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NEW DELHI: Marking the 55th Foundation Day of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh disclosed that India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has doubled in last one decade from Rs 60, 196 cr to 1,27,380 cr.
The Minister outlined India’s evolving scientific landscape, emphasising the need for increased industry involvement to the extent of industry led innovation, changes in approach and long-term innovation to position the country among leading global players.
Addressing a packed audience that included leading innovators, academicians, researchers and former Secretaries , Dr. Jitendra Singh traced the DST’s journey since its inception on May 3, 1971, crediting it with catalysing India’s evolution into a science and technology powerhouse.
“The founding of DST mirrors the march of post-independence India in the field of science,” he said, highlighting how the department has bridged research and governance, turning vision into verifiable outcomes’
The Miniter hailed DST’s efforts in nurturing a nationwide research ecosystem, particularly through mission-mode programmes such as the National Supercomputing Mission, Cyber-Physical Systems, and the recent National Quantum Mission. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that DST’s interventions have not only advanced science but also driven grassroots development, with focused efforts on women, children, and marginalised communities.
The Minister spotlighted India’s rising global rankings as a measure of DST’s impact – from a dramatic leap in the Global Innovation Index (from 81st in 2015 to 39th in 2024), to securing the 3rd spot globally in start-up numbers, PhDs in science and engineering, and research publications. India is now also ranked 6th worldwide in intellectual property filings.
But the core of Dr. Jitendra Singh’s message was forward-looking: science must align with market forces. Advocating for “industry-determined innovation research,” he argued that sustainable innovation must be both driven and funded by private players. “In India, knowledge partnerships alone don’t work – industry must have skin in the game,” he quipped, underlining that private sector buy-in is essential for enduring scientific success.
He also highlighted the role of the newly formed statutory body, ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation), as a transformative force aimed at democratizing research funding and boosting university participation. Two major schemes – the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund and the National Geospatial Mission – are now housed under DST’s leadership.
Calling out a quiet revolution, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed to the “digitalisation of mind” that has ignited India’s scientific temper,reshaped India’s socio-scientific fabric. “Even a semi-literate person today prefers WhatsApp over writing down a number – that’s the extent of behavioural change,” he said, stressing that the real transformation lies not only in numbers but in the rise of aspiration and confidence among ordinary Indians.
The Minister didn’t shy away from calling for a strategic return of talent from abroad, urging scientists to plan their overseas journeys with a return timeline. “India today has everything to offer. It’s time we built a reverse pipeline for global talent,” he said.
Concluding on a note of optimism, Dr. Jitendra Singh declared, “This is one of the best times for science and research in India – and the best is yet to come.” The Foundation Day celebrations saw participation from Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Dr. Sharad Sharma of iSPIRT, and Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman, CBC reflecting a strong convergence of scientific, institutional, and industry leadership.
