Budget allocations for science take a backseat
The scientific community stated that there is only a marginal increase in allocation for science and technology in the Union Budget.
Hyderabad: The scientific community stated that there is only a marginal increase in allocation for science and technology in the Union Budget. Despite Rs 536.2 billion set aside in the Budget for science and technology, scientists said the allocation is only 0.8 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Mr Krishna Ganesh, founding director of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research at Tirupati, said, “Inflation has to be taken into account and the money is going to be divided between various departments. It is nowhere close to what was expected.”
A senior scientist in the city added, “The thrust on basic science is missing and that has to be inculcated as it will not only create jobs but also help solve the problems at local levels. There is major spending for larger projects which will position India on the world map but when it comes to solutions for environment, agriculture, health and education there is too little spending.”
Soumitro Banerjee, general secretary of Breakthrough Science Society, said, “There has been only marginal increase in the outlay on science, technology and education. The cash is going to be shared by seven departments which are engaged in scientific research.”
The ministry of science and technology wants to concentrate on robotics, artificial intelligence and automation.
This department will get '51.1 billion. The department of space is gearing up for the second Moon mission in March 2018 and a project to study the sun. It takes away '107.8 billion.
The government has plans for a comprehensive artificial intelligence and cyber programmes for which software tools, machine learning and data analysis will be required. There are also plans to develop digital facilities even in Tier III cities.
The department of biotechnology gets '24.1 billion in the Budget for enhancing research on cells and effective medicines. The remaining chunk will be divided among the ministry of new and renewable energy, health research, agriculture research and education.