New Delhi: Expressing concern at the way China has outpaced India’s science and technology (S&T) sector, India’s federal policy think-tank Niti Aayog has suggested forming a national science, technology and innovation foundation and emphasized the need for rapid progress in the sector over the next 15 years.

The foundation, to be headed by a distinguished scientist, will coordinate all science and technology efforts.

In the three-year (2017-2020) draft action plan circulated among chief ministers last Sunday and released for public discussion on Thursday, the think-tank called for directing efforts to create a supporting environment for innovation.

“The foundation will coordinate with science and technology, departments, concerned line ministries, state governments, academics and researchers, private sector leaders in the field and other stakeholders to identify and deliberate national issues, recommend priority interventions in S&T and prepare frameworks for their implementation," the plan suggested while adding that the foundation will also monitor the progress of public projects.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Share Via