Progress in superconductivity: The Indian Scenario

India has made rapid progress in the field of high temperature superconductivity, beginning at the time of publication of the Zeitschrift fur Physik paper by Bednorz and Muller. Phase 1 of the program was conceived by the Department of Science & Technology of the Government of India. It consisted of 42 projects in the area of basic research, 23 projects in applications and 4 short-term demonstration studies. The second phase started in October 1991 and will run through March 1995. It consists of 50 basic research programs and 24 application programs. The total investment, mainly consisting of infrastructural development to supplement existing facilities and hiring younger people, has amounted to about Indian Rupees 40 crores, equivalent to about US$ 13 million. The expenditure for the period 1992-1997 shall be up to about Rs. 27 crores, equivalent to about US$ 9 million. The basic idea is to keep pace with developments around the world.