Cabinet approves ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation Scheme for private-sector R&D
On 1 July 2025 in New Delhi, the Union Cabinet approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore to provide long-tenor, low- or nil-interest financing for private-sector R&D.
Summary
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme on 1 July 2025 with a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, to provide long-term financing or refinancing at low or nil interest rates to spur private-sector investment in R&D in sunrise and strategic sectors, and to facilitate a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds. The Governing Board of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), chaired by the Prime Minister, will give strategic direction (static), and the Department of Science and Technology is the nodal department. The scheme uses a two-tier mechanism, with a Special Purpose Fund within ANRF as custodian of funds.
Key facts
- Corpus
- ₹1 lakh crore
- Purpose
- Long-tenor, low/nil-interest finance for private-sector RDI in sunrise and strategic sectors
- Governance (static)
- ANRF Governing Board, chaired by the PM
- Nodal department
- Department of Science and Technology
- Structure
- Two-tier; Special Purpose Fund within ANRF
- Also
- Deep-Tech Fund of Funds
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What is the corpus of the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme approved on 1 July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1 lakh crore
Cabinet: the Cabinet approved the RDI Scheme with a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore.
Which department will serve as the nodal department for implementing the RDI Scheme?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Science and Technology
Cabinet: the Department of Science and Technology (DST) will serve as the nodal department for implementation of the RDI Scheme.
Who chairs the Governing Board of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which gives strategic direction to the RDI Scheme?
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Correct answer: C — Prime Minister
Cabinet: the Governing Board of ANRF, chaired by the Prime Minister, will provide overarching strategic direction to the RDI Scheme.