been chaired by the member (Science) of the National Planning Commission. In addition there Is a Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology chaired by the Prime Minister. Manpower Management: A National S&T Entrepreneurship Development Board has been set up to ensure that India's S&T personnel do not remain unemp­ loyed or mlsemployed. A National Council for S&T Communication 126 has been set up to disseminate Information regarding scientific developments and achievements, as wei I as to Inculcate a scienti­ fic temperament In society. The SAC to the Cablent has also concerend Itself with the uti I lzatlon of Indian scientists working abroad. the need tor Increased support tor S&T In the educational system and the removal of regional disparities In scientific development. POLICY FORMUlATION, PlANNING AND COORDINATION The various departments mentioned above, as wei I as various ministries of the Government of India, are responsible for R&D In their particular ·sector or Investment and production In that. area, as the case may be. The central Department of Science and Technology COST) coordinates R&D efforts ·to an extent. It also helps remedy gaps and Imbalances. Naturally the overal I task of harmonising sectoral plans with the nation's priorities Is that of the Planning Commission. The OST provides the following facilities: I) Through Its Regional Sophisticated Instrumentation Cen­ tres It makes available to the scientific community major Instruments that are either needed for a very short time, or are too expensive. or what Is usual. both. II) It provides support to Intensification of high priority areas such as biotechnology. sics, cardio-pulmonary physiology. etc. research In plasma phy- Ill) It operates Inter-disciplinary, multi-Institutional pro­ grammes. e.g. algae as bio-organic fertilizer, new fib­ res and composites. Instrument development programmes, etc. lv) It provides grants-In-aid to Institute outside the gove­ rnment sector engaged In advanced research. 