The Ministry of Science & Technology clarifies the comprehensive Conflict of Interest policy, Pre-Investment Guidelines, and complete recusal of conflicted members in TDB's funding decision-making processes.
On July 31, 2026, the Ministry of Science & Technology addressed allegations of a conflict of interest in the disbursement of funds to companies under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme by the Technology Development Board (TDB). The ministry confirmed that the media reports were misleading, incorrect, and lacked proper context.
The government's clarification outlines the robust Conflict of Interest policy in place at TDB. This policy has been systematically followed without any complaint or irregularity reported. Before the first Investment Committee (IC) meeting, TDB framed detailed Pre-Investment Guidelines / Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs). These guidelines explicitly lay down conditions under which a potential conflict of interest arises. Whenever a member has a potential conflict, the policy mandates full disclosure and complete recusal of the concerned member from all discussions and decision-making processes regarding that entity.
The government's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and meritocracy is further validated by independent external assessments. Out of the 22 projects approved by TDB in its first cohort, 15 projects were independently selected by separate expert panels constituted by the Ministry of Education.
Furthermore, it was emphasized that TDB has strictly adhered to these guidelines in letter and spirit. All funding decisions were taken purely on merit as per the Implementation Guidelines of the RDI Fund, with zero involvement of any conflicted members during the evaluation or sanction process of concerned proposals.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
