Foreword || Preface || Planning Commission
Chapter 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20 || 21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 ||
27 || 28 || Appendix

Chapter 19:
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The crucial role of science and technology as an instrument of social and economic change has been appreciated and the rapid development of science and technology and of its application, accepted as a major objective of planning. This trust in science is embodied in the historic Scientific Policy Resolution of the Government o'f India adopted in 1958. In the last thirty years or so, 119 universities, affiliating about 1050 colleges, 5 institutes of technology, 150 engineering colleges and about 100 medical colleges and 35U polytechnics have been established; about 150,000 qualified scientific and technical personnel are produced every year. The total stock of scientific and technically qualified manpower is estimated at 2.5 million, ranking India as the third largest complement of such manpower in the world, occupying a unique position among developing countries. Simultaneously, about 130 specialised research laboratories and mstiiutes have been established under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (1CAR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Departments of Atomic Energy, Science and Technology, Space, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation, etc. In recent years, public and private sector organisations and undertakings, assisted by fiscal incentives, have established over 600 in-house research and development laboratories largely to meet their internal technological requirements. A relatively new but important development in the last fifteen years is the rapid growth of engineering consultancy 'organisations to provide design and consultancy services and act as the bridge between research institutions and industry. There are now over 150 such firms of varying size and capability employing over 20,000 technologists. The total expenditure on science and technology is now close to 0.6 per cent of the GNP.

19.2 Political independence has thus been matched by increasing technological independence in many areas. A range of industries, from the small to the most sophisticated, has been established covering wide areas of utilities, services and goods, and a large number of technologists are now familiar with their operations. There is now a reservoir of expertise well acquainted with the most modern advances in basic and applied areas, and equipped to make choices between available technologies, readily absorb new technologies and provide a framework for future national development. Scientists and technologists have distinguished themselves not only in class rooms and laboratories but also in factories and fields, in conceptual planning and formulation of strategies and in their implementation. Indian scientists and technologists have demonstrated on many fronts that given clearcut objectives and tasks and necessary support, they can fulfil national expectations. The relevance of a large part of the effort in Indian Science and Technology to, and its correlation with, national development can be well established.

APPROACH

The present position and the perspective for the future

19.3 Over the past few decades, the growth ol science and technology in the advanced countries of the world has been phenomenal. The frontiers of knowledge have been moved forward in unbelievable fashion and new areas have emerged with clearly great potential for the benefit of mankind. These strides have taken place in the developed countries. The reason for this is that 97 per cent of the world R and D is confined to the advanced countries and the developing countries, with their share of 3 per cent, have not been able to contribute as they should have.

19.4 While the total stock of scientific and technical manpower in India appears large at first sight, as a proportion of the total population it does not compare favourably with that m the advanced countries or even some other developing countries. The fact is that the science and technology content of. Indian society as it is today (as borne out by the total national investment in this sector, the number of technically qualified personnel, facilities for science and technology education, size of teclmical services, etc.) as well as its involvement in R and D is low in comparison to the size and population of the country. A large part of the total stock of S and T manpower is not actually engaged in activities that can be construed as scientific or technical. Even more significantly, the quality of these personnel varies widely; there will be need for a considerable reorientation and upgrading of a large proportion of this stock of manpower through appropriate training programmes. In large areas of economic activity, relatively obsolete cost in-effective technology continues to be applied, the pace of scientific and technological innovation remains unimpressive and the adoption of the available scientific and technological knowledge is tardy. There are many gaps in new important fields and in the ranks of leadership and in excellence. While in the early years after Independence, there was a rapid expansion in university education, an increase in the number and size of facilities and in the formation of new institutions, all of which created a new plan, few new institutions have been started recently. In universities and several other institutions, the support provided has not kept pace, with the increased need for better facilities. In a large number of areas, our capabilities are almost twenty years behind those in the advanced nations and also behind those established recently in some developing countries. The competitive capability, in international terms, of our scientific community has been impaired and this has prejudiced the provision of experience of modern science backed up by modern technology and instrumentation to the large majority of graduate and post-graduate students, thereby affecting their level of appreciation of new science and their capabilities for research. There is a lack of coordination between manpower requirements (in terms of areas and levels of training and numbers) and the actual training of personnel which has led to serious shortage of qualified and trained manpower in many areas. In sum, while significant advances have taken place on the science and technology Iront in India over the past three decades, the gap between what obtains in the country and in other advanced countries in terms of infrastructure and capabilities has significantly widened due to the much faster rate of progress in those countries. There is, therefore, no room for complacency on the basis of our past accomplishments.

19.5 In the area of application of science, success lias been achieved in several fields in agriculture and in specific mission-oriented specialised agencies for atomic energy and space. The need to conserve foreign exchange and consideration of national security induced the application of domestic science and technology in the substitution of imports. With the increasing emphasis on cost effectiveness in establishing domestic production and exports, a new chal-lenae is nosed to the use of domestic scientific and technological talent. There is a serious danger that this new emphasis could lead to greater insistencs on provenness and aversion to risk: this is particularly true if suitable mechanisms (both administrative and financial) are not developed to adopt and force technological development to a point of satisfactory performance and demonstration and also the acceptance of risk. Calculated risk taking and the development of risk reduction through systematic scientific effort is vet to be promoted adequately. A detailed strategy for major technological break-through appropriate to our resources and changing national environment has therefore to be properly formulated.

19 6 While linkages and mechanisms for the effective application of science are deficient in most fields, this lack is specially serious in the optimal use of natural resources and in areas such as energy, health and medicine, population control, ecology and environment and integrated industrial and rural ieve-lopment. This has also led to an insufficient use of science generated in universities and national laboratories, giving rise to the often expressed feeling that the fruits of science and technology have not reached the bulk of the population and have not contributed to planned economic and social growth. Consequently, these deficiencies are tending to reduce the impact of science and technology in dealing more effectively with the economic and social problems of the country. While there are exceptions to this, it is clear that the major investment areas in our plans require a much more deliberate and sustained application or science and technology than hitherto. This requires not only financial support for S and T activities but linkages between the various sectors (educational, R and D establishments, industry and Governmental machinery) and policies conducive to the use of endogeneous efforts. Instruments for policy formulation and task implementation in this regard are lacking at present. When we consider the magnitude and dimensions of India's problems of economic and social development, associated with the vast and increasing population and immense poverty, especially rural poverty, it becomes clear that massive application of science and technology has to be an essential component for their solution. Science and technolo-sv must now be considered a vital input in all investments on par with capital and trained manpower although it has a longer gestation period: the latter implies advance planning beyond the normal five vear framework. Science can and must establish new heights for achievement and endeavour, which are bie enough to provide the challenge and excitement for the country's best talent. This will generate pride and self-confidence, as well as new innovative ideas and solutions which go beyond mere import substitution. With the much lower costs at which S and T activities can be carried out in India, compared to that in other countries, science and technology is the one resource, which more than any other, provides the greatest advantage and it is, therefore, only logical for us to base our strategy for economic and social growth on this important resource.

19.7 Some well-planned measures are called for to see that the best and well trained among our postgraduate students of science and technology are provided adequate incentives to take up research as a career and that areas are defined and supported that best serve national interests and priorities towards which such talent can be directed or encouraged to work on. On the one hand, we have pockets of excellence In terms or sophisticated manpower in some areas with no exploitative base, on the other, vi'a1 areas are crying out for expertise. Such mismatch needs to be avoided. Our R and O institutions have had a tendency to work on a large number of programmes that have been going on for years with a fair proportion of obsolete equipment and manpower. There is need to modernise them and provide them the challenges that will stretch them to the full.

19.8 Science and technology must help to speedily improve production through better efficiency and fuller utilisation of capabilities already created in the various sectors of the economy. Technology has to be oriented to improving productivity. It has to help in the creation of more employment opportunities and in the reduction of drudgery especially of the weaker sections of the community. It should strengthen the nation and reduce vulnerability. Hence, self-reliance must be at the very heart of S and T Planning and there can be no other strategy for a country of India's size and endowments. The achievement of our development goals has often been impaired due to several national disasters like floods, droughts and communicable diseases; S and T has an important role to play in eliminating or controlling them, if instead of short term ad-hoc approaches, long term strategies are worked out. Problems of extreme poverty, sought to be mitigated through the minimum needs programme, are also well known. Science and technology has an important role to play in finding rational and long term solutions for such disasters and national problems.

19.9 Science is both an outlook and a value system. Despite the tremendous growth of science, very few scientists have taken upon themselves the responsibility of creating a scientific ethos. The task of creating a scientific temper is a vital necessity for the grow'h of science and its utilisation in the development process. There is need to create a scientific climate and involve the people in discussions on various issues of science and technology which affect their lives. There has to be dissemination of knowledge about natural phenomena and technological innovations, through popular science journals and other media. There is also need for promoting public debate on major Issues of science and technology. The full potential of science has to be utilised for eradication of irrational attitudes, which tend to hold back the na^on from the path of progress.

19.10 The total role assigned to science and technology must, therefore, be to develop on a long term basis a sound base in science, in competence and in skills. Shorter term plans must harmonise with this ultimate objective which may have a gestation period extending well over one five year plan. The aim must be to:

• attract (and retain) the very best and young talent to contribute to science and technology and achieve originality and excellence in international terms;
• improve and transform the existing structure of science and technology for this purpose (e.g. support for exciting areas of scientific activity, greater involvement of scientists in defining the tasks that they are expected to perform, better career prospects and amenities for scientists and technologists. improving the mobility of scientists within the country etc.); establish much more effective linkages in organisational form and policy framework and an effective utilisation of science and technology to meet economic and social objectives; and
• identify major new areas of science and technology of special significance to the country and in some of these areas invest in an optimal manner so as to achieve technological breakthrough in the shortest possible time.

S and T and Education

19.11 The first priority must be to nurture talent by a substantial improvement in the general science and technology facilities in universities and research institutions. The University science system has been allowed to run down through lack of support in the recent past, a trend which, if allowed to continue, may result in an irretrievable situation. The current pressure to which 'he universities are subjected in terms of the enormous intake of science students needs to be reduced. The ten-plus-two-system of higher secondary education has to be effectively brought to use uniformly in all regions, taking note of the opportunities that it provides for filteration at successive levels of 10 to 12 years of school level education. This filteration will only succeed if the alternative channels for vocational training and, later, opportunities for gainful employment, are taken care of.

19.12 The higher education institutions with their research facilities are a unique base for the training of competent scientists and technologists. But with the rapid expansion of the number of institutions and students, without the corresponding inputs by way of facilities, the role of universities as advanced centres of teaching and research has been eroded, leading not only to the weakening of science teaching and research but also adversely affecting the climate so essential for higher learning. The need today is therefore to restore to the universities their proper image as centres of higher learning. Although it would be unrealistic to expect all the members of the academic community to take up research hi addition to teaching, there is an urgent need to revive the concept of integrating of teaching and research so that in 10 to 15 years from now, our universities present a different image and are restored to their recognised position.

19.13 Facilities available in universities are not adequate. That thev should be increased cannot be overemphasised. It is in the general interest of not only the universities, but also scien^fic agencies such as CSTR, DAE. ISRO. public enterprises and technical departments in the Centre and the States, that the resources in the educa^on sector are considerably augmented, since the manpower that they need comes from the University sector. Moreover, as the benefits of these researches will extend to several sectors of "The economy. State Governments and industries should also share in funding research in universities.

19.14 Linkages between academic institutions on the one hand nnd national scientific agencies, laboratories and public sector enterprises on the other, have to be strengthened. This can be done in several ways such as through increased mobility of scientific personnel between education and research organisations, joint research projects, and insistence on a miamium percentage of the R and D budget of government scientific agencies and public sector enterprises being spent in the academic sector. Universities and colleges should also be encouraged to under-take applied research, useful for several regions of the country. Since the problems of a particular region are unique and intrinsic the best way that the S and T thrust could be made in finding out solutions to those regional problems would be to make use of the local resources—people, the scientists and community at large.

Basic Research

19.15 Basic research is important not only for its own sake, but also because of the solid foundation it provides for applied research and development. By definition, basic research has to be carried out at the frontiers of human knowledge and can only be carried out by those with originality and innovativeness of a high order. Successful accomplishment of basic research automatically results in the creation of manpower imbued with great intellectual quality, self-confidence and the ability to find new and innovative solutions to problems. There are many areas of basic research today that are very expensive in terms of resources, both financial and manpower. Therefore, one has to be selective in the areas chosen to ensure that real progress is made. With the continuing emergence of inter-disciplinary areas, it is important to support the newly developing broad spectrum ac^vities where many of the classical disciplines such as physics, mathematics and chemistry are brought to bear rather than attempt to build isolated peaks on a narrow basis. With our preoccupation to foster research programmes of a highly applied nature, much attention has not been paid to these advancing frontiers of science. While we strengthen the universities for carrying out advanced research in the frontiers of science, there may be a need to set up a few new research institutes in some important areas such as plasma physics, immunology and applied microbiology. The new institutions must have a strong mandate for theoretical and pure research. A beginning of this kind must be made immediately if the gap is not to widen.

Policy Formulation and Implementation

19.16 It is important to create on an urgent basis appropriate instruments relating to policy formula^on for science and technology and for S and T planning. At the apex level, there will be a Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology which will consider all impo -tant issues, related to science and technology. The Cabinet Committee will be supported by the Scientific Advisory Committee to \bs Cabinet. This Committee will critically assess the progress of S and T policies in relation to the aspirations of the people and in relation to the achievement of advanced nations and make appropriate recommendations to the Government.

19.17 The Department of Science and Technology will have the overall responsibility for the implementation .of science and technology policy, administering special research institutions especially in their nascent stages and promoting scientific research in frontier areas. The Department will also play the role of drawing on the expertise available in the agencies, Ministries/Departments and universities.

19.18 There is need to have in the economic Ministries, particularly those concerned with large investments, properly structured Information Planning and Analysis Groups staffed with professional scientists and technologists and headed by senior scientists] technologists, who will function as Scientific Advisers ij the Ministers; it has to be ensured that their views are given appropriate consideration. What is important is to ensure that in all areas of priority in the Plan, where large investments are to be made, the S and T component is clearly identified and broken down into tasks that can be assigned to institutions capable or working on them (whether coming under the concerned Ministry or otherwise) and where necessary, new capabilities built up. It has, been past e\-perience that there is very little correlation betwefcu R and D decisions and activities on the one hand and investment and production decisions on the other; or between R and D scientists and decisions relating to import of know-how.

19.19 The Planning Commission's role is with regard to the optimal allocation and utilisation of resources to fulfill national aspirations and goals. S and T has an important role to play in specifying the manner in which these aspirations can be met in the shortest possible time at minimal cost. The plan programmes of the economic ministries and State Governments in various sectors of the economy hav? to be appropriately analysed in the Planning Commission with a view to integrating the S and T plans and proerammes as a part of the investment plans. This would call for clear delineation of the S and T information for planning purposes, analysis of the capabilities and content of the S and T programmes and advice on priorities for investments in S and T. Programmes emerging from bilateral and multilateral foreign assistance agreements would need to be harmonised with the national science and technology plans and policies. The Planning Commission would need to be supported by an aporopriate structure for S and T advice, staffed with professional scientists and technologists and headed by a senior scientist as Scientific Adviser.

19.20 It is only in recent years that a number of enterprises and a few departments of the Government have set up in-house R and D organisations. Their efforts have been mostly confined to providing assistance in establishing process and product standards, substituting imported raw materials and intermediaiis and towards bringing about product improvemepts based on feed back from the market or users. \ maior initiative in the Plan would be to induce the public and orivate enterprises to enlarge their nascent R and D caoabi'ities to srow rapidly with a ifew to engaging them in the task of promoting technological innovations. These would also need to be facilitated through appropriate institutional mechanism to enable the managements of such enterprises to have R and D advice in the pursuit of technologij'al innovations as a part of corporate planning.

19.21 Financial institutions and development banks could play a useful role in evaluation of technology, preinvestment studies, choice of technology, risk taking in the use of indigenous technology, facilitating horizontal transfer of technology etc.

19.22 The activities of the National Research and Development Corporation (NRDC) need to be radically modified so that apart from licensing indigenous technologies, it vigorously promotes research and development. It should also concern itself with evolving mechanisms for dissemination and transfer of technology within the country, export of Indian technologies and mutual transfer of technology between developing countries.

19.23 There has to be a National Register of foreign collaboration. The prime contractor of any project must invariably be Indian; there must also be a commitment to associate appropriate Indian R and D activities with all import of know-how, and thereafter a commitment to ensure a scale of investment in R and D lor the absorption of the import of know-how and subsequently for its adaptation, improvement and conversion to new technologies.

19.24 The import of technology should be preceded by advice tendered by competent groups in the larger interest of the country. The imports should be so planned as to result in their internal dissemination and lurther development as far as possible.

19.25 A strong information base is a prerequisite for a S and T plan with self-reliance as one of,its principal objectives. Since information is utilised not only for the understanding of current status but also for anticipating the shape of things to come, a strong base for the pursuit of intellectual efforts in the direction of technological forecasting, information analysis, R and D management etc. has to be created. Computerised net-works for handling of information would have to be institutionalised to meet the requirements of policies trends of research, monitoring on a global level, resources availability, industrial, technological and market intelligence.

19.26 Steps will have to be taken to bring scientists and society together through appropriate feed back mechanisms. Science through proper cofli-munication should be made a powerful force to eradicate old irrational attitudes. A science information bureau would be established for this purpose.

19.27 A serious lacuna in the research system is the inadequacy of testing, calibration, standard and quality control facilities : these significantly affect the optimal use of national resources and health. environment and safety aspects while in use. The Sixth Plan would endeavour to promote a comprehensive programme which will establish a national centre of standards and expand ihe existing laboratories, test houses and certification centres so that in due course these can cover a large range of activities throughout the country.

Science and Technology and Rural Development

19.28 It is necessary to emphasise that application of existing knowledge to the solution of neglected problms of development, especially in mter-dis-ciplmary areas with an additional socio-political dimension, often demands highly creative and innovative efforts and an application of a systems analysis capability of a high order, which is typical of any S and T endeavours.

19.29 Rural technology should not be taken to mean primitive technology or technology of yesterday. A determined effort is needed to take modern science and technology to the rural areas so that it is brought well within the material, financial and skill resources of rural people. Therefore, while searching for and improving upon such technologies which increase employment opportunities for our people, it will be simplistic and dangerous to confine indigenous efforts to relatively simple technology for rural neefls and depend on import of technology in ihe high technology areas, We have also to ensure an appropriate mix of small, medium and large sc^e technologies, in a manner consistent with our loae-t(,rm interests.

19.30 A national rural resources corps of young orofessionals would be organised to cover, in the t>eginning, the tribal, drought and flood prone and hill .was. A similar corps of professionals trained in managerial skills would be developed for helping the small and marginal farmers. The first group could be of great assistance in providing the needed support for implementing effectively the employment generation, agricultural and industrial programmes, the minimum needs programme and programmes of energy supply, housing ,and urban development, nutrition, elementary and adult education. The second group has the potential to make a signficant contribution to the processes of transfer of new agricultural technology to millions of small and marginal farmers who have continued to lag behind. These farmers need management support in the form of agro-services of various kinds in our villages, blocks and districts, which can be provided through a large number of young professionals trained in modern management techniques.

Science and Technology and Hitman Resource Development

19.31 S and T can obviously play a significant role in the promotion of human welfare. In the coming years. the benefits of science must percolate more effectively to the vulnerable sections of the community and backward areas of the country. The manner in which this is sought to be achieved is briefly set out in the paragraphs which follow.

19.32 S and T for weaker sections: In promoting the applications of science and technology for the benefit of the weaker sections, special programmes would be devised in the Sixth Plan. A more coordinated and vigorous effort than in the past is needed to equip suitable persons from socially backward groups and weaker sections of the society to play a purposeful role in the S and T area. Consortia of S and T institutions could be formed in each district to provide the needed technical training and back up for the implementation of special programmes for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the weaker section of the society. In order to ensure appropriate technological back-up for this programme, it is proposed to initiate an all-India coordinated research project for technologies for landless labour families to be jointly undertaken by major scientific agencies. State universities, colleges and technical institutions and to mobilise professionally qualified young persons for service in rural areas.

19.33 It will be the endeavour of major S and T institutions to follow an integrated strategy which will aim at increasing production and productivity in agriculture and allied sectors based on the better use of irrigation and improved technology. Programmes in the areas of agriculture, animal husbanday, village and small industries will receive special emphasis. In the hill areas, afforestation, soil conservation and water shed management will receive priority. Alternative land management systems may have to be introduced to make shifting cultivation unnecessary. There is also need for introducing high-value, low-volume crops backed by processing and marketing to include horticulture, tea, coffee, spices etc. particularly in the north-eastern region. New technologies based on local raw-materials to minimise transportation cost and on the locational advantage of cool climates will also have to be developed.

19.34 A desert development programme will be implemented both in the hot and cold arid zones of the country. The emphasis will be on arresting desertification through activities which restore the ecological balance, stabilize sand dunes and facilitate soil and wa er conservation. Plantation of shelter belts, adoption of water harvesting techniques -and developing pastures to sustain the livestock economy will have to be vigorously pursued. S and T programmes for improved agricultural and animal husbandry practices would be intensified in cold and arid zones.

19.35 S and T for Women: The question of developmental activities related to women vis-a-vis science and technology has two aspects. First, there is the contribution by women to the development of science and technology. Secondly, one has to consider as to how science and technology can contribute to improvement in the life and status of women generally. As regards greater involvement of women in science and technology, it is felt that the following areas deserve special attention:

1. science teaching in girls' schools and colleges:
2. Greater enrolment of women in engineering. agricultural, veterinary, fisheries and forestry colleges;
3. better personnel policies to enable them u look after their families as well as continue in employment; and
4. their involvement in the decision making process including opportunities for placement at higher levels of decision making.

The educational programmes should be so conceived as to pay greater attention to training both boys and girls to share responsibilities at home. Restructuring of courses in womens' colleges and training institutions, imparting of new skills to rural women and training in cooperative marketing for women are some of the other programmes that need be taken up.

19.36 Application of science and technology to the improvement of the life and status of women will depend upon the development of home technologies, suitable agricultural technologies and technologies for improvement of productivity. Forestry, sericulture, handloom and crafts like pottery could be considered potential segments of women's work where application of simple technology can go a long way in improving their productivity and give them enough time to participate in programmes for their educational and other development.

19.37 There is greater need to develop appropriate technologies for those working in the small and unorganised sector. This is particularly applicable to women facing serious occupational hazards jn several professions leading to avoidable health problems. There is also a need for a coordinated research project to find out methods to improve the production efficiency and reduction of drudgery in the occupations of women. In the field of information disseminatiun, mass media could play a useful role in spreading information on technologies relevant to home needs such as care and maintenance of household gadgets, electrically operated utensils etc.

19.38 Special cells for promotion of S and T for women could be set up in the University Grants Commission, CSIR, ICAR, ICMR, Departments of Atomic Energy, Space, Electronics Science and Technology and Defence Research and Development Organisation. Specific programmes relating to technologies for rural women and warding off of occupational hazards, have lo be structured. There is also need to look into the personnel policies for promoting greater involvement of women in S and T. The coordinating role in this regard Has been entrusted to the Department of Science and Technology.

19.39 Involvement of the Scientific Community :The large S and T manpower available in the country has to be mobilised towards the objective of accelerating the pace of economic growth of the country. Measures will have to be taken to give a sense of involvement to the scientists, to energise the different segments of the scientific community and to utilise purposerally the scientific academies and professional societies. These are highlighted in the following paragraphs.

19.40 Young Scientists: The involvement has to be at the following three levels:

1. development of the programmes of the institutions and organisations where the scientists are working;
2. interaction with the State Councils of Science and Technology; and
3. at the national level, there Is a need for a proper mechanism for a continuous involvement of young scientists in the formulation and implementation of policies for science.

19. 41 Scientific academies and professional societies:In planning of S and T, a sense of perspective and a futuristic outlook are essential. Gaps in S and T between what exists in our country and that in the advanced countries have to be identified, particularly because S and T is to be used as an important instrument of our frture development. Current trends in research have to be studied, state of art reports have to be prepared and forecasting has to be resorted to in several areas. The expertise available with the science academies and professional societies could be fruitfully employed for these activities. These academies and societies could interact with educational and training institutions in the matter of curriculum development, retraining and refresher course for the older groups in the profession and intensive training for special categories of professional scientists. They could organise seminars and workshops where the society comes face to face with the decision makers, the scientific community and those concerned with implementation 'it grass-root levels. The academies and societies should work in close collaboration with State S and T Councils and State Planning Boards. Financial allocation for stimulating such activities has been made in the Plan under Department of Science and Technology.

Facilities and Amenities for Scientists

19.42 The Indian scientists are a part of the society for whose development they are deeply committed, The socio-economic problems faced by the scientists are not different from those of other citizens. Many of the younger scientists in their creative years have to devote too much of their time to problems of every day living while they would like to devote their time to thinking ai'd researching. Attention will have to be given to the problem of salary structure, housing, educational facilities and other incentive if research ins^t'rtions are to be made more creative and greater returns are expected from research.

S and T in plates

19.43 The State Councils of Science and Techno logv are being activised under the new plan. One of the specific ways by which the State Councils could foster S and T in their own region could be to associate the national laboratories, university science departments, research scientists and professional societies in the States, in the identification of problem areas and application of S and T for their solution. The State Councils could also organise public discussion and debate on S and T policies, plans and programmes being followed or proposed to be followed by the various Central and State S and T institutions situated in the State. Dissemination of science and fostering of scientific temper should be the guiding principle for the working of these State Councils. This could be achieved by the publication of special journals in local languages, programmes for the children in schools and science melas organised in research institutions in which a large number of people participate. The Councils could also commission mobile science museums for purposes of exhibition in rural areas.

Technical Cooperation in S and T

19.44 Collaborative efforts through multilateral programmes such as those of the various agencies of the UN system or bilateral technical assistance programmes have emerged as significant vehicles for inter-country cooperation in S and T. It is, however, important that such programmes of technical cooperation are enmeshed with the indigenous S and T capability and linked to the S and T plan. In devising programmes of technical cooperation with other countries, aid as such should not be the primary objective. Since the basic infrastructure of S and T is strong enough in the country, it would be advantageous to look for programmes which call for collaborative effort between our scientists and those of the advanced countries. It should be the endeavour of R and D institutions to see that, as far as possible, the emphasis in the collaboration is on exchange of specialised knowledge on both sides and procurement of specialised equipment from advanced coun-triet, Certain specific areas in which we have advantage could be considered for offer of training facilities for the scientists of other developing countries. In this regard, the Centre for S and T for non-aligned countries and Regional Centre for Transfer of Technology (under ESCAP auspices) will be supported and developed. It may also be possible to offer proven technologies to neighbouring countries faced with development problems similar to. ours.

PROGRAMMES

19.45 As explained in the sections which follow, the Plan investment on science and technology in the Sixth Five-year Plan will be significantly higher than in the earlier plans. While the realignment of the scientific effort in the country fully in line with the foregoing approach will take some time, the programme content in the new Plan marks a step in this direction.

Indicative thrust areas for S and T

19.46 In order to utilise our existing manpower resources and strengthen the infrastructure of our institutions, so as to leapfrog into advanced areas of science and technology, it will be necessary to concentrate on we)l selected areas of science and technology and provide the requisite amount of resources so that major breaks through may be achieved in the selected thrust areas; these must be chosen such that even limited resources can make an impact. I he identification of these thrust areas and assignment of appropriate priorities is a continuous process involving interaction amongst different groups of scientists and technologists from educational and research institutions as well as from the industry. Many of these thrust areas need inter-disciplinary work encompassing different traditional disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology and engineering. Another feature relates to the setting up of appropriate institutional mechanisms to ensure that these new interdisciplinary areas are pursued by scientists of high calibre, particularly young scientists from different parts of the country around whom suitable core groups or units may have to be built up, providing them with the necessary facilities including appropriate training programmes, specialised courses, career award schemes etc. Some of the indicative thrust areas identified so far and the corresponding Departments/Ministries and agencies which might take the lead in implementation are indicated in Annexure 19.1.

19.47 The programmes on Science and Technology are described in the various sectoral plans. For an integrated picture, the salient features of the S and T plan programmes are indicated in the following paragraphs:

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Food

19.48 Agricultural research in India has many achievements to its credit. The production of food-grains touched a record level of 131.4 million ton-nes in 1978-79 as compared to 45.6 million tonnes in 1947. This improvement in foodgrains production has been made possible by the development of high-yielding crop varieties and improved production technology through sustained research effort. Similarly, the research advances made in commercial crops, horticultural crops, plantation crops etc. have added to the production potential of these crops. The technology has also been developed for reclamation of saline, alkaline and desert soils into productive lands and for improvement of live-stock and their disease control. Cross-breeding programmes in live-stock and sheep have been introduced for increasing the milk yield and wool and meat production. Relevant technology for improvement of both inland and marine fish production is being developed. Research for improvement of goats, poultry, pigs etc. is also under way. Extension programmes for transfer of technology have been undertaken through national demonstrations, whole village operational research projects, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Lab-to-Land programmes.

19.49 During the last three decades, the maior objective of agricultural research and development was to achieve self-sufficiency in food. During the eighties, the goal wo''ld not only be to further improve productivity and stabilise and diversify production,but also to conserve it and to generate rural employment and enhance consumption by increasing the purchasing power of the people. High-yield-cum-stability production system, in both ten-ertrial and aquatic farming will be developed, ensuring maximum utilization of available resources in soil, water and sun light. Identification of constraints responsible for the gap between the potential and actual farm yields and causes of slow technology transfer would continue to be of prime concern. 'Research effort will be oriented to conservation of plant, animal, soil and water resources, evaluation and stabilisation of production trends in unirrigated areas, evolving technology to suit marginal and small farmers' holdings, improvement of animal and fisheries resources and development of integrated farming systems. Measures for effective transfer of technology to the field and providing research support to the farming community will receive special consideration.

19.50 The S and T programmes under the Department of Food pertain to Indian Grain Storage Institute and its field stations and the National Sugarcane Institute. Promotion of research effort and popularisation of improved techniques for foodgrains storage and pest control at farm level are important facets of the Grain Storage Research and Training Centre. The Centre also undertakes training for Government personnel deployed for procurement and buffer stock maintenance and for pest control in Government go-downs. The development of designs of metal and non-metal storage structures, appropriate insect and rodent control techniques for adoption in the village and identification of field problems in various post harvest operations are some of the programmes in the Plan. The National Sugar Institute will continue its programme of research on problems pertaining to sugar technology, sugar and sugarcane chemistry and sugar engineering, render technical advice and assistance to sugar factories with a view to improve efficiency and provide specialised technical education.

Forestry

19.51 The S and T component ia the forestry sector is built around the programmes of the Forest Research Institute. These will be concerned with developing technologies to increase, maximise and stabilise wood production per unit area under different management and exploitation methods, improvement in utilisatioa and generation of employment without endangering ecological security, particular attention will be paid to the extensive cultivation of legumenous shrubs and trees which can provide fodder, feed, fuel and fertiliser (through fixation of atmospheric nitrogen).

Environment and Ecology

19.52 A new Department of Environment has been set up. The activities in this important area will pertain to:

1. support for R and D programmes, developing an information system, monitoring network, field action and demonstration schemes, and matters relevant to planning and coordination on environment aad ecology at the national and State levels;
2. operational programmes such as establishment of biosphere reserves and centres of excellence for environment education and managements, and Eco-developnaent force and Eco-development camp
3. programmes pertaining to pollution control measures (water, air, noise etc.).

Irrigation

19.53 The focus of the research activities will be on evolving improved and economical designs, use of locally available materials, adoption of better construction practices and development of indigenous technology for new instruments and materials, identification of activities required for the optimum development of water resources by remote sensing techniques and promotion of studies in pure and applied hydrology.

Meteorology

19.54 The S and T programmes in meteorology aie undertaken by the establishments of the Indian Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Indian Institute of Geomagnetism and Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The programmes pertain to strengthening the infrastructure capabilities and competence to provide weather forecasts, warn against severe weather phenomena (like cyclones, heavy rains, snow, heat and cold waves), and for detection and location of earth-quakes and evaluation of seismic risks. New programmes proposed relate (o integrated weather service for agricultural opera-lion and planning, application of remote sensing technique to agricultural meteorology, extension of soil moisture observational network, reconnaissance of cyclonic storms and development of instruments.

Health

19.55 Over the years, the aim of Indian Council of Medical Research has been to strengthen indigenous capabilities and develop a broad-based and balanced cadre of research personnel able to cope with the present and new problems affecting the health of the nation. In the Plan, the activities of Indian Council of Medical Research would be oriented to operational research for improving health conditions in major problem areas like fertility regulation, control of communicable diseases, improving the nutritional status, particularly of mothers and children and alternative strategy of delivery of health care. The effort would be to strengthen and develop capabilities in new areas such as immunology, genetics including molecular biology and genetic engineering for control of intractable communicable diseases, viz. malaria, leprosy, filarisis and kala-azar. An important step towards implementation of the programmes will be the adoption of the task force approach, viz. to set up inter-discipllnaryyinter-institutional task forces for specific problem areas like child health; nutrition, cancer, communicable diseases and endocrinology, in which the R and D tasks would be identified and programmed for achievement in a time bound manner. In addition, the Indian Council- of Medical Research have prooosed to set up a national cancer registry with four regional centres, three advanced cenlres in areas of hematology, neurophysiology and neurobiochemistry and five regional centres to promote regional biomedi-cal research during the Plan period. Among other major S and T objectives in the Health sector will be development of indigenous capabilities for the manufacture of bulk drugs and utilisation of medicinal plants.

Education

19.56 The basic approach will be to provide selective support for high calibre but broad-based scientific research and thereby to improve the quality of the educational system.

19.57 The University Grants Commission has provided assistance to Universities to set up computer faculties, instrumentation centres, and centres for advanced study in science. Support is also provided by UGC to selected university science departments to develop accessory and infrastructure faculties for undertaking group research in selected subjects, strengthen and consolidate their teaching and research programmes and to identify an area of specialisation in which they would ultimately strive to achieve excellence. With UGC support, specific time bound research projects are also undertaken by university faculty members and junior teachers in colleges and universities. These activities will continue in the Sixth Plan.

19.58 In the area of technical education, besides strengthening R and D in Indian fastiutes of Technology, it is envisaged to take up programmes relating to expansion of facilities in areas where gaps have already been identified, such as instrumentation, computer science, electronics, bio-sciences, and development of emerging areas li'