(i) Illustrate the National Policy on Science and Technology. (ii) Discuss the role of technology missions…

Question

(i) Illustrate the National Policy on Science and Technology. (ii) Discuss the role of technology missions in India with a suitable example.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

India's science and technology policy evolved from the Scientific Policy Resolution 1958 and the Technology Policy Statement 1983 to the 2003 and 2013 policies stressing innovation-led growth and stronger R&D. Technology missions turn policy into focused results, as the 1986 Technology Mission on Oilseeds drove the Yellow Revolution.

**Introduction**

India’s National Policy on Science and Technology (NPST) has evolved to align scientific capabilities with socio-economic goals, supported by focused technology missions that address sectoral challenges and foster innovation, as seen in ISRO’s space program and the India Semiconductor Mission⟦1⟧.

**Institutional Framework and Policy Evolution**

1. **Phased Development**: India’s S&T policy progressed from Nehruvian institution-building (1950s-70s) to the 1983 Technology Policy⟦2⟧ promoting indigenous development, and the 2003 and 2013 NPST emphasizing innovation-led growth and academia-industry collaboration.

2. **State-Level Capacity**: ==Andhra Pradesh== benefits from institutions like IIT Tirupati and the ==Sriharikota spaceport==, supporting national missions and regional development in sectors like aquaculture and horticulture.

**Technology Missions and Their Role**

1. **Sectoral Focus**: Missions target critical areas; the Technology Mission on Oilseeds drove the Yellow Revolution, benefiting groundnut farmers in regions like ==Rayalaseema==, while the India Semiconductor Mission is building domestic chip capacity, including a unit in ==Andhra Pradesh==, enhancing technological sovereignty.

2. **Governance and Challenges**: DST and the National Research Foundation coordinate funding and policy, but India’s R&D expenditure (~0.65% GDP) and technology transfer remain limited, requiring stronger public-private partnerships and commercialization efforts.

**Way Forward**

1. **Strengthen Innovation Ecosystems**: Boost funding and institutional support in states like ==Andhra Pradesh== to leverage local strengths.

2. **Promote Partnerships and Commercialization**: Develop incentives for private sector involvement and establish value addition centres to improve market adoption.

**Conclusion**

The NPST and technology missions form the backbone of India’s innovation-led growth and strategic autonomy, enabling inclusive and sustainable technological progress in states like ==Andhra Pradesh==.

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