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.
- Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building:
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.