With increased input from educationalists and technologists, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promised a significant increase in budget allocation for science and technology (S&T) so there is a “new thrust to and renewed investment in basic sciences.” Inaugurating the 94th session of the Indian Science Congress, Singh promised to increase “annual expenditure on Science and Technology from less than 1% of our GDP to 2% in the next five years.”

However, Singh was concerned about the dwindling enrolment in schools and colleges for basic sciences, decline in standards of research in universities, and lack of sufficient amenities in advanced research institutes, and a general lack of interest among youth in careers in science. India launched three institutions last year focused on research in sciences and promised more in the future but asked the scientific community to establish a system of international peer review in research labs to maintain standards of research.

Acknowledging the lack of financial and career incentives or opportunities in basic sciences, Singh said there must be “prospects of early reward and recognition” so the youth may “tread the often lonely and tiresome trail of advanced research.” He wanted to encourage a “reverse brain drain” through the return of Indian scientists abroad to reshape the nation into a knowledge-based economy and promote “science and technology development at home.” He also encouraged intellectuals and scientists to provide “ideas” on ways to “promote science research and a scientific temper.”