NITI Aayog roadmap to reform State Science and Technology Councils
Why in the news
NITI Aayog has recommended that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) change the way it funds State Science and Technology Councils, aiming to strengthen research and innovation at the grassroots level.
Key facts
- Report: A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils.
- States should set aside at least 0.5% of GSDP for science and technology.
- Replace flat grants with performance-based funding.
- Appoint full-time scientists to lead councils and offer secure career paths.
- Build science cities, planetariums and innovation hubs, and a national monitoring system.
Funding gaps highlighted
| State | State S&T budget | Central support |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | ₹300 crore a year | ₹1.07 crore |
| Kerala | ₹150 crore | Nil from DST |
States contribute 6.7% of national R&D spending, against 44% by the Centre.
About State S&T Councils
The Centre-State partnership in science began in 1971 under C. Subramaniam. Such councils now exist in nearly all states and Union Territories.
Exam angle
- Remember the 0.5% of GSDP benchmark and the 1971 start.
- Report-name questions are common for NITI Aayog.