As a result of budget shortfalls, the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology is requiring the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) labs to raise half of their funds through external sources and grants. The labs must also send the Ministry monthly updates on the progress of their research, and specify the aspects of their work contributing to the government’s social and economic goals. These requirements are part of the Dehradun Declaration adopted in June, which also prompted the CSIR’s labs to pledge to turn their research into for-profit operations over the next two years. The Declaration has also reduced the number of research fellowships awarded. The government will also require research institutions to submit their short- and long-term research projects. The Department of Atomic Energy Bhabha Atomic Research Centre’s and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research’s funding were not affected by the Declaration.

Source: The Hindu