S. Jaipal Reddy Launches Portal of Science and Engineering Research Board for Online Submission of R&D Proposals

New Delhi February 1st, 2014: – Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Shri S.Jaipal Reddy today launched a unique portal by Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), an establishment under the Department of Science and Technology for online submission of R&D proposals.. This portal offers transparency in the processes, enhances the efficiency and speed of service delivery. The portal was developed by CDAC, Noida using efficient Open Source technologies and the system can be accessible through devices like desktops, tablets and smart-phones and it is compatible with all operating systems like windows, linux, android, IOS etc. It is also very secure in terms of the data security and integrity. The system enables online submission of proposals by the Project Investigators, evaluation of proposals by the peer reviewers and technical committee, financial sanction, monitoring and its overall management. The system also supports real-time tracking of proposals online as well as through automated alerts and notifications. 

Speaking on the occasion Shri reddy said the establishment of Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) through an Act of Parliament is a significant landmark in the annals of Science and Technology in the country. The SERB was created with a focus on de- bureaucratization of R & D funding. He said When I asked some of the leaders of science community, what they would want me to do on priority as the Minister for Science and Technology, some of them responded with developing portal for online submission and tracking of proposals. I therefore advised Secretary, DST to develop a comprehensive decision support system for online submission and monitoring of R& D funding schemes. 

The minister said In his opinion, this will increase transparency, efficiency and speed in decision making. In governance of R& D funding, adoption of such technology tools are essential. He said he is delighted that Science and Engineering Research Board has taken his advice seriously and pursued the goal assiduously. 

The Minister expressed happiness that Prof. Deepak Pental and Dr. Ramasami gave full support to the development of this portal. The Science and Engineering Research Board has interacted closely with C DAC and developed custom built software package and a portal. I would say that this is an outcome of labour and expertise of many people over a long period of time. He also expressed happiness on developing its online system by SERB which encompasses transparency, global benchmark and best practices in management of competitive grant funding. 

The minister said this package will enable Project Investigators to make online submission of proposals and it enables peer reviewers to make their merit evaluation online. Also, the system has provision for real time tracking through SMS alerts and email notifications. The system also allows data mining, statistical analysis, report generation, easy archival and retrieval of documents. The system is also built to provide alerts for delay in processing of proposals and release of grants for program officers to periodically review and take remedial measures. 

He said on the whole, it would ensure service delivery in time bound manner. 

He also thanked the user community for timely feedback and urge the Board to continuously upgrade the software based on user feedback and adopt the best of technology for the service of science. 

The minister also congratulated the staff of the Board, CDAC that has paved the way for the development of this portal. I do appreciate the special efforts of Dr Ramasami, Dr Chandrashekar and Professor Deepak Pental to have extended their expertise and guidance in the entire process.