Provisions:
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National Research Foundation:
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The budget has earmarked Rs. 50,000 crore over five years for the creation of the National Research Foundation.
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The National Research Foundation (NRF) would act as an umbrella body to fund research across a range of disciplines, from science and technology to humanities.
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The NRF would be an autonomous body and represented by all major research and education bodies.
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Analysis:
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The NRF will ensure that the overall research ecosystem in the country is strengthened with a focus on identified national priority thrust areas.
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The NRF will also seed and build research capacity at universities and colleges through a formal mechanism of mentoring. This will help catalyse research at universities and colleges.