2026 | Vol 2(5) | May
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023
2026CURRENT ISSUE
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023 represents a major institutional reform in India’s research and development (R&D) ecosystem. Enacted by Parliament in August 2023, the Act provides for the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) as an apex body to guide, fund, and coordinate research across disciplines. The legislation reflects India’s aspiration to become a global leader in science, innovation, and knowledge production, especially in the context of the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Background
India’s R&D ecosystem has historically faced structural challenges such as fragmented funding mechanisms, weak industry–academia collaboration, and limited private sector participation. Prior to the ANRF Act, research funding was largely handled by multiple agencies, including the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). The need for a unified, strategic, and mission-driven body was emphasized in policy discussions and national initiatives.
The Government of India recognized that for sustained economic growth and technological advancement, research must be institutionalized, better funded, and aligned with national priorities. The ANRF Act addresses these issues by establishing a centralized framework to “seed, grow and promote research and development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation” across universities, colleges, and laboratories.
Legislative Process
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 was introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2023 and passed by both Houses of Parliament shortly thereafter. The Rajya Sabha adopted the Bill by voice vote, marking a consensus on the importance of strengthening India’s research ecosystem.
The Act (No. 25 of 2023) subsequently received assent and its provisions came into force on 5 February 2024, formally establishing the ANRF.
Objectives of the ANRF Act
The ANRF Act lays down a comprehensive framework for advancing research and innovation in India. Its key objectives include:
Providing Strategic Direction:
The ANRF is mandated to offer high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across disciplines such as natural sciences, engineering, health, agriculture, environmental sciences, and even the interface of science with humanities and social sciences.
Promoting Research Culture:
The Act seeks to institutionalize a research culture across higher education institutions, encouraging curiosity-driven and application-oriented research.
Encouraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
It integrates research with innovation ecosystems, enabling translation of scientific discoveries into products, technologies, and services.
Facilitating Collaboration:
A major thrust is placed on fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government bodies, thereby bridging the gap between research and its practical applications.
Expanding Funding Sources:
The Act enables the ANRF to mobilize funds not only from the government but also from private sector entities, philanthropic organizations, and international agencies.
Key Features of the Act
1. Establishment of ANRF as an Apex Body
The Act establishes the ANRF as the central institution responsible for coordinating and guiding research in India. It acts as the apex body for providing “high-level strategic direction” for scientific research nationwide.
2. Governance Structure
The ANRF operates through a Governing Board (GB) and an Executive Council (EC):
The Governing Board sets strategic priorities and monitors implementation.
The Executive Council executes policies and programmes.
This dual structure ensures both policy-level oversight and efficient implementation.
3. Funding Mechanisms
The Act provides for multiple funding streams:
Government grants and loans
Contributions from industry and public sector enterprises
Donations from philanthropic organizations
International funding sources
Income from investments
Additionally, specific funds such as the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, and Science and Engineering Research Fund are created to support different aspects of research.
4. Integration and Rationalization
The ANRF replaces earlier fragmented mechanisms and integrates them into a unified system, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources.
5. Focus on Translational and Mission-Oriented Research
The Act emphasizes “mission-driven, high-impact research” and encourages translational research that leads to real-world applications and societal benefits.
Scope and Coverage
The ANRF Act covers a wide range of disciplines, including:
Natural and mathematical sciences
Engineering and technology
Environmental and earth sciences
Health and agriculture
Interdisciplinary research linking science with humanities and social sciences
This broad scope reflects a shift toward interdisciplinary and inclusive research frameworks.
Financial Commitment and Resource Mobilization
The Government has made significant financial commitments to operationalize the ANRF. Budgetary allocations have been made in successive financial years, including provisions in the Union Budget and supplementary estimates.
In addition, the Act envisions substantial resource mobilization from non-governmental sources such as industry and philanthropy, thereby increasing overall R&D investment in the country.
Role in Strengthening India’s R&D Ecosystem
The ANRF Act is expected to transform India’s research landscape in several ways:
Bridging Academia–Industry Gap:
By encouraging private sector participation, the Act aims to create a robust innovation ecosystem.
Enhancing Global Competitiveness:
A centralized research body with strategic direction can help India compete globally in science and technology.
Encouraging State Participation:
The Act provides for dedicated allocations for states, promoting healthy competition among state universities and institutions.
Promoting Inclusive Growth:
By supporting research across diverse fields, including social sciences, the Act contributes to inclusive and sustainable development.
Implementation and Operationalization
Following the enactment of the Act, the government initiated steps to operationalize the ANRF:
Formation of implementation committees
Drafting of rules and regulations
Launch of initial programmes and funding schemes
Since coming into force in February 2024, the ANRF has begun functioning as a central coordinating body, with increasing emphasis on mission-driven research programmes.
Significance of the Act
The ANRF Act, 2023 holds immense significance for India’s future:
Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP):
The Act operationalizes the vision of NEP to create a strong research culture in higher education.
Catalyst for Innovation-Led Growth:
By linking research with industry and entrepreneurship, it supports economic growth driven by innovation.
Long-Term National Vision:
The Act is seen as a step toward achieving the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.
Holistic Research Ecosystem:
It integrates multiple disciplines and stakeholders, creating a cohesive and inclusive research environment.
Challenges and Way Forward
While the ANRF Act is a landmark reform, its success will depend on effective implementation. Key challenges include:
Ensuring adequate and sustained funding
Encouraging meaningful private sector participation
Maintaining transparency and accountability in fund allocation
Building capacity in universities and research institutions
Addressing these challenges will require strong governance, continuous policy support, and stakeholder engagement.
Conclusion
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023 marks a transformative step in India’s journey toward becoming a knowledge-driven economy. By establishing a centralized, well-funded, and strategically guided research ecosystem, the Act aims to unlock the full potential of India’s scientific and intellectual capabilities.
With its emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, the ANRF has the potential to redefine India’s research landscape and position the country as a global leader in science and technology. However, its long-term success will depend on sustained commitment, effective implementation, and active participation from all stakeholders.
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Abhishek, Advocate