Why in the News?

The Union Budget highlights science, technology, and innovation (STI) as important drivers of the country’s progress, supporting CSIR’s goal of making India more self-reliant and globally competitive.

How will the 2025 budget impact scientific research funding?

• Increased Funding for R&D: The Ministry of Science and Technology’s allocation sees a major boost due to a Rs 20,000 crore allocation for the R&D fund, increasing the total allocation from Rs 8,029 crore to Rs 28,508 crore.
• Support for Deeptech Startups: An additional Rs 10,000 crore will be allocated to the Small Industries Development Bank of India Fund for Startups, aimed at enhancing the “deep tech ecosystem,” particularly for startups focusing on AI, biotech, and space technology.
• Focus on Mission-Mode Projects: Funding is heavily directed towards specific mission-mode programs such as nuclear energy, AI, and the Jal Jeevan Mission, potentially at the expense of curiosity-driven research.
• CSIR’s Role in National Missions: The budget aligns CSIR’s various missions (Aroma, Floriculture, Millets, Cotton, Green Hydrogen, etc.) with national initiatives, emphasizing value-added farming, self-reliance, and sustainable development.
• Concerns Regarding Basic Science and Education: Concerns exist regarding reduced funding for institutions like IISc and IISERs, a lower percentage increase in funding for Central Universities compared to IITs, and the overall low allocation for education as a percentage of GDP.

What specific allocations are being made for science and technology in the 2025 budget?

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Funding Increase: The budget for MeitY has been increased by 48%, totalling over ₹26,000 crores. This substantial boost is directed towards initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission and expanded Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for semiconductors, large-scale electronics, and IT hardware.
• IndiaAI Mission: The IndiaAI Mission has received an allocation of ₹2,000 crore for FY25, marking an almost 11-fold increase from the previous year’s revised estimate of ₹173 crore. This funding aims to enhance artificial intelligence research and development across various sectors.
• Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing Support: Allocations for the modified scheme to establish compound semiconductors, silicon photonics, sensor fabs, and semiconductor assembly and testing facilities have risen from ₹2,500 crore to ₹3,900 crore. Additionally, the scheme for setting up semiconductor fabs has seen an increase from ₹1,200 crore to ₹2,499.96 crore.
• Research and Development Fund: A dedicated fund of ₹20,000 crore has been established to promote research, development, and innovation, particularly supporting private-sector-led initiatives. This fund underscores the government’s commitment to advancing technological progress and fostering innovation.
• Research Fellowships and Deep Tech Support: The government plans to offer 10,000 research fellowships over the next five years under the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship scheme, focusing on advancing research in technology at premier institutions like IITs and IISc.

Are there any new initiatives for scientific research in the 2025 budget?

• Increased Focus on Health Research: There’s a greater emphasis on health research and biomedical devices, driven by concerns identified in the Economic Survey regarding the harms of ultra-processed foods. This suggests new initiatives and funding to address these health challenges through scientific research.
• Deeptech Startup Boost: The expansion of the SIDBI Fund for Startups with an additional Rs 10,000 crore specifically targets deeptech startups in AI, biotech, and space technology. This indicates a new initiative to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in these advanced technology areas.
• AI Education Push: The allocation of funds towards a Centre of Excellence in AI education signifies a new initiative to develop expertise and talent in artificial intelligence. The hope is that this center will also set benchmarks for the beneficial adoption of AI in Indian society.
• Green Hydrogen Mission: Spearheaded by CSIR, this mission supports research and development towards clean energy transition.
• Alignment of CSIR Missions: While not entirely new initiatives, the strategic alignment and emphasis on CSIR’s existing missions (like Aroma, Floriculture, Millets, Cotton, etc.) with national goals represents a renewed focus and coordinated effort that will likely drive scientific research in those specific areas.

Way forward: 

• Balanced Research Funding: Ensure a more balanced allocation between mission-driven projects and fundamental research to sustain long-term scientific innovation and discovery.
• Strengthening Scientific Workforce: Expand research fellowships, enhance funding for premier institutions, and create stronger industry-academia collaborations to develop a skilled workforce in emerging technologies.

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