SWOT Analysis On Indian Scientific Research
SWOT Analysis On Indian Scientific Research
SWOT Analysis On Indian Scientific Research
Manmohan Singh, the honourable Prime Minister of our country, while inaugurating the 95th Indian Science
Congress on 3 January 2008 at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, announced that the Government pro-
posed in the 11th Plan to establish 30 new Central Universities, 5 Indian Institutes of Science Education and
Research, and 8 new Indian Institutes of Technology. With an aim to promote scientific spirit, he also pro-
posed science innovation scholarships to 10,000 students, as an incentive for those entering the science
degree courses. This is a welcome change towards promotion of quality in scientific research in the country.
India has emerged as one of the leading Growth renowned science academies like the In-
nations in scientific research during the dian National Science Academy, Indian
last six decades. Among the developing Let us have a cursory glance at the growth Academy of Sciences, National Academy
nations, India ranks first in terms of not of science in India from pre-independence of Sciences, National Academy of Agri-
only the number of scientific organiza- period to the present (six decades). For culture Sciences (NAAS), Indian Medical
tions, both universities and institutes, but this, the number of universities and re- Association and Indian Medical Council.
also in the number of science graduates. search institutes are taken into considera- Almost all disciplines of science have
The most remarkable achievements are tion. From a modest about ten traditional their own societies to promote exchange
in the fields of space science, nuclear universities in the 1950s, the number has of research findings through conferences
science, communication, medical and now reached over 240, which includes and seminars and publications in their
agricultural sciences. For the sake of about eight Central Universities. Some of journals. Thus, the country is endowed
convenience and also because of their in- the leading centres of excellence in sci- with vast scientific manpower, physical
separable nature, the ‘technologies’ are also entific research have also received the resources and financial investments.
included as ‘science and technology’. This status of deemed universities. To provide
implies that both the theoretical and ap- thrust to agricultural education, research SWOT analysis
plied aspects are relevant while discuss- and extension, the Government had started
ing the overall achievements in scientific State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) at The time is now ripe to make a critical
research in the country. In this context, Pantnagar in the mid-sixties and later at analysis of scientific research in the coun-
the fast developing fields are biotechno- Coimbatore, but now there are 39 SAUs try. The best way to do this is perhaps to
logy, computer and information technolo- in almost all states, with Maharashtra undertake SWOT analysis (Strengths,
gies, which have revolutionized the utility alone having five of them. Five Universi- Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of
value of research in terms of knowledge ties for Animal Sciences and Fisheries Indian scientific research as a whole. Al-
explosion, more importantly in reaching have also been introduced to take care of though not a quantitative approach, SWOT
the common public. Establishment of ATMs the livestock and fisheries sectors. Re- definitely helps in assessing the real status
by several banks for easy and quick cently, exclusive Medical and Health of a given situation, as successfully em-
money accessibility, cell-phones for rapid Universities have also been established ployed in many international and na-
communication and on-line reservations to strengthen health research. tional projects. It must be admitted that
for various purposes have impacted the Besides, the Government established all the points listed under SWOT may
general public with tremendous success. different scientific councils and depart- not be complete, but the information pro-
ments as apex bodies to enhance research vides an opportunity for in-depth study.
Emerging sciences potential, like the Council of Scientific
and Industrial Research, Indian Council Strengths
India is surging ahead in biotechnology/ of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian
bioinformatics research, be it in plant or Council of Medical Research, Depart- • Largest number of qualified scientific
agriculture (transgenics, resistance to ment of Atomic Energy, Department of manpower.
diseases and pests) or in medical res- Biotechnology, Indian Space Research • Availability of topmost expertise in
earch (stem cells, cancer, diabetes, etc.). Organization, etc. Under each council/ many research areas.
Nano-technology is the most recent department there are a large number of • Infrastructure facilities built to desired
emerging field which in the next five institutes. For instance, the ICAR has 93 levels.
years is expected to facilitate the society institutes, National Research Centres, Di- • Vast scope for encouraging young scien-
in a big way. All the above are possible rectorates and 74 All-India Coordinated tists to pursue research in advanced fields.
because of modern infrastructure facili- Centres. In addition, there are world- • Funds fairly adequate both from Gov-
ties and the advanced training imparted recognized organizations like the Bhabha ernment and private sectors.
to scientists in India or because they are Atomic Research Centre, Indian Institute • Large number of scientific academies,
deputed to reputed foreign laboratories to of Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental councils, societies, etc.
acquire latest knowledge. The Govern- Research and seven Indian Institutes of • High-quality library facilities with
ment provided substantial funds in the Technology. The State Governments modern communication technologies.
Five-Year Plans to different ministries have established research institutes to • Publication of a large number of scien-
associated with scientific research. address local problems. India has also tific journals.