Syllabus: GS3/Economic Development; Science & Technology
Context
- India has been making several efforts through key interventions in the field of Science and Technology towards achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ 2047 Goal.
India’s Vision 2047: Viksit Bharat
- India’s vision for 2047, known as ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), aims to transform the nation into a developed economy by the time it celebrates its 100th anniversary of its independence.
- Achieving this ambitious goal requires comprehensive efforts across various sectors, with science and technology playing a pivotal role.
| Agenda of Viksit Bharat by 2047 – It is a comprehensive vision plan aiming to transform India into a developed nation by the year 2047, marking the 100th anniversary of its independence. – The four pillars of Viksit Bharat are Yuva (Youth), Garib (Poor), Mahila (Women) and Kisan (Framers). – It requires comprehensive efforts across various sectors, including economic growth, social equity, global competitiveness, environmental sustainability, industrial modernization and good governance. Efforts Made in Key Sectors – Economic Growth: India has set a target of a 7-8% annual GDP growth rate to achieve sustained economic growth. 1. According to NITI Aayog, the country’s GDP is projected to reach $30 trillion by 2047, which hinges on the assumption that India’s real GDP will grow at an annual average rate of over 9%. 2. Initiatives like the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) programs promote domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependency. 3. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes provide financial incentives to key sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. – Social Equity: Efforts to eradicate poverty, provide universal healthcare, and ensure quality education are underway. 1. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which provides free food grains to the poor, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which reforms the education system, are key components of this strategy. – Industrial Modernization: Boosting manufacturing to contribute 25% to GDP under the Make in India initiative is a key goal. 1. The Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aim to develop the maritime sector, including ports, shipping, and waterways. 2. Efforts to modernize port operations, develop green hydrogen/ammonia hubs, and promote cruise tourism are part of this strategy. – Global Competitiveness: The PM Gati Shakti Master Plan integrates infrastructure projects across sectors to expedite development. 1. The Digital India initiative expands internet access and boosts fintech adoption, supporting e-governance and digital services. – Environmental Sustainability: India has set a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and enhance renewable energy adoption. 1. Initiatives like the Green India Mission focus on renewable energy and sustainable urban development. |
Efforts Made in Science & Technology
- High-Stakes Mission-Driven Initiatives like National Quantum Mission and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, focussing on positioning India as a global leader in emerging technologies.
- Strategic Policy Measures: These include the Geospatial Policy 2022, the Space Policy 2023, and the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy 2024.
- These policies aim to enhance India’s technological capabilities and promote sustainable development.
- Global Leadership in Science and Technology: India ranks 3rd in terms of number of research publications as per Science & Engineering Indicators 2024 published by National Science Foundation (NSF), USA.
- India ranks 4th in the number of PhD degrees awarded in Science and Engineering as per Science & Engineering Indicators 2024 published by National Science Foundation (NSF), USA.
- India is ranked at 6th position both in terms of resident and non-resident patent filing activity from respective countries as per WIPO Report, 2023.
- Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) in India: GERD in India has been consistently increasing over the years and has more than doubled from 2009-10 to 2020-21.
- As per DST R&D Statistics 2022-23, India occupies 7th position in terms of GERD (in billion current PPP$) ahead of United Kingdom, Russia, Brazil, Italy, Canada, Spain, Australia, etc
- Gender participation in R&D has increased to 18.6% (2021) from 14.3 % (2009) as per DST R&D Statistics, 2022-23.
- The number of researchers per million population has increased to 262 in 2020 as compared to 164 in 2009 as per DST R&D Statistics, 2022-23.
- Startup Culture and Innovation Ecosystem: India has witnessed a significant jump in its Global Innovation Index (GII) ranking from 81st in the year 2015 to 39th in 2024 among 133 economies of the world.
- India also ranked 3rd in terms of the total number of startups in 2024 as per DPIIT.
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): It was established through the ANRF Act 2023 that aims to drive a multi-phased roadmap for scientific breakthroughs and cross-sectoral collaboration, providing competitive, peer-reviewed grants to optimize resource allocation for high-impact research.
- Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) on Technology: It has held detailed discussions to identify key areas for intervention.
- These discussions have resulted in strategic actions to strengthen research and innovation in areas such as Quantum Technologies, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Bio Manufacturing.
Challenges and Way Forward
- Despite these efforts, challenges such as economic inequalities, infrastructure gaps, policy uncertainty, concerns related to environment, skill development, rural youth and global risks remain.
- Addressing these challenges requires consistent fiscal and monetary policies, skill development, boosting exports, rural development, and scaling up renewable energy capacity.