By IANS,
New Delhi : To boost scientific research in India, the government Thursday decided to set up a Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
After a cabinet meeting Thursday, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters that the contours of advanced basic scientific research are changing extremely fast at the global level and India needs to effectively respond to this reality.
“A globally competitive basic research environment is also essential to maintain a healthy innovative eco-system in the country, which is crucial for the country to emerge as a competitive knowledge-economy,” he said.
“The government of India has, therefore, decided to set up the SERB, to significantly enhance the level of basic research and also impart necessary autonomy, flexibility and speed in shaping basic research programmes and delivery of funds to researchers,” said Chidambaram.
The SERB will be a high-level empowered board with administrative and financial autonomy. The secretary, department of science and technology will chair the board.