Science and technology is the key to economic progress
and prosperity. Indian scientists and technologists have
accomplished a great deal, especially in the areas of
agriculture, space, atomic energy and defence. There is now need
for a massive renewal of our science and technology
infrastructure.
I propose to extend a matching one-time grant for the
modernisation of the laboratories and institutes of the
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). I will match
every commercial rupee that the CSIR and ICAR earn incrementally
in the next two years with another rupee from the Budget.
I also propose to strengthen the Fund for
Technology Development and Application which was created in 1994-
95 to help indigenously developed technologies reach the stage of
commercial application. The interim Budget had provided Rs.10
crore. As a demonstration of this government's commitment to
science and technology, I am immediately making available Rs.30
crore. The Department of Science & Technology will announce the
constitution of the Technology Development Board shortly.
Public Distribution System
The Common Minimum Programme states that the
Public Distribution System will be strengthened to meet the twin
objectives of price stability and making available essential
articles to the poor. It is, therefore, proposed to restructure
the PDS. A beginning will be made where the need is most acutely
felt. The restructured PDS will serve households below the
poverty line. Details of the restructured PDS are being worked
out and will be announced in due course.
Pay Commission
The Fifth Pay Commission is expected to submit
its report by the end of September 1996. Funds have been
provided in this Budget as well as the Railway Budget to meet the
anticipated expenditure. Meanwhile, I am happy that the question
of granting another instalment of interim relief has been sorted
out satisfactorily.
