Draft Science Policy Proposes Lateral Entry Of Experts, Free Access To Journals And Involvement Of Diaspora

A new draft policy on science and technology has been unveiled by the Union ministry of science and technology, reports The Times Of India.

The draft policy which was finalised after 300 consultations with 43,000 stakeholders over six months will now be up for discussion till 25 January.

The proposed Science and Technology Policy, under ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ plan, aims to establish a system through which researchers in the country can access top international journals free of cost.

The new policy proposes to make 25 per cent lateral recruitment of professionals, experts mandatory in all scientific ministries like environment, earth sciences, forests, biotechnology, atomic energy.

“Lateral recruitment (minimum 25 per cent) of professionals and subject matter experts will be mandated in all scientific ministries for a finite duration with comparable roles, responsibilities and empowerment to a regular official,” the draft policy states.

“How public-funded research and development projects are moving ahead will now be updated online on the Indian Science and Technology archive of research site. The funding space will be expanded, allowing foreign MNCs in. These will be partnerships and collaborations with domestic private and public sector entities to national needs and priorities, Each department and ministry in the central and state governments will earmark a budget for this,” policy head Dr Akhilesh Gupta said.

Also Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Sampark, an engagement portal, will be created to engage the diaspora through fellowships, internships and research opportunities across various ministries.