at Hindustan Zinc
Limited (HZL) for Ore Benefaction and Pilot
Enrichment Plant for Helium from Hydrothermal
Sources at SINP, Kolkata, supported by DST with
the Department of Mines and DAE, respectively.
The Government of India constituted the
Technology Development Board (TDB) in
September, 1996, to promote development and
commercialization of indigenous technology and
adaptation of imported technology for wider
application. The TDB has concluded 84 agreements
with commercial enterprises and three with other
agencies till end of March 2001. The total cost of
these projects was Rs.9,885 million including the
TDBÕs commitment of Rs.3,581 million by way of
loans, equity and grants. The sectors covered
include health and medicine, chemicals,
engineering, agriculture, and transport. The TDB
has instituted a National Award for successful
commercialization of an indigenous technology and
an other award for the successful commercialization
of a technology based product by a SSI unit. These
awards are presented on the Technology Day, i.e.
11th May every year.
S&T FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
S
&T has established its viability in terms of products, processes and development models that
have tremendous potential in changing the rural
economy and addressing the problems of our rural
people. A variety of technologies have been devel-
oped and replicated in both farm and non-farm sectors. The attempt has focused on artisan skills, upgradation of traditional technologies and developing
women-friendly technologies. The approach adopted
while implementing these rural programmes has
been to involve voluntary organizations to ensure
peopleÕs participation at various stages of planning,
project formulation and implementation.
A number of schemes have been initiated and
these relate to S&T for weaker sections, S&T for
women and S&T application for rural development
etc. Rural Technology Parks have been set up in the
North-Eastern India. Need-based projects have been
supported in the hilly regions. A number of projects
have been sanctioned on sustainable development
and utilization of natural and community resources
and micro-enterprise development in the villages.
Individual S&T-based projects in farm and non-farm
sector, inland aquaculture, sustainable agriculture,
and solar/biomass based energy devices/systems
have been supported. Projects have been
implemented in priority sectors such as post-harvest
technologies, land-based activities, womenÕs health,
income generation activities, drudgery removal and
rural engineering. Three Women Technology Parks
have been set up at Dehra Dun, Manipal and
Barmer. A National Award has also been instituted
to recognize the contribution made by an
individual/ organization for the benefit of women.
New programmes on Waste Recycling and
Rehabilitation of Scavengers, Rag Pickers both in
Urban and Semi-Urban Areas have been launched for
management of garbage. These aim at recycling of
waste and conversion of vegetable kitchen waste into
compost through vermicomposting. The DST has also
achieved a major breakthrough in the form of a project
on food security by installing a fish aggregation
device in the Andaman Islands for a tribal group.
The National Science & Technology
Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB)
aims at stimulating entrepreneurship among
graduates in Science & Technology and diplomaholders in Engineering. It is intended to create job-
generators rather than job-seekers. Under the
Entrepreneurship Development Scheme, 24,000
students have been exposed to the concepts of
entrepreneurship. A total of 371 Entrepreneurship
Development Programmes (EDPs) and 60
Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development
Programmes (TEDPs) have been sponsored by
NSTEDB and 542 units have been established by
their beneficiaries. 896 teachers/trainers have been
trained in entrepreneurship development. A new
programme called Technical Human Resource
Development -- Skill Upgradation through
Vocational Training has been initiated in association
with the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP). The reach of STEP programme has been
extended to new locations and a scheme on
Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) has also been
initiated during the IX Plan. The STEPs have so far
promoted nearly 700 units generating an annual
turnover of around Rs. 900 millions and generating
employment for 5,000 persons. More than 100 new
products and technologies have been developed by
STEPs or STEP-promoted entrepreneurs. In
addition, over 6,000 persons have been trained
through various skill development programmes
conducted by STEPs. Some of the newer
programmes are National Facility for Science &
Technology Based Entrepreneurial Innovation
(Innovation Centre) and National Project for
International Business Information & Research
(International Business Centre).
All State Councils were supported for setting
up and strengthening S&T structures and facilitating
information exchange. Support was also initiated by
State Councils for demonstration projects,
application projects and S&T studies and surveys.
With a view to popularize S&T and stimulate
scientific and technological temper among people,
the National Council of Science & Technology
Communication (NCSTC) has taken major initiatives.
Among them are the Bharat Jan Vigyan Jathas (BJVJ)
and a number of other initiatives aimed at reaching
large number of people across the country. Four
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National ChildrenÕs Science Congresses (NCSCs)
The DST-NSF programmes also promote cooperative
have been organized. A television serial Kudratnama
research as part of the Indo-US Programmes. The
was also telecast. A Blood Donation Project was also
Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced
implemented. Video programmes on different
Scientific Research has been actively supporting a
scientific topics were also telecast. Vigyan Prasar has
large number of collaborative research projects in
continued its efforts to promote and propagate
identified thrust areas. Under the Indo-German
scientific and rational outlook in society through
Programme, technology-oriented projects have been
Vigyan Prasar Information System, network of science
supported on Surface Engineering of Components,
clubs, development, production and demonstration
Steel for Automobiles, Special Plastics Processing
of S&T software.
and Pharmaceuticals Development. A DST-DAAD
15 GIS Database Centres were set up as part of
Project-based Personnel Exchange Programme has
the National Resources Data Management System
been initiated in 1999.
A scheme to depute young scientists to
(NRDMS) Programme. Planning Atlas for some
participate in a meeting of Nobel Laureates in
districts of Gujarat were prepared. Coordinated
Germany has also been
programmes in the areas of
started in 2001. Under the
SAR Interferometer ground
Indo-UK programme, joint
water modeling, coastal zone
HE ULTERIOR END OF
projects
have
been
management
and
SCIENCE
IS
SEARCH
FOR
implemented in fields like
conservation and bio-geoAdvanced Materials &
database and ecological
TRUTHS OF NATURE AND
Manufacturing Technologies
modeling have been initiated.
OF THE UNIVERSE, AND
and Information Technology.
TRUTH
ALWAYS
BUILDS
INTERNATIONAL S&T
The India-Japan Programmes
COOPERATION
have been implemented
AND INTEGRATES.
he DST has the nodal
under two arrangements, the
D.N. WADIA
responsibility to plan,
Inter-Governmental Joint
negotiate and coordinate the
Committee and the Indiaimplementation of agreements with various counJapan Science Council. Indian scientists conducted
tries and international bodies. The DSTÕs
more than a dozen fundamental experiments at
International S&T Cooperation Programmes focused
Spring-8 in Harima and at the Photon Factory in
on well-coordinated activities with the erstwhile
Tsukuba. Japanese expertise was also used in
Soviet Union and USA and also other developed and
characterization of the Hanle site in Ladakh for
developing countries. Activities with Russia contininstallation of a 2 m telescope. A 14 GFLOP
ue under the Integrated Long Term Programme
computer has been established in Indian Institute
(ILTP) of cooperation in Science & Technology.
of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, for N-body
Under ILTP, an Indo-Russian Research Centre in
simulations. A new programme for accessing
Advanced Computing (CDAC-ICAD) was estabfacilities at the Centre for Magnetic Resonance
lished at Moscow. An Indo-US S&T Forum for bilat(CERM) has been started under the Indo-Italian
eral cooperation in Science & Technology has been
Programmes in Florence. Another project involves
set up. IndiaÕs share of funds would be about Rs.35
clinical trials with a cost-effective Hungarian drug
millions per year which will be a matching fund
for Bone Marrow Transplantation in cancer patients.
equal to the approved earning from the endowment
S&T Cooperation with Developing Countries
fund of Rs.320 millions received from the US side.
(STPCDC) has been continued through exchange
T
T
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visits, joint seminars and workshops, training
programmes, joint R&D programmes, and joint
state-of-the-art reports. Programmes promoting S&T
cooperation among SAARC and BIMSTEC countries
have also been implemented. Support to NAM S&T
centre has continued. New agreements on Science
& Technology cooperation have been concluded
with Myanmar, Bulgaria, Malaysia, Oman, Yemen
and Syria as well as with Bangladesh, Vietnam, Sri
Lanka, Cuba, Mexico, Tunisia and China.
Agreements have also been concluded with the
Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the
International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP).
Two major International Collaborative Projects
for experiments at CERN, Geneva,
have received joint funding from DST
and DAE. In the first, namely, the
India-CMS project, the Indian scientists
will contribute to the building of the
CMS detector and participate in
subsequent tests of the Standard Model
and search for new particles in protonproton collisions at the Large Hadron
Collider. In the second, India-ALICE
project, the Indian scientists will
participate in the ALICE experiment at
LHC and look for the existence of
quark-gluon plasma.
Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO) and the
National Centre for Medium Range Weather
Forecasting (NCMRWF). The IMD has also carried
on research work in fields such as ozone in tropics,
agricultural meteorology, use of monsoon, telecommunications etc. and also provided specialized
services in the form of meteorological forecasts for
different types of users through a network.
Upgradation of the existing cyclone detection
network of IMD through deployment of Doppler
radars is in progress. The upgraded IMPDS system
for INSAT-2E reception has been fully commissioned
and installation of the earth station is in progress. The
network of seismological observatories has been
SCIENTIFIC SERVICES
D
espite all the advances in the field
of S&T, the common manÕs inherent vulnerability to natural calamities is a constant threat. Since
control is not possible, R&D focus on accurate and
sensitive data collection on which to base warnings
and forecasts. Not only can this information benefit
the farming and fishing communities but it also goes
a long way in mitigating the impact of natural disasters and mobilizing relief measures.
Scientific services in the areas of meteorology,
survey and mapping have been provided by DST to
the user agencies through the India Meteorological
Department , Survey of India , National Atlas and
Towards the Photon Multiplicity Detector (PMD)
for Alice Experiment: A 96- cell honeycomb
prototype detector with printed circuit boards and
gassiplex chips separately shown (before assembly).
upgraded to become a part of the Global Network.
Efforts are being made to strengthen the
seismological network and infrastructure in the
country to ensure better seismological observations.
In the area of weather forecasting, a supercomputer
has been commissioned and NCMRWF has been set
up for development of sophisticated numerical
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289
weather prediction models for medium range
weather forecasting, crop-weather relationship
patterns etc. The NCMRWF has acquired a new Cray
SVI computer system, which has been commissioned
in June, 2001. Meanwhile, a low-end computer
system has been installed to ensure uninterrupted
production of weather forecasts. The functioning of
the existing AMFUs has been consolidated and some
Earth view chart for a typical case of 14th June 2001
showing 24 hour forecast of wind at 850 hPa of total
precipitation (cm) from the NCMRWF T80 forcast
system. A depression is seen over Bihar and West
Bengal. Contours of Geopotential height are shown
in red colour.
more AMFUs are to be set up shortly. In view of the
modern technologies and the multi-disciplinary
approach being adopted in various planning
processes, the Survey of India is expected to supply
multifarious scientific data and large-scale maps at
frequent intervals. The Survey of India has
introduced digital cartography techniques in its
circles and units to create Digital Cartographic Data
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INDIA
Bases (DCDBs) from the topographical maps. Efforts
are on to launch major programmes on management
of natural disasters through S&T inputs.
AUTONOMOUS RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
T
he autonomous research institutions of DST are
engaged in R&D in emerging areas of astronomy
and astrophysics, palaeobotany, Himalayan geology,
geomagnetism, microbiology, modern biology, medical sciences and technology and several other fields.
These institutions have also set up major national
facilities to be utilized by the scientific community
and have contributed significantly to research at the
national and international level. The subsequent
paragraphs indicate some of the research activities
undertaken in the recent past.
The Agharkar Research Institute has carried on
research activities with emphasis on both applied
and basic aspects of research. A foliar spray that
enhances crop yield has been transferred to Sainath
Agro-Vet Industries, Lopergaon which markets the
product under the trade name BIOFERT. In the
important area of waste water treatment using
microorganisms, a laboratory-scale process for
microbial detoxification of cyanide and metalcyanide complexes has been developed and
bioremediation of caprolactam from nylon industries
has been achieved. In basic research, a molecular
marker for leaf rust resistance gene LR 28 in wheat
has been identified and a patent has been filed jointly
with the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune.
Nanostructred semiconductor and CMR
materials and devices have been developed at IACS,
Kolkata. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical
Science and Technology at Thiruvananthapuram
has made outstanding contributions in the field of
biomedical technology and medical services and a
number of biomedical products (blood banks, heart
valves, vascular grafts, oxygenerator incubators for
babies etc) have been developed and marketed. It
has recently started an Epilepsy Care Centre with
surgical facilities -- the only one of its kind in India.
A transgenic yellow stem borer (YSB)-resistant
The Chitra Heart Valve fabricated at the Sree Chitra
Tirunal Institute for Medical Science & Technology,
Thiruvananthapuram.
indica rice, having a high level of expressed toxin,
has been developed at the Bose Institute, Kolkata.
Tomato and banana plants have been regenerated
by tissue culture and micropropagation.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced
Scientific Research Centre, Bangalore, has
established an Advanced Materials Research
Laboratory (AMRL) and has initiated a programme
to provide summer fellowship opportunities to
young scientists and students to expose them to
advances in scientific research in the country.
The Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, has
continued with its research in astronomy,
instrumentation for astronomy and liquid crystals
and soft condensed matter physics. The IIA,
Bangalore has established the worldÕs highest
observatory for optical and infrared astronomy in
the Himalaya. Vigyan Prasar has been engaged in
development of a variety of softwares for S&T
communication, science popularization and
national campaigns around special events such as
the total solar eclipses of 1995 and 1999. The Indian
Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, has
developed forecast models based on different
statistical techniques and by using different global
models for the Indian Monsoon Rainfall. The Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, has been
conducting research in botanical and geological
aspects of plant fossils which have proved effective
in tracing the antiquity of early life, evolutionary
patterns of floras, vegetation dynamics, high
resolution biostratigraphy, exploration of fossil
fuels, palaeoenvironments and palaeoclimatic
interpretations. The Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai, has concentrated its programmes
on upper atmospheric studies and solid state
geomagnetism. The Wadia Institute of Himalayan
Geology, Dehra Dun, has taken up collaborative
programmes on seismic hazards with universities
and organizations abroad. The International
Advanced Centre For Powder Metallurgy and New
Materials, Hyderabad, has sustained its focus on
developing a strong technology base and is working
towards becoming technologically self-sufficient in
the areas of powder metallurgy, ceramics and
surface engineering. The Centre has successfully
transferred a number of technologies and has
brought into vogue a unique technology transfer
culture, which involves the technology-receiver
from the germination stage.
The National Accreditation Board for
Laboratories (NABL) is a programme of national
importance aimed at providing official recognition
to testing and calibration laboratories within the
country. A Quality Manual for the Accreditation Body
has been prepared. 101 laboratories have been
accredited during the year 2001. The NABL has
finalized the ÔSpecific Criteria DocumentsÕ for
accreditation of laboratories. The NABL aims to bring
about competitiveness in the industry and improve
export potential of indigenously manufactured
products by encouraging the concerned parties to
meet international quality norms.
The DST has been providing encouragement
and financial support to the leading scientific
academies of the country, which are autonomous
and have their own specific goals and activities.
FIFTY YEARS
OF
SCIENCE
IN
INDIA
291
SOME IMPORTANT DATA ON S&T
(INCLUDING EDUCATION)
SCENARIO
Sector-wise plan and non-plan budget estimates (Revenue Account) for
education by Central and State Governments
Sector
States
PLAN
Central
Total
States
Elementary Education
21432.5 22624.8 44057.3
138787.1
Secondary Education
13250.6
Adult Education
3772.1 17022.7
NON-PLAN
Central
Total
9.8 138796.9
States
TOTAL
Central
Total
160219.6 22634.6 182854.2
91654.8
3322.7
94977.5
104905.4
7094.8 112000.2
1125.3
2236.0
3361.3
378.1
26.6
404.7
1503.4
2267.6
3766.0
University & Other Higher Education 3005.8
2380.6
5386.4
31893.6
4846.5
36740.1
34899.4
7227.1
42126.5
Technical Education
3801.4
2538.9
6340.3
5975.1
2323.8
8298.9
9776.5
4862.7
14639.2
Physical Education
140.7
6.0
146.7
218.1
3.0
221.1
358.8
9.0
367.8
1584.4
137.8
1722.2
6070.0
250.7
6320.7
7654.4
388.5
8042.9
242.7
164.0
406.7
948.6
140.9
1089.5
1191.3
304.9
1496.2
General
Language Development
Total
44583.4 33860.2 78443.6
(Source: Department of Science & Technology, GOI)
292
FIFTY YEARS
OF
SCIENCE
IN
INDIA
275925.4 10924.0 286849.4
320508.8 44789.2 365293.0
Expenditure on Education in Relation to GNP
Particulars
1990-91
1992-93
1993-94
1995-96
1996-97
9331200.0
1009683.0 +
10857100.0 *
328753.6
392994.1
437226.6
54426.7
63608.7
GNP at market prices
5279890.0
6935250.0
Education Expenditure
207613.3
253027.0
285985.8 +
Central Government
24204.5
28546.8
36113.9
State Governments
183408.8
224480.2
249871.9
290481.1
338567.4
373617.9
39.0
36.0
33.1
35.2
38.9
40.3
(Education/GNP) in %
8648720.0
1994-95
38272.5 *
(Source: Department of Science & Technology)
Symbols: + Revised Estimates; *. Budget Estimates
Note: 1. The Centre and State Education Department budget is total of the Revenue, Capital, loans and advances and other Departments for the respective years.;
2. Total expenditure on Education includes Expenditure by the Education Department and Other Departments, and advances where other Departments Expenditure also includes expenditure for
training (formal/informal) but exclude the budget of Railways and Posts and Telegraphs.
3. States include States and Union Territories.
(Source: Department of Science & Technology, GOI)
(Source: Department of Science & Technology, GOI)
◆◆
FIFTY YEARS
OF
SCIENCE
IN
INDIA
293