Reimagine PMRF scheme to energise R&D ecosystem

The Union budget for the current fiscal emphasised building and promoting a robust research and development (R&D) ecosystem in the country.

- Avinash Shet

Amid announcements such as funds for deep tech and a ₹20,000-crore corpus for private sector R&D, the finance minister had also announced 10,000 fellowships under the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) over the next five years, with an allocation of ₹600 crore.

PMRF aims to retain talent in India and has the potential to make a significant impact. But it remains straitjacketed by rigid implementation controls. By involving industries in funding research spearheaded by government labs and PSUs and ensuring balanced institutional support, PMRF can become more effective. Integrating it into the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) could enhance its impact and strengthen the ecosystem.

Introduced in the 2018-19 budget, PMRF was designed to support 1,000 outstanding engineering graduates financially and institutionally to pursue PhDs and undertake quality research. The fellowship offered a monthly stipend of ₹70,000-80,000 and a research grant of up to ₹2 lakh per year. Candidates qualify through direct entry after their bachelor's degree or lateral entry while enrolled in a PhD programme.