NITI Aayog Holds Two-Day Consultative Meeting on Ease of Doing Research
A two-day Consultative Meeting on Ease of Doing Research & Development (R&D) took place on June 3 and 4, 2025, at the CSIR – Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) in Dehradun. Organized by NITI Aayog, this meeting brought together leaders from top universities, research institutions, and scientific departments to discuss and develop a future-ready framework for R&D in India. The discussions aimed to address the challenges faced by the research community and to propose actionable strategies for enhancing the country’s scientific capabilities.
Key Insights from NITI Aayog Leadership
During the meeting, Dr. V. K. Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog, emphasized the necessity for India to move beyond outdated scientific practices. He called for granting researchers greater operational freedom and reforming antiquated procurement processes. Dr. Saraswat also highlighted the importance of adopting performance-linked funding models to better support scientific endeavors. He reiterated NITI Aayog’s commitment to transforming insights from the field into effective policy frameworks that can drive innovation and research in the country.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), praised the initiative and stressed the urgency of closing the lab-to-market gap. She pointed out the need for robust infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in institutions located outside major metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), advocated for a culture of trust and innovation within academic and research institutions. He urged for reduced administrative constraints, enhanced researcher mobility, and the establishment of merit-based career structures aligned with global standards.
Addressing Persistent Challenges in Research
Building on the discussions from the first meeting held in May 2025 in Lucknow, this consultative meeting delved deeper into the ongoing challenges within the research landscape. Participants identified issues such as procedural rigidities and fragmented funding channels that hinder scientific progress. The meeting served as a platform for addressing these bottlenecks and exploring solutions to streamline research processes.
The event featured a range of eminent speakers who contributed valuable insights. Thematic discussions focused on governance reform, translational research, and the importance of public-private partnerships. Participants also discussed the need for support systems tailored to young researchers, proposing mechanisms to enhance autonomy and simplify regulatory frameworks. These discussions aimed to incentivize high-impact research and foster a more conducive environment for scientific exploration.
Future Directions for India’s Scientific Landscape
The recommendations and insights gathered from this consultative meeting are set to inform a national reform strategy being developed by NITI Aayog. This strategy aims to accelerate India’s scientific advancement and strengthen its position as a leader in innovation. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the proposed solutions, the meeting participants hope to create a more robust and dynamic research ecosystem in the country.
The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including academic institutions, research organizations, and government bodies, will be crucial in shaping the future of R&D in India. The commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and enhancing research capabilities is expected to drive significant progress in the scientific community, ultimately benefiting society at large.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
