Challenges in Public Funded Research and Development Institutions in India

A recent report highlights significant issues concerning the staffing and functioning of public funded research and development institutions in India.

Staffing Concerns

• There has been a decrease in the number of permanent scientific staff in several of the 244 institutions studied in 2022-23 compared to the previous year.
• The number of organizations hiring permanent staff also declined in 2022-23.
• In 2022-23, there were 19,625 contractual staff compared to 12,042 permanent staff, marking a 14% increase in contractual hires over 2021-22.
• The prevalence of contractual workers over permanent staff is a significant concern.

Sector Exclusion

• The study, commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, excludes 'strategic sectors' like defense, atomic energy, and space, which receive substantial R&D funding.

Parliamentary Report Findings

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee report indicated that nearly 60% of sanctioned scientific posts at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) are vacant.
• TIFR is primarily funded by the Department of Atomic Energy.
• On average, one in four sanctioned posts at key atomic energy research institutions and nuclear power plants is unfilled.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

• The government has announced initiatives for quantum computing and artificial intelligence development.
• Efforts to align R&D with industry-specific research are underway.
• However, these initiatives require adequately staffed institutions with engaged full-time scientists.

Recommendations

• There is a need to ensure favorable conditions for research, including competitive salaries, adequate funding, and necessary equipment.
• Institutions must focus on retaining young researchers for long-term careers in cutting-edge research.