Clarification Regarding Selection Process and Conflict of Interest Policy Under - 31st July 2026 - Ministry of Science and Technology - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Science and Technology
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology on 31st July 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary This report from the Ministry of Science & Technology, dated July 31, 2026, clarifies the selection process and conflict of interest policies under the Technology Development Board’s (TDB) Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. It addresses and refutes recent media reports alleging irregularities in fund disbursement, asserting that all selections are merit-based and governed by strict transparency protocols. The document emphasizes the government’s commitment to maintaining integrity within India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Key Points / Main Content
Conflict of Interest (CoI) Framework
- Robust Policy: A comprehensive CoI policy is systematically followed at TDB, with no history of reported complaints or irregularities.
- Mandatory Recusal: TDB’s Pre-Investment Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) mandate full disclosure and the complete recusal of any member with a potential conflict from all discussion and decision-making processes.
Evaluation and Merit-Based Selection
- Procedural Adherence: Funding decisions are made strictly according to the RDI Fund's Implementation Guidelines, ensuring zero involvement from conflicted members during the evaluation or sanctioning of proposals.
- Meritocracy: Decisions are based entirely on technical merit, innovation potential, and national importance.
Independent External Validation
- External Assessment: The rigor of TDB’s process is validated by independent expert panels.
- Global Recognition: Of the 22 projects approved in the first cohort, 15 were independently selected by the Ministry of Education to represent India at the Bharat Innovate Event in Nice, France, confirming their status as cutting-edge Deep-Tech innovators.
Impact Analysis
Technology Development Board (TDB) and Ministry of Science & Technology Impact The document serves as a formal defense of the TDB’s reputation, reaffirming the legitimacy of its administrative processes against public allegations. Action Required The TDB must continue to strictly adhere to the framed Pre-Investment Guidelines and maintain the robust implementation of its Conflict of Interest policy.
Investment Committee (IC) Members Impact Members are subject to stringent oversight and mandatory disclosure requirements to prevent any influence on fund disbursement. Action Required Members must provide full disclosure of potential conflicts and recuse themselves from all relevant decision-making processes as mandated by the SoPs.
Applicant Companies and Deep-Tech Innovators Impact Legitimate innovators are assured that the selection process is competitive, merit-based, and protected from biased decision-making. Action Required Companies seeking funding must ensure their proposals demonstrate high technical merit and innovation potential to succeed under the independent validation standards.
Media and General Public Impact The clarification provides the public with the specific facts and context necessary to counter misleading reports regarding government fund disbursement. Action Required No specific action is required, though the document serves as a primary source for correcting the public record.