This is an appeal to the Govt @PMOIndia.

The sudden imposition of restriction on importing equipment is hurting scientific research and technology development in a manner which perhaps was not anticipated. @NITIAayog @PrinSciAdvGoI @IndiaDST @shekhar_mande @Sandeep_1966 https://twitter.com/abandopa/status/1335532225434030082

Not that such a sudden pause of pursuit of R&D is desirable at any point of time, it is particularly not desirable now: (1) because we still have the pandemic threatening us and (2) the R&D ecosystem delivered in an unprecedented manner in last 9 months and has gained a momentum.

We will lose a lot by this sudden pause in terms of enthusiasm, resolve and competitive edge.

It is NOT possible for Indian manufacturers to suddenly develop these products that will serve high end R&D purpose.

@bhak_sala @bhootnath @aparanjape @ARanganathan72 @jayantsinha

However, I do understand how critical it is develop world class Indian products.

A proposal -

(1) Please let each of our leading S&T institutions choose (based on market survey and core competence) 5-6 products that it can develop to international standard within two years.

(2) Please allow up to 50% imported components in the first phase i.e. in the design developed in the first two years.

(3) Please allow the S&T institutions to serve as testing and certifying agencies (albeit after earning due accreditation)

(4) Once certified by an S&T institute the product may be manufactured commercially.

(5) Govt. supports the R&D cost, institutes transfer technologies to private manufacturers without any upfront consideration but in lieu of revenue share/equity.

(6) These products are immediately listed on GeM which will automatically ensure that no Govt. institution will be able to import these equipment any longer.

@DrRPNishank @nsitharaman @PiyushGoyal @DBTIndia @BIRAC_2012 @ficci_india @FollowCII

(7) The manufacturer (as it will be the sole manufacturer for a certain period) will earn profit which it will be mandated to spend on further R&D to reduce imported components further. This R&D will be aided and audited by the same institute that transferred the technology.

This way we can start the journey towards "atmanirbharta" without seriously compromising immediate scientific progress.

In the last 9 months so many world class products have been developed by d Indian S&T R&D ecosystem.

I am sure given an opportunity it will deliver further.

This is a very sincere appeal made in good faith.

DISCLAIMER - I am making this appeal purely in my personal capacity.