CHAPTER 15

R&D for People's Welfare

THE BJP firmly believes science and technology has a very important role to play in bringing about sustainable national development and in transforming India into a prosperous, strong and self-confident country. The BJP is proud of the achievement and capabilities, scientific and technological community of the country. The BJP endorses the basic philosophy outlined in the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 and the Technology Policy Statement of 1983. The BJP will increase public outlays on scientific research; and also ensure that the potential of science and technology to improve the lot of vast sections of our society living below the poverty line and to bring about a more equitable society is bully harnessed. The BJP is committed of the urgent need to ensure integration of efforts in science and technology with the development programmes in the various socio-economic sectors. The BJP recognizes that while science and technology has a very important role to play in the creation of wealth and improving the material conditions of the society, it is also a vital component in enriching the mind, enlarging the human spirit and creating a thinking society. Towards this end, the BJP Government will:

1. Foster scientific mind and attitude among the people, using all the available powerful techniques of the mass media and in the various languages of the country; and support locally-funded non-governmental organizations in their efforts in this regard;

2. Ensure the use of science and technology in all important developmental sectors for increasing production and productivity, efficiency and for generating employment;

3. Simplify administrative and financial procedures for efficient functioning of scientific institutions;

4. Implement a vigorous programme to enrich science and technology subjects at all levels of education;

5. Provide capital grants on a selective basis to restore university-and national laboratory infrastructures, particularly to replace obsolescent research and teaching equipment;

6. Halt the decline in funding of civil research and development and prepare a national budget for public and private-sector investment in research and development so as to increase the outlay on R&D.

7. Introduce effective measures to stimulate a substantial increase in private investment in industrial research and development and innovation; and assist in raising capital for start-up and growth;

8. Provide incentives for formation of regional/local collaborative networks including "Technology Parks" and for strong linkages involving universities, national labouratories and industry in research and development;

9. Ensure the creation of a network of centres for application of science and technology in rural areas, particularly, for implementation of "lab-to-land'" programmes and to develop a strong low-cost agro-industrial base with focus on decentralized employment;

10. Create conducive work environment and facilities to, retain-the best scientists in the country and enthuse young scientists to pursue science as a career;

11. Safeguard national interests and our intellectual development, strengthening the innovation base, developing patents awareness and related infrastructure;

12. Support and accelerate research in high priority areas of basic research as well as in underpinning enabling technological areas such as informatics, new materials and biotechnology;

13. Launch at least 10-15 time-bound result-oriented national science and technology missions of societal relevance to harness the fruits of scientific research for welfare of our society;

14. Provide fullest support so that India can be at contemporary leadership level, in carefully selected areas, particularly where it has advantages and where outstanding individuals, groups and institutions exists.

15. Strengthen mechanisms for increased, meaningful and relevant interaction with the global scientific community.