Science thrives on a global outlook, an inclusive culture. FCRA makes it difficult, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• India aims to be a scientific research powerhouse, launching initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation to boost its science ecosystem.
• Despite these efforts, India lags in high-impact research productivity, with no institutions in the top 100 global rankings.
• The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is identified as a significant obstacle to India's science ecosystem, hindering global collaboration and inclusive culture.
• The FCRA originated in 1976 to regulate foreign funding to prevent undermining India's democracy, with its genesis in concerns from the late 1960s.
• Recent amendments to the FCRA have tightened regulations, increasing compliance for NGOs and restricting the transfer of foreign funds between domestic NGOs.

Foreign Contribution.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• Many globally renowned Indian research institutions, including the Public Health Foundation of India and Christian Medical College (Vellore), are categorized as NGOs and fall under FCRA purview.
• The FCRA rule prohibiting repatriation of unspent foreign funds prevents Indian NGOs from leading international research collaborations.
• The 2020 amendment to the FCRA banned sub-granting of foreign funds between NGOs, severely impacting collaboration within India, especially for smaller, grassroots organizations.
• Foreign funds for scientific endeavors are often competitive grants from bodies like the Wellcome Trust or National Institutes of Health, not general donations.
• The article suggests a nuanced classification of NGOs, particularly those engaged in scientific activities, to tailor FCRA rules and avoid collateral damage to the research ecosystem.
• The government's vision includes attracting diaspora scientists and introducing national rankings for research institutions to improve India's scientific standing.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA): An Indian law regulating the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions or hospitality by individuals, associations, or companies.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation: A proposed Indian body aimed at boosting research and development across universities and colleges in the country.