In August 2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, published in the Gazette of India the Act of Parliament to establish the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). This act repealed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Act, 2008.
The ANRF, which was established in February 2024, has an expanded mandate and covers more activities than the SERB. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative department of the ANRF.
Objectives of the ANRF
The ANRF is the apex body to provide high level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the fields of natural sciences including mathematical sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture, and scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences. It would promote, monitor, and provide support for such research. [It is in keeping with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP)].
Functions of ANRF
In order to achieve the set objectives, the ANRF would take the initiatives of preparing roadmaps for short-term, medium-term, and long-term research and development (R&D); seeding and facilitating the growth of R&D and financing research infrastructure at academic and research institutions; funding competitive peer-reviewed grant proposals to eligible persons; assisting in setting up research infrastructure and environment conducive for scientific research, specifically focusing on matters of national priorities, emerging frontiers and strategic research; supporting translation of research undertaken into capital intensive technologies; increasing India’s role and participation in areas of national and international importance; evolving nationally coordinated programmes to identify scientific and practical solutions for societal, developmental, financial, and techno-economic challenges; encouraging collaboration with scientists from outside India with a view to enriching the Indian scientific ecosystem; encouraging the public sector and the private sector enterprises to invest in the activities of the ANRF.
The ANRF would also undertake an annual survey of the results of scientific research in India so that a central repository may be created for the collection and analysis of information and data. The repository would provide relevant information for policy formulation and advising the government as well as the private sector.
Structure of the Foundation
Governing board The ANRF will act on its objectives through a governing board. The Prime Minister of India will be the president of the governing board. The Union Minister of Science and Technology will be the vice president. The other members constitute a member of the NITI Aayog dealing with science and technology; Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Science and Technology; Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research; Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Biotechnology; Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Higher Education; and the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India (who will be member-secretary). All members will be ex-officio.
The president of the governing board may nominate or appoint additional members to the board. These may include up to two members from the prime minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Council; up to five members from business organisations or industry; one member from the field of humanities and social sciences; up to two members from institutions engaged in scientific and technological research and development; and up to six experts with specialised knowledge in the areas of health, mathematical and physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering and technology, innovation, and computer and information sciences.
The president of the governing board may appoint a chief executive officer, not below the rank of additional secretary to the Government of India, for efficient administration of the foundation.
Executive council and its functions An executive council is to be constituted by the president of the governing board to undertake implementation of the provisions under the act. The president of the board shall nominate the members. The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India will be the chairperson of the council. Other members of the council include secretaries to various departments and ministries of the central government including the departments of science and technology, biotechnology, scientific and industrial research, higher education, health research, defence research and development, atomic energy, space, and agricultural research and education, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The chief executive officer (CEO) of the foundation will be the member-secretary of the council. All will be ex-officio members.
The president of the governing board may nominate or appoint additional members to the council: up to two secretaries of departments not covered under the act, and up to three distinguished experts with specialised knowledge in the areas of science and technology in academia, philanthropic sector, research laboratories, and industries.
The executive council shall implement the objectives of the foundation in accordance with the policy direction and guidance provided by the governing board. Its functions include considering applications for the grant of financial assistance; prescribing regulations regarding applications for financial assistance, reports and certification required, requirements for extension of assistance, and grounds for revocation of assistance; facilitating and providing assistance to ensure filing of applications for intellectual property rights following the research undertaken through financial assistance; and any other function as may be delegated to it from time to time by the governing board.
The executive council shall be responsible for preparing a budget and maintaining proper accounts. It will also prepare an annual report and submit a copy to the central government.
Finances and Funds
The ANRF will be financed through grants and loans from the central government with parliamentary approval, donations, income from investments of the amounts received by the foundation, all amounts with the Fund for Science and Engineering Research set up under the SERB Act, 2008, and any other sources prescribed.
The governing body of the ANRF will constitute funds into which it shall allocate the amounts received from various sources. These funds are: (i) Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund for financing activities under the act, including salaries, allowances, and administrative exigencies; (ii) the Innovation Fund for supporting outstanding creativity in the areas supported by the ANRF; (iii) the Science and Engineering Research Fund for the continuation of projects and programmes initiated under the SERB Act, 2008; and (iv) one or more special purpose funds for any specific project or research.
Rules for the utilisation of these funds will be prescribed by the central government. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) will audit the accounts of the foundation annually.
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