It is high time to admit the fact that one of the hindrances to India’s development— be it socio-political, economic, cultural or scientific— is the lack of comprehensive high quality research, or more so, the lack of governmental support for it. Providing resources for research is one of the best ways to utilise our immense human resources with creative potential.
Research needs to be looked at as both an approach to education and as a career option. This will not only motivate individuals to think innovatively which will result in efficacious solutions to contemporary problems pertaining to the environment, fighting poverty, et al., but also provide intellectual gratification and be a tool for critical assessment in cultural, historical, political and economic spheres. The kind of approach to education that has prevailed in this country has been found wanting with regards to job creation and useful labour at par with 21st century global society. A research-based approach will result in a productive and compatible work force, equipped with practical knowledge. This will be a ‘profitable investment’ for both the government and the society. For e.g., advancements in Indian economic and sociological research will help in forming and implementing comprehensive and efficient policies while literary and musical research will contribute in protecting our heritage and keeping it alive.
Taking all the aforesaid into account, there is, therefore, an urgent need to look into the matter and find solutions to problems that impede the research sector in India. The Government can start by reviewing all the grants that have not met with the recipient researchers and bring an end to the infinite delays. The system should be revived in a way that facilitates the receipt of grants within a specific time frame. There is a need to be able to identify good projects with potential for the benefit of the country and global society as a whole and provide them with the necessary support.
Another useful step could be the creation of a new “research grant” policy with an application/appeal system which will provide financial and other backing to projects with potential, after a thorough scrutiny by competent individuals. This will be very much in line with NEP 2020 which is looking towards changing the traditional canvas of the Indian education system.
The Government needs to take it upon itself to encourage youngsters with out-of-the-box ideas and to think new and big.
