RDI Fund 'Conflict of Interest' policy protected by Stringent Safeguards to Ensure protection of Taxpayers Money and Private Capital; however, suggestions from stakeholders most welcome and wherever feasible more safeguards could be considered: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State for Science & Technology chaired the monthly joint meeting of Science Secretaries, where the implementation and progress of the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund were reviewed. Key updates included the ongoing disbursal of funds to selected firms, the upcoming appointment of Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs), and the expansion of the RDI Fund's sectoral scope through inter-ministerial consultations to address strategic technology needs like Artificial Intelligence. The review also covered the progress of the Sah-SANKALP initiative, preparations for the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, and the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar Campaign 2026.