State spend on science research stagnant: Biocon chief
Bengaluru, June 25: Biotechnology major Biocon's Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Monday lamented that the state's spend on science research has remained stagnant over the past few years.
"Public expenditures on research have been stagnant -- between 0.6 per cent and 0.7 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) -- over the past two decades. There is a greater need for the state governments to augment their spends on science research," Shaw said addressing Indian Institute of Science's (IISc) convocation ceremony here.
Overall investments in science in terms of gross expenditure on research and development (GERD), however, has been increasing over the years, she said.
"The GERD has tripled in the last decade -- from nearly Rs 24,000 crore in 2004-05 to about Rs 100,000 crore in 2016-17."
Unlike other economies, the Indian government is the primary source of science research funding as well as the primary user of those funds, she noted.
"Private investments in research and development are not encouraging either."
Quoting an analysis by a magazine, she said mere 26 companies were in the list of 2,500 research and development spenders across the world, compared to 301 Chinese companies, and that Indian universities also play a relatively small role in the country's research ecosystem.
"In most countries in the developed world, universities play a critical role in creating research talent and generating research output. Publicly funded research in India has universities largely playing a teaching role," she said.
The decision by the country which goes back to the 1950s of having Indian research institutes under different government departments and allowing universities to only teach has impaired both teaching and research in the country, Shaw said.
"This is one of the reasons why Indian universities are missing from various global rankings of top institutions of higher education."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Mobile internet suspension extended for two days in Manipur
Imphal (PTI): The Manipur government on Saturday extended suspension of mobile internet services for two days in seven districts of the state, according to an order.
Amid escalating violence, the administration suspended the services on November 16 for two days to prevent anti-social elements from spreading content that might create law and order problems. It has been extended several times since then.
“The state government after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation has decided to continue suspension of mobile internet services in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi for another two days in public interests," the order issued by the home department said.
Internet services were suspended on November 16 after violence broke out in the state following recovery of bodies of three women and three children.
The Manipur government had lifted the suspension on broadband services on November 19, considering the hardships faced by common people, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and other offices.
