Concerns Rise as DST Cancels Research Funding Program

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has decided to cancel the call for proposals under its SATHI (Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institutes) program. This unexpected move (The DST Cancels Research Funding) has left higher education institutions grappling with concerns about the potential ramifications of research funding.

DST Cancels Research Funding

The Centre’s move to cancel a call for proposals under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)’s SATHI program has sparked fears among higher education institutions of shrinking funding sources to procure sophisticated, high-end equipment that is vital for research and development.

SATHI Scheme Overview:

Launched in 2020, the SATHI scheme aimed to establish centers equipped with major analytical instruments for sharing among institutions.

It presented a unique opportunity for less-endowed organizations to access costly research tools, enhancing their research and development capabilities.

Consortium Efforts in Kerala:

Several higher education institutions in Kerala, including the University of Kerala (KU) and Mahatma Gandhi University, formed consortiums to submit project proposals under the SATHI scheme. The consortium led by KU, in partnership with various organizations, submitted a substantial proposal for ₹87.03 crore.

Cancellation Shockwaves:

The recent cancellation of the call for proposals has sent shockwaves through these institutions. Formal communications from DST mention a “promising new direction and initiatives ahead” for the SATHI program, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of research funding.

Speculations on NRF Introduction:

Amidst this uncertainty, speculations within the academic community suggest that the cancellation might be a precursor to the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF). The recently passed Anusandhan NRF Bill, 2023, envisions the NRF as a centralized body for research funding, with a significant reliance on private sector investments.

Private Sector Funding Concerns:

The anticipated allocation of ₹50,000 crore over the next five years, with nearly ₹36,000 crore drawn from the private sector, has raised concerns among researchers. There is a fear that such reliance on private investments could lead to market forces influencing research priorities, potentially compromising the autonomy of educational institutions.

As institutions navigate the uncertainty surrounding research funding, the academic community is closely watching for further developments and the DST’s future course of action. The broader implications of these decisions on the landscape of academic research in the country remain a topic of intense discussion and concern.