Question

Difficulty: MediumNational Events, Acts, and Governance Initiatives

To catalyze national research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across universities and higher educational institutions, the Parliament of India enacted legislation to establish an apex statutory body by repealing the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Act, 2008. Which statutory apex body was established under this governance reform, operating with the Prime Minister of India as the ex-officio President of its Governing Board?

  1. A
    Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
  2. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)Answer
  3. C
    Technology Development Board (TDB)
  4. D
    Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

Answer

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023, following the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP). It acts as an apex body to seed, grow, and facilitate research and development across India's universities, colleges, and research institutions. The Act repealed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Act, 2008, subsuming SERB into ANRF. Its apex Governing Board is headed by the Prime Minister as ex-officio President.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legislative act and repealed statutory body
The Parliament enacted the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023, which explicitly repealed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Act, 2008.
Governance initiatives in scientific research required a unified apex body to expand funding across state universities and research institutions.
2
Examine the governance and administrative architecture of the new body
The Prime Minister of India acts as the ex-officio President of the Governing Board, while the Union Ministers of Science & Technology and Education act as Vice-Presidents.
High-level administrative leadership ensures multi-ministerial alignment and strategic direction across academia and industry.
3
Eliminate alternative autonomous councils and missions
Entities such as CSIR, TDB, and AIM operate under separate statutory or administrative mandates and do not replace SERB.
Differentiating statutory acts and establishing timelines confirms the unique status of ANRF.

Key Concept

Statutory framework and governance structure of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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