India Sets Up Anusandhan Foundation to Boost National Research
ECONOMY & POLICY

India Sets Up Anusandhan Foundation to Boost National Research

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem, the Government has established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the ANRF Act, 2023, which was officially notified in February 2024. The foundation is designed to mobilise and manage significant funding across multiple streams for research and development activities across the country.

The ANRF will receive financial support through various dedicated streams—the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, and Special Purpose Funds. A budgetary provision of Rs 140 billionhas been allocated by the Central Government, while additional contributions will be sourced from public sector undertakings, private organisations, philanthropic bodies, and recovered or reinvested earnings. Furthermore, funds from the former Science and Engineering Research Board have been merged into this initiative. For the financial year 2024–25, the ANRF received a Revised Estimate of Rs 9.66 billion, of which Rs 7.21 billionhas already been utilised.

Competitive Research Grants for Universities Higher education institutions can access research grants by submitting proposals under competitive schemes advertised by ANRF, aligned with specific programme guidelines. So far, five major calls have been issued:

Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) EV-Mission Inclusive Research Grant (IRG) Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) JC Bose Grant

Among these, the PAIR programme stands out for its unique approach of pairing developing research institutions with well-established ones through a ‘Hub & Spoke’ model. This initiative aims to bolster research capacity in institutions where scientific exploration is still in a nascent stage but shows strong potential.

Key Objectives of the PAIR Programme: Support internationally competitive research with high impact

Create strong collaborative networks between institutions

Elevate institutional capacity through: Infrastructure and capability enhancement Improved research quality Adoption of best practices and cultivation of a strong research culture

PAIR Budget and Structure The programme has earmarked a budget of Rs 15 billion crore over five years, with up to Rs100 crore allocated to each selected PAIR network. Of this, 30% of funding is assigned to the Hub institution and 70% to the Spoke institutions. The paired institutions are expected to jointly develop impactful research proposals aligned with specified thematic areas.

In its initial phase, the PAIR programme is targeting universities with promising national rankings and a clear trajectory for growth in research output. Evaluation of proposals under various ANRF calls is currently underway.

As of now, there is no plan to establish regional centres of ANRF in collaboration with educational institutions. However, under the PAIR programme, hub institutions will be strategically located across India to ensure broad regional representation and impact.

This information was shared in a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences.

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem, the Government has established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the ANRF Act, 2023, which was officially notified in February 2024. The foundation is designed to mobilise and manage significant funding across multiple streams for research and development activities across the country. The ANRF will receive financial support through various dedicated streams—the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, and Special Purpose Funds. A budgetary provision of Rs 140 billionhas been allocated by the Central Government, while additional contributions will be sourced from public sector undertakings, private organisations, philanthropic bodies, and recovered or reinvested earnings. Furthermore, funds from the former Science and Engineering Research Board have been merged into this initiative. For the financial year 2024–25, the ANRF received a Revised Estimate of Rs 9.66 billion, of which Rs 7.21 billionhas already been utilised. Competitive Research Grants for Universities Higher education institutions can access research grants by submitting proposals under competitive schemes advertised by ANRF, aligned with specific programme guidelines. So far, five major calls have been issued: Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) EV-Mission Inclusive Research Grant (IRG) Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) JC Bose Grant Among these, the PAIR programme stands out for its unique approach of pairing developing research institutions with well-established ones through a ‘Hub & Spoke’ model. This initiative aims to bolster research capacity in institutions where scientific exploration is still in a nascent stage but shows strong potential. Key Objectives of the PAIR Programme: Support internationally competitive research with high impact Create strong collaborative networks between institutions Elevate institutional capacity through: Infrastructure and capability enhancement Improved research quality Adoption of best practices and cultivation of a strong research culture PAIR Budget and Structure The programme has earmarked a budget of Rs 15 billion crore over five years, with up to Rs100 crore allocated to each selected PAIR network. Of this, 30% of funding is assigned to the Hub institution and 70% to the Spoke institutions. The paired institutions are expected to jointly develop impactful research proposals aligned with specified thematic areas. In its initial phase, the PAIR programme is targeting universities with promising national rankings and a clear trajectory for growth in research output. Evaluation of proposals under various ANRF calls is currently underway. As of now, there is no plan to establish regional centres of ANRF in collaboration with educational institutions. However, under the PAIR programme, hub institutions will be strategically located across India to ensure broad regional representation and impact. This information was shared in a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

India’s Maha Kumbh of Road Construction

The RAHSTA Forum 2025, held on June 25 at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, delivered powerful insights and dialogue on the future of India’s roads and highways sector. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the Forum served as the curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated RAHSTA Expo 2025, set to take place on 3rd and 4th September at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai.Union Minister of Roads Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, while appreciating the efforts of FIRST Construction Council and ASAPP Info Global Group, commended the awards which recognise excellence across various..

Next Story
Real Estate

Built to Last, Designed to Impress

The construction and interior design industries stand at the confluence of functionality and aesthetics, where innovation powers the creation of enduring structures and inspiring spaces. At the heart of this process are materials and solutions that enable architects, designers, and builders to realise their visions with precision and reliability.Featuring iconic brands such as Fevicol—synonymous with adhesive solutions—Dr. Fixit, a complete waterproofing system renowned for addressing every critical area of construction, and Roff, a specialist in tile-fixing solutions, Pidilite has earned ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

New Push to Cut India’s Air Pollution through Power Sector Reforms

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Cummins India introduced CPCB IV+ compliant gensets to India on July 5, 2023, marking a paradigm shift in the power generation industry. These generators are engineered to adhere to the progressive emission norms set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Being the first sets in the field, they have garnered praise for their remarkable achievements in emissions reduction and cutting-edge technology. Powerica, with its four-decade-long partnership with Cummins India Limited, is dedicated to consistently deliver th..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?