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Steering Committee for Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007).

Science and Technology

In the context of the Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-07) for Science and Technology, it has been decided to constitute a Steering Committee on S and T. The composition and the terms of reference of the Steeling Committee would be as follows:

I. Composition

Terms of Reference

• To evolve Approach on S and T for the Tenth Five Year Plan keeping in view the strength of S and T. socio-economic needs of the country, international scenario in the wake of WTO and IPR and also future needs for the development of the country. (This needs to be completed within one month of the constitution of the Steering Committee for integrating in the Approach Paper for the Tenth Plan)
• To recommend long-term and short term S and T policy framework towards achieving self-reliance.
• To identify thrust areas with inter-se priority, keeping in view the National objectives and priorities for developing technological capabilities and their application in major areas of development.
• Suggest suitable mechanism and methodology for increased participation of industry and strengthening interface between industry, R and D institutions and the academic for the development, application and utilization of S and T in the country.
• To evolve S and T manpower development strategy for attracting and retaining highly skilled and talented S and T personnel in the important fields of Science and technology and Education and also encouraging students to take up science as a career.
• To identify areas for international S and T cooperation/collaboration and suggest establishment of state-of-art internationally competitive facilities in the country as well as participation in major facilities broad. .
• To evolve mechanisms and identify programmes for application of S and T in improving the quality of life of the people, particularly, the weaker sections and women, and development of rural areas for reducing regional imbalances, and inculcating scientific awareness.
• To review and assess the progress made by the various Central S and T Departments Agencies during, the Ninth Five Year Plan identifying the achievements, weaknesses shortfalls and gap areas.
• To suggest plans and programmes of the various Central S and T Departments Agencies based on the policy, approach, thrust and priorities of the S and T Sector for the Tenth Five Year Plan, taking into consideration the concept of Zero-based budgeting, convergence of various ongoing schemes including weeding out of the schemes which are no-longer relevant and completion of ongoing schemes on a priority basis and also to suggest an optimum outlay for the S and T sector, comprising, the on-going commitment and new programmes proposed to be undertaken, keeping in view the overall resource position in the country'.

The Chairman may constitute sub-groups if necessary and co-opt members for specific tasks.

The expenditure on TA DA in connection with meeting of the Steering Committee and its sub-groups will be met by the Planning Commission. Non-Official members will be entitled to TADA as admissible to Grade-I Officials of the Government of India.

The secretariat support will be provi4ed by the Office of the PSA/ Technology Information. Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC).

The report of the Steering Committee would be submitted within a period of six months from the date of constitution of the Steering Committee.