Setting up of an Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research by CSIR Approved

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for setting up of an Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) as an institution for imparting instruction and awarding degrees in frontier areas of science and technology. The Bill to set up the Academy will be introduced in the ensuing session of Parliament.

The Academy will primarily focus on research and imparting training in such areas that are not ordinarily provided by the existing universities in India. The curricula, pedagogy and evaluation will be innovative and directed towards creating highest quality personnel in cross disciplinary areas. The Academy will operate on the hub and spokes model with campuses spread across the country, in the 37 CSIR laboratories linked through National Knowledge Network already approved by the Cabinet.

While utilising the existing resources and facilities of CSIR, the Academy will operate on a self sustaining mode. The recurring expenses will be Rs.19.10 crore in the 11th Plan and Rs.61.79 crore in the 12th Plan. There will be no requirement for capital expenditure.

Background:

The future leadership in the area of science and engineering would much depend on its strength in integrated and interdisciplinary areas. There is shortage of institutions that offer PhD and other advanced courses in such areas. To fill this gap Government has approved the AcSIR which would take advantage of the existing state of art infrastructure and scientific manpower of CSIR. The Academy would be a world class institution of national importance.

Source: Press Information Bureau
Date: June 17, 2010