Mumbai: After the global march for science, scientists in India will march to raise concerns for the non-allotment of funds for fundamental research. As per the statistics, the budgetary allowance for science and scientific institutes has decreased from Rs 10,000 crore in 2012 to Rs 5,000 crore till 2016. In fact, recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued instructions stating that the research institutes should rise 30 per cent funds from the corporate sector.
Annoyed at the complete lack of understanding and acceptance of science by the entire society, the scientists will converge at August Kranti Marg in the afternoon. “There is a global undermining fundamental science, in India, it is an upsurge of this tendency,” Dr. M C Arunan told the Free Press Journal.
In a startling development, the Government of India now plans to promote Ayurveda, panch karma and allied subjects that scientists do not consider as ‘scientific’ in the truest sense. Not wishing to reveal his name, a scientist shared his fears in confidence. “There may be a deliberate attempt to undermine science and some of us feel it is a tragic development in our country.”
Scientists feel this trend to give emphasis to ancient studies has put them under a lot of stress. “This rubbing off funds on other faculties is stressing us. Instead of cracking down on the people who are making it difficult for the system, emphasis and funds are being to these other faculties which are not real science,” said Dr.Subhojit Sen, faculty UM-DE, Centre for Excellence for basic science. He added the stream that is suffering the most is fundamental research, which takes years of rigorous study while the general tendency is that people want to see results. “Fundamental research is vital for creating intellectual property, else we will only do mimic science in India. Mimic science looks good on paper it is not going to serve our country’s development any good,” said Dr. Sen.
Till ten years ago, scientists feel this was not the case in India. Till 2013, funds were being allotted for science research and research institutes. In 2013, the global recession hit research in every sector. While new institutes like IITs are being set up and jobs being created, the government seems to discourage the funding of pure research, which is the basis for these institutes. Researchers write proposals for their studies when sanctioned get funds. Nowadays the proposals are sanctioned but are being asked to fund their own papers.
On April 22, scientists across Europe and America took to the streets to create awareness on science and research. On August 9 scientists in 10 Indian cities will march for this cause. “They seem to be sending the message that science is dispensable. What people need to realize it does not matter if science is relevant,” said Dr.AniketSule, scientist with Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education.
