Union Cabinet approves unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’ to boost science and technology ecosystem

Union Cabinet approves unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’ to boost science and technology ecosystem

The Union Cabinet on August 24 approved the continuation of three umbrella schemes under a new unified central sector scheme named ‘Vigyan Dhara’ within the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The scheme, which will span from 2021-22 to 2025-26, has been allocated an outlay of Rs 10,579.84 crore.

Key components and objectives

The ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme consolidates the following three broad components:

-Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building
-Research and Development (R&D), and
-Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment

The primary goal of the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ initiative is to enhance the country’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem.

The ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme aims to advance research in several key areas, namely, basic research, to facilitate access to international mega facilities, translational research, to focus on sustainable energy, water, and other critical areas, and collaborative research, to foster international bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

The scheme will also work towards strengthening the science and technology sector by expanding the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count, implementing targeted measures to improve the participation of women in Science and Technology (S&T), and achieve gender equality in STI.

It will also work towards supporting innovation at all levels -- from schools to higher education -- and provide targeted assistance to industries and startups, and increase cooperation between academia, government, and industry.

Expected outcomes

The merger of the schemes into a single framework is anticipated to improve efficiency in fund utilisation and ensure better synchronisation among the sub-schemes and programmes. The unified scheme is designed to reinforce the government’s efforts in advancing research and innovation at all levels, thus contributing to the overall growth of the country’s S&T landscape.

By focusing on these areas, ‘Vigyan Dhara’ aims to build a robust foundation for scientific advancement and innovation, ultimately enhancing India's global position in science and technology.

The government said all programmes under ‘Vigyan Dhara’ will align with the Department of Science and Technology’s five-year objectives to realise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. And, the scheme’s research and development component will adhere to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) guidelines, while its implementation will align with global standards and national priorities.