The Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 was India’s inaugural science policy, marking the first formal step in creating an organized and state-supported scientific ecosystem. Introduced in the early years after independence, this resolution served as the foundational document that set the initial course for the nation’s scientific pursuits. It strategically established the government’s commitment to fostering a scientific culture and building the capacity necessary for a modern state, reflecting the leadership’s belief in science as an essential tool for national prosperity.

The core tenets of this resolution were clear and focused on building a strong base for future advancements. Its primary objectives can be distilled as follows:

• Emphasis on Basic Research: The policy overwhelmingly prioritized the cultivation of fundamental research across nearly every field of science, aiming to build a broad base of scientific knowledge within the country.
• Infrastructure Development: It placed a significant emphasis on creating and making available the essential infrastructure—such as laboratories, academic institutions, and research centers—required for the development of scientific research.

The significance of the 1958 resolution cannot be overstated; it was the definitive starting point for India’s organized S&T framework. This foundational policy created the intellectual and institutional bedrock upon which all subsequent technological advancements would be built. As this scientific capability grew, the national focus naturally evolved towards translating this knowledge into tangible technological self-sufficiency.