The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023

Summary of The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023
Purpose
• Establishes the Anusandhan National Research Foundation to provide strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across scientific fields, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration between academic institutions, research laboratories, and industry, as reflected in the governance and functional aspects of similar research bodies.
Key Components
1. Establishment & Objectives
• Body corporate with objectives to direct research in sciences, engineering, technology, and interdisciplinary areas, supporting initiatives and global participation, akin to the oversight and management structures seen in science and engineering research boards.
2. Governance Structure
• Governing Board: Composition and leadership (e.g., ex officio members, appointed experts) mirror the strategic planning and oversight roles found in national research councils.
• Executive/Operational Body: Responsible for day-to-day operations and implementation, reflecting a structured approach to research funding and project management.
3. Financial Framework
• Sources & Allocation: Diversified funding sources (government, donations, international collaborations) with a structured allocation for operational, research, and special initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Accountability Mechanisms: Budgetary approvals, governmental submissions, and external auditing for transparency.
Functions & Responsibilities
• Strategic Research Direction: Identifying key research areas, facilitating national and international collaborations.
• Operational Responsibilities: Managing funds, overseeing projects, and ensuring synergy between research entities and industry.
Operational Powers & Transparency
• Legal and Contracting Authorities
• Reporting and Accountability: To the legislature and the public, through annual reports and audits.
• Rule Making Authority: For operational efficiency and compliance.
Protection and Indemnity
• Legal Protection for Actions in Good Faith
• Indemnity Provisions for Board/Committee Members

Legislative History:
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023

Source: Official Record of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Act Title - The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023
Act Number - Act No. 25 of 2023
Act ID (India Code) - 202325
Presidential Assent date - August 12, 2023
Enforcement Date - February 05, 2024
Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Science and Technology

Precedent & Historical Rationale
● Repeal of SERB & Peak Apex Body Creation: Repeals the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008 (50 of 2008) and dissolves the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), subsuming its operations under a broader, apex-level research body.
● Establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Establishes ANRF to provide high-level strategic direction for scientific research, innovation, and technological development across universities, colleges, research institutions, and national laboratories in India.
● Targeted Private Sector Integration & Multi-Source Funding: Designed to catalyze joint R&D projects between academia and industry by leveraging philanthropic contributions, private sector investment, and public funds to scale national research capacity beyond traditional government-funded institutions.

Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
● Formulation: Introduced by the Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, fulfilling a core recommendation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to create an overarching funding body for university-level research.
● Parliamentary Passage: Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 4, 2023; passed by the Lok Sabha on August 7, 2023; and passed by the Rajya Sabha on August 9, 2023.
● Presidential Assent: Received the assent of the President of India on August 12, 2023.
● Enforcement: Enforced on February 05, 2024 .