REPORT NO.

354

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE
ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND
CLIMATE CHANGE

THREE HUNDRED FIFTY FOUR REPORT

Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations/Observations

contained in the Three Hundred Forty Fourth Report of the Department-related
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment,
Forests and Climate Change on the Demands for Grants (2021-22) of the
Department of Science and Technology
(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 1stDecember, 2021)
(Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 1stDecember, 2021)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi

December, 2021/ Agrahayana, 1943 (Saka)
Website : http://rajyasabha.nic.in
Email: rsc-st@sansad.nic.in
 Hindi version of this publication is also available

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE

ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND
CLIMATE CHANGE

THREE HUNDRED FIFTY FOUR REPORT

Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations/Observations

contained in the Three Hundred Forty Fourth Report of the Department-related
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment,
Forests and Climate Change on the Demands for Grants (2021-22) of the
Department of Science and Technology
(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on1st December, 2021)
(Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 1st December, 2021)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi

December, 2021/ Agrahayana, 1943 (Saka)
 CONTENTS

PAGES

1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE ………………………………… (i)

2. INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………… (ii)

3. ACRONYMS ……………………………………………………………… (iii)-(iv)

4. REPORT …………………………………………………………………... 1-17

Chapter I. Recommendations/Observations which have been 2-13

accepted by the Government………………………………...

Chapter II. Recommendations/Observations which the Committee 14-15

does not desire to pursue in view of the Government’s
replies………………………………………………………..

Chapter III. Recommendations/Observations in respect of which replies 16

of the Government have not been accepted by the
Committee……………………………………………………

Chapter IV. Recommendations/Observations in respect of which Final 17

Replies of the Government are still awaited…………………

5. MINUTES …………………………………………………………………. 18-19

 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE
(2021-22)
(Constituted w.e.f. 13th September, 2021)
1. Shri Jairam Ramesh – Chairman
RAJYA SABHA
2. Shri Anil Baluni
3. Shrimati Vandana Chavan
4. Shrimati Seema Dwivedi
5. Ms. Indu Bala Goswami
6. Shri Joginipally Santosh Kumar
7. Shri Parimal Nathwani
8. Shri Bhaskar Rao Nekkanti
9. Shri Nabam Rebia
10. # Vacant
LOK SABHA
11. Shri Guharam Ajgalley
12. Shri Pradan Baruah
13. Shri E.T. Mohammed Basheer
14. Shri Jashvantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor
15. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat
16. Shri Anantkumar Hegde
17. Shri S. Jagathrakshakan
18. Shri Mohammed Azam Khan
19. Shrimati Jyotsna Charandas Mahant
20. Dr. Swami Sakshiji Maharaj
21. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi
22. Shri Kotha Prabhakar Reddy
23. Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy
24. Shrimati Satabdi Roy (Banerjee)
25. Shri Francisco Sardinha
26. Shri Anurag Sharma
27. Shri Mahesh Sahoo
28. Dr. M.P. Abdussamad Samadani
29. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh
30. Dr. Ramapati Ram Tripathi
31. Shri Ram Shiromani Verma
SECRETARIAT
Shri Pradeep Chaturvedi, Joint Secretary
Dr. (Smt.) Subhashree Panigrahi, Director
Shri Rakesh Anand, Additional Director
Smt. Monica Baa, Additional Director
Shri Deepak Bhoria, Under Secretary
Shri Harish Kumar, Committee Officer
Shri Ankit Chansoria, Assistant Committee Officer
_________________________________________________________________________
#Prof. Manoj Kumar Jha ceased to be the member of the Committee consequent upon his resignation
from the Committee w.e.f. 11th October, 2021

(i)
 INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on

Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, having been
authorised by the Committee to present the Report on its behalf, present this Three
Hundred Fifty Fourth Report on Action Taken by the Government on the
recommendations/observations contained in the Three Hundred Forty Fourth Report of
the Committee on Demands for Grants (2021-2022) of the Department of Science and
Technology, which was presented/laid in both the Houses of Parliament on
8th March, 2021.
2. There were 16 recommendations/observations in the Three Forty Fourth Report
of the Committee. Action Taken Notes on the recommendations/observations of the
Committee were received from the Department on 10th June, 2021.
3. In the meeting held on 30th November, 2021, the Committee considered the draft
Report and adopted the same

(JAIRAM RAMESH)
NEW DELHI; Chairman,
30th November , 2021 Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Agrahayana 09, 1943 (Saka) Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change,
Rajya Sabha.

(ii)
 ACRONYMS

ATN Action Taken Note

ATR Action Taken Report

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

CURIE Consolidation of University Research For Innovation And Excellence in

Women

DBT Department of Biotechnology

DST Department of Science & Technology

EFC Expenditure Finance Committee

EV Electric Vehicle

FY Financial Year

GATI Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions

IMPRINT Impacting Research, Innovation and Technology

INSPIRE Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research

JRF Junior Research Fellowship

KIRAN Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing

LiB Lithium Ion Battery

MSME Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

NM-ICPS National Mission on Inter-disciplinary Cyber Physical Cyber System

NPDF National Post -Doctoral Fellowship

NRF National Research Foundation

NSM National Supercomputing Mission

PSC Parliamentary Standing Committee

R&D Research and Development

RA Research Assistant

RE Revised Estimate

SEED Science for Equity Empowerment and Development

SERB Science & Engineering Research Board

(iii)
SHE Scholarship for Higher Education

SME Small and Medium Enterprises

SoI Survey of India

SRF Senior Research Fellowship

STI Science, Technology and Innovation

TDB Technology Development Board

TRC Technical Research Center

WISE Women in Science & Engineering

(iv)
 REPORT
The Action Taken Report (ATR) of the Committee deals with the action taken by the
Government on the recommendations/observations contained in the Three Hundred Forty Fourth
Report of the Committee on ‘Demands for Grants (2021-22) of the Department of Science and
Technology’. The Report was presented to Rajya Sabha and laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on the
8th March, 2021.
2. Action Taken Notes (ATN) have been received from Department of Science and
Technology in respect of the recommendations/observations contained in the Three Hundred Forty
Fourth Report. This has been categorized as follows:-
Chapter I: Recommendations/Observations which have been accepted by the
Government: Para Nos. 2.3, 2.6, 2.13, 3.3, 4.3, 4.4, 5.4, 6.3, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6 and 8.2
(of the Three Hundred Forty Fourth Report)
Total recommendations – 12 accepted
The Committee is pleased to note that the Department has accepted its
recommendations/observations as mentioned in Chapter-I of the Report.
Chapter II: Recommendations/Observations which the Committee does not desire to
pursue in view of the Government’s replies: Para Nos. 2.9 and 9.2
Total recommendations – 02 Not to be pursued
The Committee is convinced with the explanations furnished by the Ministry and,
therefore, does not want to pursue the recommendations further.
Chapter III: Recommendations/Observations in respect of which replies of the Government
have not been accepted by the Committee: Nil
Chapter IV: Recommendations/Observations in respect of which final replies of the
Government are still awaited:
Para Nos.10.2
Total recommendations – 01 to be pursued further
The Committee desires that the Department should furnish pointed and detailed
Action Taken Notes in respect of the further recommendations/observations made
by the Committee in Chapter III of the Report. The Department should also
furnish the updated information regarding the paragraph mentioned in Chapter IV
of the Report.
3. The details of the ATR have been analyzed in the succeeding Chapters.

1
 CHAPTER-I
RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE
GOVERNMENT
BUDGETARY DETAILS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020-21 AND ALLOCATION
FOR 2021-22
Recommendation/Observation
1.1 The Committee acknowledges that despite the restrictions imposed by Department of
Economic Affairs and closure of some of its institutions, the Department has been able to utilise
over 80 percent of the funds allotted during RE 2020-21 upto 31.01.2021. The Committee is
satisfied with the utilisation of funds and recommends the Department to ensure its full utilisation
by the end of the financial year. (Para 2.3of the 344th Report)
Action Taken
1.2 The Department of Science and Technology has been able to spend Rs. 4912.04 crore
against the RE of Rs. 5012.10 crore, which amounts to 98% expenditure vis-à-vis Revised
Estimates for the year 2020-2021.
Recommendation/Observation
1.3 The Committee is concerned about the impact of the reduction in budgetary allocation on
the outcomes and physical targets of the Central Sector Schemes. The Committee, therefore,
recommends that the Department should prioritise the available resources and ensure full
utilisation of funds, especially, under research and development initiatives and projects,
disbursement of fellowships and technology development programmes. Further, the Committee
stresses on the Department to take all steps possible to ensure timely disbursement of fellowships
and to continuously monitor the status. (Para 2.6 ibid)

Action Taken
1.4 The recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee have been noted for
compliance and to ensure full utilisation of the funds allocated.
1.5 Survey of India (SoI)/ National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) have
been directed to prioritize the available resources and utilization of funds in the year 2021-2022 to
achieve the target.
1.6 The International Co-operation Programme of Department of Science and Technology
(DST) is implemented in alignment with international partners in terms of fiscal year, funding
availability, planning of Joint Committee/Commission meetings for requisite approval, etc. Due to
spread of COVID-19 pandemic, some of the planned meetings could not take place. Some of the
International partners even expressed non-availability of funds which led to reduction in the
budgetary allocation at RE stage. However, all efforts were made to support ongoing projects with
manpower component on priority basis.
1.7 Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scholarship for Higher
Education (SHE) Scholarship: INSPIRE Fellowship and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowships have been
disbursed within 60 days of the receipt of necessary documents. Considering the COVID-19
pandemic, timely release of scholarship/fellowship was ensured and INSPIRE Fellowship was also
released to about 502 Scholars who were not able to submit the necessary documents in time.
1.8 The budget allocation for Financial Year 2020-21 under Technology Development
Programme, Drugs & Pharmaceutical Research Programme, National Council for Science &
2
Technology Communication, National Geospatial Programme were fully utilized by the end of
Financial Year.
1.9 So far as Technology Fusion Application and Research Programme is concerned, though
budget was reduced for the programme, prioritisation of the projects with available limited
resources was done to ensure full utilization of funds made available. The Quantum Research has
taken the highest precedence, followed by Epidemiology, Imagining Spectroscopy and Digital
Heritage Projects. Thus, the impact of reduction in budget allocation and outcome of physical
targets was minimized to the possible extent. All fellowships approved under these projects have
been disbursed timely and there is continuous monitoring of the projects.
1.10 Under Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) and Knowledge Investment and
Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN), outcome and
physical targets can be achieved by prioritizing the available resources. Top-most priority will be
given to disbursement of fellowships.
1.11 So far as Nano Mission, National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) & Swarna Jayanti
Fellowships Scheme is concerned, the expenditure under each was as follows:
(i) Nano Mission: RE Rs. 58.5 crore with Rs. 10 crore under ‘Capital’ and Rs. 48 crore under
‘General’ has been fully spent. The allocation of Rs. 50 lakh for salary of two Scientists ‘B’ was
probably reduced to Rs. 30 lakh which was for Administration to use for payment of Salary to two
Scientists ‘B’. (RE spent Fully);
(ii) Under NSM, the RE of ₹ 69.5 crore under Capital and ₹ 0.50 crore under ‘General’ has
been fully spent. (Spent fully); &
(iii) Under Swarna Jayanti Fellowships Scheme, the allocation of ₹ 7 crore was fully spent.
(Spent fully)
1.12 The 3rd Party Evaluation Committee has strongly recommended converting Nano Mission
as a regular programme of DST since applications of Nano S&T and Nano Medicine are going to
be there for more than 20 years from now. In - principle approval of D/o Expenditure, to merge
the National Programme on Nano Science and Technology under the Research & Development
Umbrella programme of DST from 2017 onwards, has been obtained. This has been included as a
part of Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) on Research and Development submitted by DST to
D/o Expenditure for approval.
1.13 The Fellowships of Research Fellows (JRF/SRF/RA etc.) working in academic and
research institutions through extramural research projects of Science & Engineering Research
Board (SERB) are disbursed by the implementing institutions. SERB normally makes financial
releases to implementing institutions once in a year, in lump sum, which includes cost of
consumables, manpower, equipment, contingencies, etc. In order to facilitate subsequent financial
releases during the prevailing pandemic period caused by COVID-19, SERB has extended special
dispensation to researchers. Releases were made to Institutions on the basis of provisional
Statement of Expenditure and Utilization Certificates. In case of National Post Doctoral
Fellowship (NPDF), all the selected NPDF are allowed to join the host institute only after issue of
Sanction Order by SERB. Thereby, SERB confirms the availability of funds to the institutes for a
period of one year and ensures NPDF executing the research work without any difficulties. These
measures ensure timely disbursement of fellowships.
1.14 Under the ‘Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment’ scheme entire budget
has been utilised. To prioritise the utilisation under reduced budgets, releases were rationalised
under new projects, releases were limited to most relevant expenses for initiating the project.
Support to Startups operating on COVID-19 related solutions was extended through flagship
3
program of the department- Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) support
and by launching a new program CAWACH (Centre for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19
Health Crisis). Through proper due diligence, 51 startups could be supported under CAWACH
programme.
Recommendation/Observation
1.15 The Committee recommends the Department to prioritise its activities and optimise its
resources in order to support critical projects under different schemes and sub-schemes, and if
required, seek additional funds at the supplementary stage so that there is no adverse impact on
the ongoing schemes/project. (Para 2.13 ibid)
Action Taken
1.16 All Programme Divisions of the Department have taken note of the recommendation for
compliance. Activities are being prioritised and resources optimised.
1.17 Under International Cooperation programme, Utilization Certificates & Statement of
Expenditures for all ongoing projects will be sought in first quarter itself so that additional funds
can be sought at supplementary stage.
1.18 INSPIRE scheme was given priority, in terms of budget availability and to perform
INSPIRE scheme implementation activities.
1.19 Utmost care was taken to prioritise activities and optimize resources to support critical
projects under the Technology Fusion Application and Research (TFAR), a sub-scheme under
Research and Development umbrella scheme. Additional funds were sought at Supplementary
Stage. However, no additional allocations either at RE stage or supplementary stage have been
provided.
1.20 Priority is given to all the ongoing projects under Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-A
and WOS-B) where fellowship of Principal Investigator (PI) is involved. Further, due to travel
restriction in pandemic conditions, the new call of Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM
(WISTEMM) has been kept on hold. Similarly, budget will be prioritised in other programmes as
well. The proposed travel plan of Identified Higher Education Institutes to UK under GATI would
also be revisited.
1.21 Some key programmes mentioned below will get affected, as there is a substantial
difference between the budget demanded and allocated. Following are the points for
consideration:
(i) Scientific Utilization through Research Augmentation- Prime Products from Indigenous
Cows (SUTRA-PIC).
(ii) State Science & Technology Programme (SSTP): Under the State Science &
Technology Programme (SSTP), allocated budget in 2021-22 is Rs 24 crore against the demanded
budget of Rs. 65.5 crore as per EFC. This substantial difference between the budgetary allocation
demanded and funds actually allocated will severely impact the SSTP.
(iii) Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST): There will be decrease in the
proposed new initiatives related to Establishment of Science Technology and Innovation (STI)
Hubs and Creation of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) Cells for the holistic
development of SC and ST population in the country. Some of the proposed initiatives like
Establishment of Fab Labs in Ekalavya Schools, Collaborative initiatives with line function
Ministries and Departments will be affected. With decrease in funding, the priority of the
Department will be for ongoing schemes and projects. Focus will be on consolidation of already
ongoing projects with efforts in reaching maximum number of beneficiaries for Training, S&T
4
Capacity Building and Skill Development. Efforts will be made for converging the ongoing
programmes and schemes with other schemes and programmes of the Department.
(iv) Science and Society Programme (SSP): With the reduced budgets, prioritization of expenses
and utilization of 100 % of the budget allocated under ‘Innovation, Technology Development and
Deployment’ scheme of DST was done. Startups working on COVID – 19 related solutions were
supported through seed fund available with Technology Business Incubators.
REVENUE AND CAPITAL ALLOCATIONS IN B.E. 2021-22
Recommendation/Observation
1.22 The Committee is constrained to note that details of the activities planned to be undertaken
by the Department with the increased allocation for creation of Capital Assets was not available in
the documents furnished by the Department and break-up of budgetary allocations for Revenue
and Capital Expenditure as well as funds allotted for Establishment Expenditure under various
Budgetary Heads has not been made available. The Committee recommends that the Department
should invariably furnish the above information to the Committee to facilitate a more detailed
analysis of Demands for Grants. (Para 3.3ibid)
Action Taken
(i) The Department has allocated Rs.1635.00 crore under ‘Grants for creation of Capital
Assets’ for the year 2021-2022. Detailed allocation may be seen as under:
(Rs.in crore)
S. No. Particulars BE 2021-22
1 Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building 272.00

2 Research and Development 296.50

3 Innovation Technology Development and Deployment 332.50

4 National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber System 55.00

5 Science and Engineering Research Board 299.00

6 Autonomous Institutions and Professional Bodies 380.00
Total- Grants for creation of Capital Assets 1635.00
(ii) Section-wise allocation of Department of Science and Technology for the year 2021-
2022:-
(Rs. in crore)
S. No. Particulars Budget
Estimates
1. Revenue 5949.59
2. Capital 122.00
Total- (Revenue + Capital) 6071.59

5
(iii) Fund to the tune of Rs.715.90 crore has been allocated towards ‘Establishment
expenditure’, details are given as follows:
(Rs.in crore)

S. No. Particulars Budget Estimates 2021-2022

Revenue Capital Total

1. Secretariat 93.40 30.00 123.40

2. Survey of India 460.10 73.50 533.60

3. NATMO 28.40 18.50 46.90

4. Science Counsellors Abroad 12.00 0 0

Total- Establishment Expenditure 593.90 122.00 715.90

1.23 Recommendation to furnish activities planned to be undertaken by the Department with the
increased allocation for creation of Capital assets to the Committee to facilitate a more detailed
analysis of Demands for Grants has been noted for compliance.
KEY INITIATIVES TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT:
GUIDELINES ON GEO - SPATIAL DATA: LIBERALISATION AND
DEMOCRATISATION
Recommendation/Observation
1.24 The Committee notes the economic, social, technological and developmental potential that
lies in liberalisation and democratisation of the guidelines on acquisition and use of Geo-spatial
data, and recommends that the Department should ensure better coordination between various
agencies involved in the process to avoid duplicity of efforts, inordinate delays and waste of
resources. The Committee is also concerned about the security related to sharing of geospatial
information of sensitive and prohibited areas, and recommends the Department to develop fool
proof mechanisms to ensure that the security of data is not compromised. (Para 4.3 ibid)
Action Taken
1.25 Survey of India (SoI) is developing a platform on which its data assets will be visible to all
and will be available for sharing among all Government departments and public also. This will
take care of all duplicity, delay and waste of resources. Datasets will be shared or made available
through above platform free of cost to all Government agencies, whereas private users will be
provided data at fair and transparent cost. Government of India data platform security guidelines
will be complied with stipulated security auditing of platform and web application.
1.26 Data available with SoI will only be shared or made available in accordance with new
geo-spatial guidelines and negative attributes list cited in the guidelines. All sensitive and
prohibited attributes will be filtered from the final output data before supply to users.
Recommendation/Observation
1.27 The Committee recommends that the Department should promote start-ups and SMEs in
the geo-spatial mapping sector by providing handholding, expertise, technology resource, early
6
stage funding and incubation through its various entrepreneurship development programmes. The
Committee also recommends the Department to actively promote the repository of geo-spatial data
amongst possible buyers as a prospective revenue grosser. (Para 4.4 ibid)
Action Taken
1.28 Survey of India (SoI) has been outsourcing various geo-spatial data generation works to the
geo-spatial sector firms including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Small and
Medium Enterprises (SME) and Start-Ups in its endeavor to promote MSME and start-ups for
building the expert capacity, technology resources, etc., with due relaxation in past experience,
financial qualification, turn-over criteria, etc. SoI is building a data repository and dissemination
platform. This repository and platform will be handled by two Directorates with responsibility of
data storage, archival, publishing as web services and life cycle management i.e. National Geo-
spatial Data Centre (NGDC), Dehradun and GIS & Remote Sensing (GIS&RS) Geo-spatial Data
Centre, Hyderabad. In order to promote and make available these datasets, SoI is cataloguing these
data layers in National Data Registry (NDR) of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).
SoI is taking these steps to leverage its data assets for potential buyers at fair price to tap the
potential of data-sets as prospective revenue grosser.
1.29 In order to promote the repository of geo-spatial data amongst possible buyers, a proof-of-
concept National Data Registry on a cloud-based Geo-platform has been developed and
demonstrated with the provision of registration and catalogue services to facilitate search,
discovery and access to geo-spatial data.
NATIONAL MISSION ON INTER-DISCIPLINARY CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEM (NM-
ICPS)
Recommendation/Observation
1.30 The Committee notes with appreciation the achievements of the Department under the
Mission. The Committee recommends that the Department should ensure there are adequate
mechanisms to avoid duplicity of efforts in these Hubs and that each Hub follows a life-cycle
approach resulting in translation, commercialisation of knowledge and technologies developed.
(Para 5.4 ibid)
Action Taken
1.31 National Mission on Inter-disciplinary Cyber Physical Cyber System (NM-ICPS) Mission
has established 25 Innovation Hubs and independent technology verticals. As such, there is no
duplicity amongst these Hubs. However, being an emerging technology, an element of overlapping
and duplicity is unavoidable. The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and Mission Governing
Board (MGB) of NM-ICPS are evaluating these Hubs and will ensure no duplicity among these
Hubs wherein each Hub acts as a platform for Academia, Industry and Government collaborations.
These Hubs follow a technology life cycle approach, addressing all stages viz. Knowledge-
Development-Translation-Commercialization.

DRAFT 5th SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION POLICY (STIP)

Recommendation/Observation
1.32 The Committee recognises the need for a new Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
Policy to strengthen the STI ecosystem and make it more competitive. The Committee advises the
Department to share and interact with this Committee this important policy of national relevance,
to further broaden the scope of consultation and inclusion of diverse ideas. (Para 6.3 ibid)
7
Action Taken
1.33 The English and Hindi versions of the draft Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
Policy have already been shared with the Committee for further guidance.
AUTONOMOUS BODIES OF THE DEPARTMENT
Recommendation/Observation
1.34 The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department should impress upon all the
Autonomous Institutions to enlist 10 goals/objectives that each of these Autonomous Institutions
propose to pursue in the medium to long term plan. The Autonomous Institutions should further
indicate the goals/objectives that will be pursued during the year 2021-22 along with the steps that
the Department plans to undertake to achieve these goals during the year. On its part, Department
of Science and Technology should also develop a mechanism to periodically monitor the progress
of the goals/objectives of each of these Institutions. The Department should also devise a
framework of inter-Departmental consultation and coordination, with the aim of sharing research
outcomes, optimising resource utilisation, avoiding overlaps and reducing redundancy.
(Para 7.3 ibid)
Action Taken
1.35 In pursuance of above observations, it is submitted that each of the Autonomous
Institutions (AIs) has already been suitably counselled to enlist relevant goals /objectives being
taken up during the year 2021-22. In order to monitor and appraise the progress made in the AIs,
this Department has already embarked upon a system to evaluate the outcomes of the progress of
AIs periodically in three modes i.e. Monthly, Quarterly and Annually. Further, in order to
establish compliance to the requirements of General Financial Rules (GFRs)-2017 stipulated as per
para (ix) Rule 229 regarding Peer Review of Autonomous Institutions, DST had set up a two tier
evaluation process, comprising of five area-wise Sectoral Committees (SCs) at the first level and
an Apex Peer Review Committee (ARC) at the second level. The Sectoral Committees made a
detailed evaluation of AIs with the help of domain experts followed by evaluation by the Apex
Peer Review Committee which made final recommendations taking into account the optimal
utilization of resources recently. Similar mechanism will be followed by this Department to
monitor the scientific activities of all Autonomous Institutions. This Department is also
endeavoring to devise a framework of inter-Departmental consultation and coordination, with the
aim of sharing research outcomes, optimizing resource utilization, avoiding overlaps and reducing
redundancy.
Recommendation/Observation
1.36 The Committee also recommends that these Autonomous Institutions should be advised to
explore avenues to augment revenue generation through technology transfer, consultancy services,
patents, etc. On its part the Department should also set targets for the same and actively monitor
the progress. (Para 7.4 ibid)

Action Taken
1.37 In pursuance of above observations, it is submitted that in five of the Autonomous
Institutions, Technical Research Centers (TRC) have been established to convert research findings
into commercial products. The TRC programme is translating scientific discoveries and
technological inventions into products and services of societal and industrial relevance. TRCs have
been instrumental in building R&D translation ecosystem by supporting advancements in
technology readiness levels of background R&D capabilities and intellectual properties,
8
streamlining multi-stakeholder involvement (including industry-academia partnerships),
technology out-licensing, setting-up platforms for start-ups, and strengthening state-of-the-art
R&D infrastructure. Around a dozen of technologies have been transferred to the industries and
many of them are at different stages of developments for transfer to the industries. These TRCs
have already started generating revenues. Few more TRCs are under consideration.
Recommendation/Observation
1.38 The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department should provide the necessary
funds to the Birbal Sahni Institute to improve and upgrade its infrastructure. Further, the
Department should undertake a thorough assessment of the physical infrastructure of its
Institutions/Autonomous Bodies and provide all help to strengthen their infrastructure.
(Para 7.6 ibid)
Action Taken
1.39 In pursuance of above observations, it is submitted that the Department is providing
necessary funds to Autonomous Institutions and administrative assistance to improve and upgrade
its research and infrastructure. The Department has been providing grants in aid to improve the
physical infrastructure of its Autonomous Institutions within the allocated budget. During the
recent years, new Infrastructure have been created for the Autonomous Institutions located at
different parts of the country and many of the infrastructure proposals are under pipeline.
GROSS EXPENDITURE ON R&D (GERD)
Recommendation/Observation
1.40 The Committee recognises the efforts of the Department in promoting R&D activities and
highlights the importance of a higher allocation of resources in Research and Development
activities. However, the Committee is concerned with the stagnation and decline of Gross
Expenditure on R&D as a percentage of GDP. The Committee cannot stress enough on the urgent
need to enhance the GERD as a percentage of GDP and, therefore, urges the Department to
undertake aggressive steps towards promoting private sector investment in Research and
Development, especially since October 2019, companies have been allowed to use Corporate
Social Responsibility(CSR) funds for contributions towards research. (Para 8.2 ibid)

Action Taken
1.41 In various schemes implemented by the Department for augmenting and strengthening of
research infrastructure in academic institutions, the existing guideline provides for contribution of
50% share of funds in the recommended budget in project for Private Academic Institutions.
1.42 National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Cyber System (NM-ICPS) is
implemented through 25 Technology Innovation Hubs in the form of Section-8, not for profit
companies, across the country. The Companies are to co-partner with Industry, both financially
and technically, for various activities ranging from R&D to commercialization. All these Hubs are
encouraged to utilize the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. Thus, the Mission is
working aggressively for promoting private sector contribution to R&D.
1.43 Under KIRAN programme steps for involvement of companies and using their Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) funds have been taken. IBM, India is involved in Vigyan Jyoti
Programme and providing its CSR funds to support various activities of the programme.
1.44 The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a Statutory body of the Department
has taken significant initiatives towards promoting private sector investment in Research and
9
Development (R&D). The Scheme, Industry Relevant Research & Development (IRRD) had been
instituted to target solution driven research to address industry specific problems. The Scheme
utilizes the expertise available in academic institutions and national laboratories to solve industry
specific problems for the larger benefit of society.
1.45 In order to further catalyze industry relevant research in academic settings, the Board has
recently initiated a new programme titled ‘Fund for Industrial Research Engagement (FIRE)’. The
projects identified under SERB-FIRE shall be jointly designed and implemented by the academic
partner (which includes a partner from national laboratories/recognized R&D institutions as the
case may be) and industry. SERB and Industry share the cost on 1:1 basis. The SERB has already
signed Letter of Intent / MoU with some key industry players.
1.46 The Department, in partnership with Ministry of Education (MoE), has been implementing
an initiative called Impacting Research, Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) to address all
major engineering challenges relevant to India through an inclusive and sustainable mode of
translational research steered by the top engineering institutions in the country. The SERB has
been entrusted to implement IMPRINT – 2 R&D projects and function as a single window
clearance system of all the financial requirements of the selected projects. The programme ensures
mandatory engagement and investment of private industries.
1.47 SERB has recently made call for R&D proposals on SERB Centre for Energy
Transformation and Storage in three specific areas, namely, Electrochemical energy storage
systems for micro-grid installations, Technologies for utility-scale high-capacity batteries and
Transparent photovoltaics for devices and surface integration. In order to boost private investment
and sustainability, it is mandated that the Centres should ensure (added) funding from non-SERB
sources such as industry, institution, etc.
1.48 Under Electric Vehicle (EV) R&D Mission, it is proposed to set up three Technology
Hubs: Energy Storage, Drivetrain and EV Electronics. Further, at each EV R&D Hub, the
following Four Programs will be conducted:
(i) To create development facilities for EV Components
(ii) To develop & demonstrate technologies
(iii) To develop EV Sub-systems & validate in Field Trials
(iv) To develop Materials & Manufacturing Equipment for EV Components
The total budget for the year 2021-22 envisaged at Rs. 433.1 crores, the details of which
are given as under.

(Rs. in crore)
Year-I Scheme-wise
2021-22
Energy Drivetrain EV Sub-Total Total
Storage Electronics
Program-1: Non- 63.75 66.25 2.50 132.50
Facilities recurring 186.74
Recurring 24.2 28.4 1.6 54.2
Sub- Program-2: Non 43.5 13.0 15.3 71.8 124.5
Schemes R&D Recurring
Recurring 26.2 8.5 18.0 52.7
10
 Program-3: Non- 18 7.6 11.3 36.9 54.6
Sub-Systems Recurring
Recurring 10.2 2.8 4.7 17.7

Program-4: Non- 21.1 23.0 - 44.1 67.3

Incubation recurring
Recurring 12.7 10.4 23.1
219.7 160.0 53.4 433.1

The draft EFC Memorandum has been prepared. But it could not be taken up for approvals
due to the COVID-19 situation.

Deliverables 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Sub-totals

1 Facilities for EV R&D Hubs ─ 4 2 ─ ─ 6

2 Lighthouse | Technology Development ─ 2 3 3 ─ 8

Program

3 Lighthouse | Systems Development ─ 2 2 4 3 11

Program

4 Incubation Program | Materials for EV ─ 2 2 ─ ─ 4

Components

5 Incubation Program | Machinery & ─ ─ ─ 3 ─ 3

Equipment

6 Directed Research | Lithium-free ─ ─ ─ 3 1 4

Energy Storage Systems

7 Directed Research | Lithium ion Battery ─ ─ ─ 3 ─ 3

Systems

8 Directed Research | All Solid-State- ─ ─ ─ ─ 2 2

Lithium Metal Batteries

9 Directed Research | Drivetrain & ─ ─ 1 3 ─ 4

Charging Systems

Sub-totals 0 10 10 19 6 45

11
(i) Facilities for EV R&D Hubs
(a) Limited-scale Manufacturing Unit for Rare Earth Magnets
(b) Limited-scale Manufacturing Unit for Battery
(c) Limited-scale Manufacturing Unit for Supercapacitors
(d) Prototyping Centre for Energy Storage Systems
(e) R&D Test Centre for Energy Storage
(f) R&D Test Centre for Motors & Drives
(ii) Lighthouse | Technology Development Program
(a) Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) Cell/ Module
(b) Supercapacitor Cell/ Module
(c) Aluminium-Air Cell/ Module
(d) Integration of Fuel Cells Pack into EV
(e) Open Source | Battery Management Systems
(f) Open Source | Control System for Supercapacitors
(g) Open Source | Lean Electronics Architecture in Light EV
(h) Power Electronics & Controls Simulation Tools
(iii) Lighthouse | Systems Development Program
(a) Light EV Battery Pack cooling using solid state devices
(b) Thermal runaway protection for Lithium ion Battery
(c) Improved Energy Storage for Light EV
(d) Improved Energy Storage for Cars & Vans
(e) Improved Energy Storage for Buses & Trucks
(f) Permanent Magnet Motors for Light EV
(g) Permanent Magnet Motors for Cars & Vans
(h) Permanent Magnet Motors for Buses & Trucks
(i) Traction Drives with Regeneration
(j) DC-DC converters for EV Ancilliary Systems
(k) WBG Converters for Onboard Charger
(l) Thermal management of PE converters
(iv) Incubation Program | Materials for EV Components
(a) Production of Electrode Materials for Battery
(b) Improvement of Lithium Ion Battery (LiB) Electrolyte
(c) Production of electrode materials for Supercapacitors
(d) REE Alloy Synthesis & Powder Production
(v) Incubation Program | Machinery & Equipment
12
 (a) Manufacturing Equipment for Supercapacitor
(b) Manufacturing Equipment for Rare Earth Magnets
(c) Production of Amorphous magnet foil/laminates
(vi) Directed Research | Lithium-free Energy Storage Systems
(a) Secondary Aluminium ion batteries
(b) Sodium ion Battery Cell
(c) Development of Novel materials for Supercapacitors
(d) Stationary batteries
(vii) Directed Research | Lithium ion Battery Systems
(a) LiB: Reduced Cobalt content
(b) LiB: High Voltage Cathodes
(c) LiB: High Capacity Anodes
(viii) Directed Research | All Solid-State-Lithium Metal Batteries
(a) Li Metal Battery: Lithium Garnet/ Oxide Electrolyte
(b) Li Metal Battery: Sulfide Solid Electrolyte
(ix) Directed Research | Drivetrain and Charging Systems
(a) Press-less Magnet Manufacturing
(b) Smart Magnet-less & Reduced Magnet Machines
(c) 3D Laser Additive Motor
(d)Inductive Charging

13
 CHAPTER-II

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS WHICH THE COMMITTEE DOES NOT

DESIRE TO PURSUE IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S REPLY
BUDGETARY DETAILS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020-21 AND ALLOCATION
FOR 2021-22
Recommendation/Observation
2.1 The Committee recommends that the Department should take necessary measures to ensure
proper utilisation of these funds by the end of the financial year so that the targeted outcomes
linked to the initiatives of the Department under these heads are not adversely impacted.
(Para 2.9 of the 344th Report)
Action Taken
2.2 The observation has been noted for compliance. During FY 2020-21, the Department was
able to spend 71.02%, 98.03%, 98.40% & 95.92% of their Revised Estimates under the heads
NATMO; Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building; Research and
Development; and Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment, respectively. Details
are given in the table given below:

S.No. Particulars (Rs.in crore)

FY 2020-2021

Revised Actual % expenditure

Estimates Expenditure vis-à-vis RE

1 NATMO 39.68 28.18 71.02%

2 Science and Technology

Institutional and Human Capacity
Building 918.35 900.25 98.03%

3 Research and Development 402.50 396.05 98.40%

4 Innovation, Technology
Development and Deployment 656.30 629.50 95.92%

2.3 So far as International Cooperation is concerned, surrender of budget in Capital asset at RE

stage was due to less expenditure in European Union (EU) R&D Projects. Support for equipment
provided in these projects was not utilized due to COVID-19 pandemic so next release could not
be made. Surrender in Foreign travel and office expenses was also due to prevailing international
travel restrictions and physical meetings. Division has ensured the utilization in other budget
heads.
2.4 So far as INSPIRE programme is concerned, measures taken to ensure proper utilization of
funds and meet the targeted outcomes of the INSPIRE scheme were (i) extended timelines - for
14
call of Applications for scholarship/ fellowship; for submission of necessary documents for release
of scholarship/ fellowship; (ii) Expert Committee meetings were organized on virtual mode; (iii)
E-helpline was started for grievance redressal, (iv) INSPIRE aspirants beneficiaries/ Institutions
were requested, through e-mail, to submit the necessary documents for release of fellowship
grants.
2.5 Funds in the current financial year shall be utilized for new and ongoing projects
sanctioned under Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST), Promotion of University
Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) and Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help
Institutes (SATHI) along with providing the ongoing support to Sophisticated Analytical
Instrument Facilities (SAIF) centres.
2.6 Under Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN)
programme, activities and processing have already commenced in ongoing projects of different
programmes of KIRAN Division. The targeted outcomes from the ongoing projects of programmes
like Women Scientists Scheme, Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and
Excellence in Women (CURIE), Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) and
Vigyan Jyoti will be achieved by the end of financial year.
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (TDB)
Recommendation/Observation
2.7 The Committee notes the steps taken by the Department towards the restructuring of
Technology Development Board and recommends that the Department should explore and
implement all measures required to enable TDB function as a world-class entity. The Committee
asks the Department to furnish updated status of the progress made with regard to the
restructuring of TDB as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013. (Para 9.2 ibid)
Action Taken
2.8 The Technology Development Board (TDB) has constituted a Committee to review
Technology Development / Promotion of ecosystem across various stakeholders / Ministries to
suggest measures to enhance the efficacy of TDB. The mandate of the Committee is to review and
hold discussion with various stakeholders of public and private sectors, Ministries and
Department of Government of India, industry associations and R&D institutions to compare
similar model of funding and to suggest changes required in TDB Act, 1995. The Committee has
deliberated twice during the course of the year and the Report is likely to be submitted
by December 2021.
2.9 Restructuring of TDB - A Review was undertaken by the Department of Expenditure for
Rationalisation of Autonomous Bodies of Department of Science and Technology. In the said
Review, submitted vide letter dated 09.10.2020, under Para No 29 w.r.t TDB, it has been
recommended that “in order to become self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) it is important to promote
development and commercialisation of indigenous technology and adaptation of imported
technology at a very fast pace and this Autonomous Body i.e. TDB may be continued as stand-
alone Autonomous Body”.

15
 CHAPTER – III
RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH REPLIES OF THE
GOVERNMENT HAVE NOT BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE COMMITTEE

-Nil-

16
 CHAPTER – IV

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH FINAL REPLIES

OF THE GOVERNMENT ARE STILL AWAITED
National Research Foundation (NRF)
Recommendation/Observation
4.1 The Committee welcomes the creation of a National Research Foundation to increase the
resources for Research and Development and strengthening its outreach, although the logic of its
being managed by the Ministry of Education is not very clear. Such a NRF must focus sharply on
the natural sciences. Bringing social sciences also under its ambit is not advisable. Since, as stated
by the Department of Science and Technology, the objectives, structure and processes of the
proposed NRF are duplicate or parallel to some of the existing initiatives in the Ministry of
Science and Technology, especially DST and DBT, the Committee is of the view that the National
Research Foundation should work closely with the Ministry of Science and Technology to avoid
duplication of efforts. The Committee endorses the view of the Department that DST and DBT be
included in the NRF Council, to avoid duplication and to bring synergy in all major extra-mural
support. Further, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government should strongly consider
focusing NRF efforts in under-served regions and under-funded areas of research, building
research capacity of states and the ability of state governments to spend on R&D, and amplifying
important strategic initiatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
(Para 10.2 of the 344th Report)
Action Taken
4.2 The above comments /observations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) has
been communicated to the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser for its consideration.
Further Recommendation/Observation
4.3 The Committee notes that the Department of Science and Technology has
communicated the observation of the Committee to the Office of Principle Scientific Advisor
for its consideration. The Committee would like the Department to apprise the Committee of
the further developments that have taken place with respect to recommendation/observation
of the Committee in the above para.

17
_________________________

MINUTES
_________________________

18
 II
SECOND MEETING
The Committee met at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, the 30th November, 2021 in Room No. 63,
First Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi.
MEMBERS PRESENT
1. Shri Jairam Ramesh -- Chairman
RAJYA SABHA
2. Shrimati Vandana Chavan
3. Shrimati Seema Dwivedi
4. Shri Joginipally Santosh Kumar
5. Shri Bhaskar Rao Nekkanti
6. Shri Nabam Rebia
LOK SABHA
7. Shri Guharam Ajgalley
8. Shri E. T. Mohammed Basheer
9. Dr. Swami Sakshiji Maharaj
10. Shri Kotha Prabhakar Reddy
11. Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy
12. Shrimati Satabdi Roy (Banerjee)
13. Shri Anurag Sharma
14. Shri Ram Shiromani
SECRETARIAT
Shri Pradeep Chaturvedi, Joint Secretary
Dr. (Smt.) Subhashree Panigrahi, Director
Shrimati Monica Baa, Additional Director
Shri Deepak Bhoria, Under Secretary
Shri Harish Kumar, Committee Officer
2. At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the Members to the meeting of the Committee. The
Committee decided to take up the consideration and adoption of the draft 348th, 349th, 350th,
351st, 352nd, 353rd, 354th, 355th, 356th and 357th reports of the Committee on the Action Taken
by the Government on the recommendations/observations contained in the 316th Report on 'Air
Pollution in Delhi and National Capital Region'; the 324th Report on ‘Status of Forests in
India; the 325th Report on ‘An Expanded Role for the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in
Cancer Treatment in India through An Enlarged Network of the Tata Memorial Centre
(TMC)’; and 351st to 357th Reports on the Demands for Grants (2021-22) of the
Ministries/Departments of Atomic Energy; Biotechnology; Scientific and Industrial Research;
Science & Technology; Space; Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Earth Sciences,
respectively. The Committee, then, considered the draft 348th to 357th reports and adopted the
same.
3. The Committee decided to present/lay the above mentioned reports in both the Houses of
Parliament on the 1st December, 2021. The Committee also authorised the Chairman to decide
the names of the Members for presentation/laying of the reports in both the Houses of
Parliament.
4. The meeting of the Committee adjourned at 10.25 a.m.
19