In order to build a blue print for future programmes of science and technology and to give direction to the initiative to be undertaken, the government has announced the Science and Technology Policy 2003. This policy envisages an implementation strategy for revitalization of the science & technology Institutions in the country. The key objectives of the policy include-

(i) Science & technology governance and investment.

(ii) Strengthening of infrastructure for science and technology in academic institution.

(iii) New funding mechanism for basic research.

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(iv) Human resource development.

(v) Industry and scientific research and development and

(vi) International science & technology cooperation.

(vii) Development of innovative technologies for mitigation and management of natural hazards.

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(viii) Generation and management of intellectual property and creation of awareness amongst general masses about the use and benefits of science and technology.

Before 1976, education was largely the responsibility of States, the Central government being only concerned with certain areas like coordination and determination of standards in technical and higher education. But in 1976 through Constitutional Amendment, education became the joint responsibility of the Centers and the States.

In order to improve the quality of science education and promote scientific temper, a centrally sponsored scheme of improvement of science education in school was started during 1987-88. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to states/union territories for provision of science kits to upper primary schools, upgrade and strengthen science laboratories in secondary and higher secondary schools, upgrading libraries, set up of district resource centers or science education, development of instruction, materials and training of science and mathematics teachers etc.

Apart from these, various scientific education programmes were introduced, such as environmental orientation education to schools, a centrally sponsored scheme was started in 1988- 89. A pilot project was initiated in 1984-85 in 248 selected secondary/higher secondary schools jointly by the department of electronics and the department of education to acquaint students and teachers with the range of computer applications and its potential as a learning medium.

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NCERT is continued as the nodal agency for software development, academic support and organization of teacher training. In recognition of the importance of technical education, successive fiver year plans have laid great emphasis on the development of technical education. To improve technical education poly-technical institutes also established to respond the changing needs of the country. Recognizing the need for revamping of the technician education system, the government has launched a massive project to be implemented in two phases with the assistance of the World Bank group to enable state governments to upgrade their polytechnics.

Apart from the various engineering colleges, medical colleges, agricultural universities have been established in the country. To improve the medical education, Medical Council of India was established in 1956. Recently, government has constituted Asphalt Committee and National Knowledge Commission to improve technical and higher education in the country.