New Delhi: The Union Budget 2010-11 presented by the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the Lok Sabha today, provided boost to Research and Development (R&D) activities across all the sectors of economy.

"Weighted deduction on expenditure incurred on in-house R&D has been enhanced from 150 per cent to 200 per cent. Weighted deduction on payments made to national laboratories, research associations, colleges, universities and other institutions for scientific research has been enhanced from 125 per cent to 175 per cent," announced the minister.

Payment made to an approved association engaged in research in Social Sciences or Statistical Research will be allowed as a weighted deduction of 125 per cent.

"The income of such approved research association shall be exempted from tax," he added.