Evolution of India’s Science and Technology Policy Framework:

Early Years (1950s-1980s):

• Focus on Self-Reliance: The initial focus was on developing indigenous capabilities, particularly in areas like nuclear energy, space exploration, and defense technology.
• Government-Led Initiatives: The government played a key role in promoting scientific research and development through institutions like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Reforms and Liberalization (1990s-2000s):

• Privatization and Public-Private Partnerships: The government introduced reforms to encourage private sector participation in research and development, leading to the establishment of institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
• Increased Funding: The government increased funding for scientific research, with a focus on interdisciplinary research and technology development.

Recent Developments (2010s-present):

• Vision 2020: The Indian Government launched the “Vision 2020” initiative, which aimed to position India as a global leader in science and technology by 2020.
• Make in India: The “Make in India” initiative, launched in 2014, emphasized the importance of indigenous manufacturing and innovation in driving economic growth.
• Startup India: The “Startup India” initiative, launched in 2016, aimed to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.
• Mission Innovation: India has been actively participating in the Mission Innovation initiative, which aims to accelerate global innovation in clean energy technologies.

Recent Examples:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): ISRO’s successful launch of Chandrayaan-1, its first lunar mission, in 2008 marked a significant milestone in India’s space exploration capabilities.
• The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER): The IISER is a network of institutions established to promote research excellence in basic sciences. The IISER has made significant contributions to various fields, including biology, chemistry, and physics.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR): The ICMR has been actively involved in research on COVID-19, with several institutions working on vaccine development and treatment strategies.