The Indian Parliament passed the first significant scientific policy resolution in 1958. The policy document was drafted by the government of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's then-prime minister. It served as the foundation for India's scientific efforts and mindset. This determination stemmed from the realization that the development of a welfare state necessitated investments in science and technology. As a result, technology and science would be used to effect socioeconomic change. In this article, we will discuss regarding the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 which will be helpful for UPSC preparation.

Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR 1958) – Salient Features

• SPR 1958 established the basis for scientific enterprise and scientific temper in India. Nehru envisioned India as a welfare state.
• This resolution arose from the realisation that the establishment of a welfare state could only be accomplished through investments in science and technology. Thus, science and technology would serve as a tool for socioeconomic transformation.
• Investment in science and technology was critical in order to provide a reasonable amount of economic, social, cultural amenities and services to every citizen through industrialisation, as it would reduce the burden on the use of capital andraw material.
• Creating a large pool of high-quality scientists was required to meet the country's needs, particularly in areas such as agriculture and defence.
• SPR 1958 emphasised the importance of developing a culture and mechanism in which citizens' creative talents are recognised and opportunities for scientific activity, acquisition, dissemination, and discovery of new knowledge are found.
• SPR 1958 was primarily a document of science policy. Technology development was given second priority because it was assumed that technological development could only come from the study of science and its applications at the time.
• However, following the SPR of 1958, large-scale investments in science resulted in the formation of a number of scientific organisations and national laboratories.
• SPR 1958 was successful in establishing a solid foundation in R&D and higher education.

Conclusion

Apart from the spirit of the people, the key to national prosperity in the modern era lies in the effective combination of three factors: technology, raw materials, and capital, of which the first is perhaps the most important, because the development and application of new scientific techniques can, in fact, compensate for a lack of natural resources while reducing capital demands. However, technology can only emerge from the study of science and its applications.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What was the main aim of the Scientific Policy Resolution (1958)?

A) To establish a nuclear policy for India
B) To promote scientific research and education
C) To improve trade relations with foreign countries
D) To develop agricultural policies

2. Which of the following institutions was established in India as a result of the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958?

A) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
B) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
C) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
D) National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)

3. Which sector was specifically targeted for development under the Scientific Policy Resolution?

A) Banking and finance
B) Agriculture and irrigation
C) Scientific research and industrial applications
D) Social welfare

4. What was the focus of the Technology Policy in India after 1958?

A) Focusing on military technology
B) Developing information technology
C) Achieving technological self-reliance
D) Importing foreign technology

5. Which of the following statements is true about the Scientific Policy Resolution (1958)?

A) It focused only on scientific research in agriculture
B) It was aimed at promoting science in all sectors including industry, agriculture, and health
C) It did not emphasize technological development
D) It was primarily about promoting foreign investments in science

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 in shaping India's scientific and technological landscape.

Answer: The Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 was pivotal in shaping India's scientific and technological progress. By emphasizing the importance of scientific education, research, and industrial application, the policy laid the foundation for India's scientific institutions, such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The policy also fostered a scientific temper among the population and integrated science into national development efforts, leading to advancements in space technology, nuclear energy, and industry. The resolution served as a blueprint for India to achieve technological self-reliance, which is evident in the country's advancements in sectors such as information technology, biotechnology, and defense technology.

Q2: How did the Scientific Policy Resolution (1958) contribute to the development of indigenous technological capabilities in India?

Answer: The Scientific Policy Resolution (1958) was instrumental in fostering indigenous technological capabilities in India by encouraging self-reliance in key sectors such as space exploration, nuclear energy, and defense technologies. The establishment of institutions like ISRO and the Atomic Energy Commission helped India develop homegrown technologies and reduce its dependency on foreign imports. The policy also encouraged collaborations between academia, industry, and government, facilitating the transfer of technology and knowledge. As a result, India was able to make significant strides in technological advancements, such as the successful launch of satellites, the development of nuclear energy, and the growth of the information technology sector.

Q3: Examine the role of the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 in promoting scientific temper and technological growth in India.

Answer: The Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 played a key role in promoting a scientific temper and technological growth in India by integrating scientific principles into national development. The policy focused on creating an environment conducive to scientific inquiry and research, which helped foster innovation in critical sectors. It encouraged rational thinking, problem-solving, and the application of scientific methods in addressing societal challenges such as poverty, food security, and public health. By institutionalizing scientific research and technology in various sectors, the policy laid the foundation for India's journey towards becoming a technologically advanced nation.

Previous Year Questions on Scientific Policy Resolution

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: The Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 aimed at promoting which of the following?

A) Technological self-reliance
B) International collaborations in science
C) Space research only
D) Foreign investments in technology

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The primary aim of the Scientific Policy Resolution was to promote technological self-reliance and the application of science and technology for India's socio-economic development.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2017 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "How has the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 shaped India's technological policies and research institutions?"

Answer: The Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 played a crucial role in shaping India's technological policies by emphasizing self-reliance and the importance of scientific research. It led to the creation of key institutions such as ISRO, CSIR, and the Atomic Energy Commission, which helped India achieve significant technological advancements. The policy's focus on integrating science into national development ensured that technological progress was aligned with India's social and economic needs, fostering a culture of innovation and indigenous research.