Government tells Lok Sabha no new national science institutions proposed in Kerala

The MP asked the Ministry of Science and Technology for details on research projects, scientific institutions, funds, fellowships, and innovation measures in Kerala over the last five years, including specific areas like marine science and the blue economy.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Shri Shafi Parambil; Answered by the Ministry of Science and Technology (Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh).

What the government said

• The Ministry of Science and Technology released Rs. 2597.37 Crore to three scientific institutions in Kerala over the last five years: Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Science and Technology (Rs. 1705.05 Crore), National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (Rs. 715.11 Crore), and Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (Rs. 177.21 Crore).
• The government states it has sanctioned numerous projects related to marine science, coastal erosion, climate resilience, and the blue economy, with details provided in an annexure.
• Specific fellowship data is provided for 2021-22 to 2025-26, including INSPIRE Fellowships (ranging from 110 to 171 per year) and DBT Junior Research Fellowships (ranging from 13 to 54 per year).
• Innovation grants and technology development projects are listed by department (CSIR, DST, DBT, ICAR) for the same period.
• Measures to strengthen research include funding the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), establishing a Patent Information Centre, and supporting 9 STEM departments and 12 PG Colleges under the FIST Scheme.
• Two Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIF) were established at Mahatma Gandhi University and Cochin University of Science and Technology.
• The University of Calicut was supported under the PURSE scheme, and the Technical Research Centre at SCTIMST is conducting mission-mode R&D in medical devices.
• BIRAC established two incubation centres in Kerala and enabled industry-academia collaboration through PACE, BIPP, and SBIRI programs.
• ANRF (formerly SERB) and ICAR initiatives, including NICRA and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, are cited as measures to support research and agricultural innovation.

Also in the document

• The answer to parts (a) through (e) is primarily a reference to statements laid on the Table of the House, with specific figures and lists provided in the text for fellowships, grants, and key institutional funding.
• The answer does not provide a single consolidated total for all research projects funded by all ministries, but rather breaks down funding by specific institutions and departments.
• The response confirms the establishment of new facilities (SAIF, Incubation Centres) but does not explicitly state if any *new* national scientific research institutions are *proposed* to be established in the future, instead listing those already established.