Union Cabinet approved the introduction of National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill 2023 in parliament

 National Research Foundation (NRF)

The National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill 2023 was passed by Cabinet on June 28, 2023.  The bill is approved by Parliament, the NRF will be established, the supreme body that will set the strategic direction for cutting-edge research in the country. The NRF is funded by government and private sector contributions.

NRF 2023

The NRF will serve a number of important functions, including:

• Defining national research priorities
•  Promotion of research projects
• Promotion of international cooperation in research
•  Development of human resources for research 
• Creating a culture of research and innovation in India

The NRF is expected to play an important role in strengthening India's research ecosystem and helping the country achieve its goal of becoming a world leader in science and technology.

Here are some of the key updates from NRF 2023:

• The law was approved by the Council of Ministers and is currently being examined by Parliament.

• The estimated cost of establishing and running the NRF over a five-year period (2023-2028) is approximately Rs..50,000 crores.

•  The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will function as the administrative division of the NRF.

•  The board of the NRF will be composed of outstanding scientists and specialists from various disciplines.

•  The NRF will have various funding programs to support research projects in different areas.

• NRF will also encourage international research collaboration. The establishment of the NRF is an important step in strengthening the research ecosystem in India. The NRF is expected to play an important role in helping India become a world leader in science and technology.

 Some of the benefits of NRF 2023:

• NRF will provide a more strategic and coordinated approach to research funding in India.
•  NRF will help attract more research funding from the private sector.
•  It will promote international research collaboration.
•  NRF will help develop human resources for research.
• NRF will create a culture of research and innovation in India.

The NRF Act is an important piece of legislation that has the potential to transform the research ecosystem in India. It is expected to have a significant impact on the development of research and innovation in India and is a welcome step on the road to transforming India into a global research leader.