‘VIGYAN DHARA’ SCHEME

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister, has approved the continuation and unification of three key Science and Technology (S&T) schemes under a single, comprehensive initiative called ‘Vigyan Dhara’.

EXPLANATION:

  • This decision marks a significant step in streamlining and enhancing the efficiency of science and technology efforts in India.
  • The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will implement this new scheme, which aims to foster a robust Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem across the country.

Components of the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ Scheme

  • The ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme is structured around three main components, each critical to the advancement of the S&T sector:
    • Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building:
      • This component focuses on strengthening the institutional framework for S&T education and research.
      • It aims to build and enhance human capacity, ensuring that the scientific community is well-equipped to meet future challenges.
      • By investing in educational institutions and research bodies, the scheme intends to nurture a new generation of scientists and researchers.
    • Research and Development (R&D):
      • Emphasizing the importance of research, this component seeks to bolster the R&D capabilities of the country.
      • It aims to promote both basic and applied research, enabling access to international mega facilities for Indian researchers.
      • This approach will facilitate groundbreaking research in critical areas, including sustainable energy, water management, and other pressing issues.
      • The component will also foster international collaborations, enhancing India’s scientific standing globally.
    • Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment:
      • This component targets the entire innovation pipeline, from idea generation to technology deployment.
      • By supporting innovations at all levels—from schools and higher education institutions to industries and startups—the scheme aims to transform ideas into market-ready technologies.
      • It will also focus on translating research outcomes into practical applications, thus bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Financial Allocation and Implementation

  • The proposed budget for implementing the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme is set at Rs. 10,579.84 crore, covering the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26, under the 15th Finance Commission.
  • This significant financial commitment reflects the government’s dedication to advancing the country’s scientific capabilities.
  • By merging the existing schemes into a single, unified initiative, the government aims to enhance the efficiency of fund utilization, reduce administrative overheads, and ensure better coordination among various sub-schemes and programs.

Objectives of the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ Scheme

  • The primary objective of the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme is to bolster the country’s S&T capacity by focusing on research, innovation, and technology development.
  • This unified scheme aims to:
    • Strengthen S&T infrastructure through the establishment of well-equipped R&D labs in academic institutions.
    • Promote research in critical areas by providing access to international research facilities.
    • Foster collaboration through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation, enhancing the global footprint of Indian science.
    • Build a critical human resource pool, increasing the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) researchers and elevating the quality of scientific research in India.

Focus on Gender Parity and Inclusivity

  • A significant feature of the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme is its emphasis on gender parity in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
  • The scheme includes targeted interventions to increase the participation of women in science and technology fields, aiming to bring about gender balance in these traditionally male-dominated areas.
  • By creating opportunities and providing support, the scheme seeks to empower women scientists, encouraging their active involvement in research and innovation.

Alignment with National and Global Standards

  • The ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme is designed to align with the national priorities and the 5-year goals of the DST, all towards realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047 (Viksit Bharat 2047).
  • The research and development component of the scheme will be aligned with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), ensuring that India’s R&D efforts are globally competitive.
  • The implementation of the scheme will follow internationally accepted benchmarks, ensuring that India’s scientific research and technological advancements are at par with global standards.

Background and Rationale

  • The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has been at the forefront of organizing, coordinating, and promoting S&T activities in India.
  • Prior to the introduction of ‘Vigyan Dhara’, DST managed three separate umbrella schemes focusing on S&T institutional and human capacity building, research and development, and innovation, technology development, and deployment.
  • The decision to merge these schemes into ‘Vigyan Dhara’ stems from a need to create a more cohesive and synchronized approach, enabling better resource allocation and maximizing the impact of S&T initiatives.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2048572#:~:text=The%20Union%20Cabinet%2C%20chaired%20by,Science%20and%20Technology%20(DST).

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