Archive · 31 Jul 2026
India's RDI Fund Selection Faces Conflict of Interest Concerns
India has a new research money fund called the RDI Fund.
The government says it picks companies for the money using strict rules and fair tests.
But a minister said some people who choose the companies also own shares in those companies.
That could be a conflict of interest.
The government says it has strong rules to stop that problem and make sure the money goes to the best projects.
The Ministry of Science & Technology says the RDI Fund selection used robust evaluation, strict conflict‑of‑interest guidelines, and merit‑based processes.
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh replied in Rajya Sabha that a potential conflict of interest existed among selection panel members.
Seven of the 11 panel members had personal investments in companies that received RDI funds.
The panel selected companies for the newly created Research, Development and Innovation Fund.
The government emphasizes that conflict‑of‑interest policies are in place to ensure fair disbursement.
- Who
- Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, Rajya Sabha member Praveen Chakravarthy, Ministry of Science & Technology
- What
- RDI Fund selection process and potential conflict of interest among panel members
- When
- Thursday (minister's reply) and Friday (ministry statement)
- Where
- Rajya Sabha, India
- Why
- To address potential conflicts and ensure merit‑based fund allocation
- Funding Scheme
- Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund
- Ministry
- Ministry of Science & Technology
- Conflict of Interest Policy
- Strict guidelines in place
- Panel Members with Investment
- 7 of 11
- Statement Date
- Friday