Context: The provisions of the Anusandhan Research Foundation (ANRF) Act have been brought into force to boost Research and Innovation for growth and development of the country.
About Anusandhan Research Foundation (ANRF)
- It’s objective is to provide a high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the fields of natural sciences which will have long-term effect and long term outcomes for the citizens of India.
- It also aims at equitable funding and democratisation of resources in research and academics by encouraging private sector involvement.
- It will also promote interdisciplinary research, with the goal of propelling India into the league of developed nations and making the country a global science and research player.
- It will efficiently involve State Universities and Institutions.
- It will have a Governing Board headed by the Prime Minister of India (ex-officio President of the board).
- The President of the Governing Board shall constitute an Executive Council to undertake the implementation of provisions.
ANRF will constitute
- the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund for salaries, allowances, and administrative purposes;
- the Innovation Fund for funding outstanding creativity in the areas supported by the Foundation;
- the Science and Engineering Research Fund for the continuation of projects initiated under the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008;
- one or more special purpose funds for any specific project or research.
Note: The central government will prescribe rules for the utilisation of these Funds. Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) will audit the accounts of the Foundation annually.