The Indian Cabinet has approved a significant overhaul in science and technology funding with the introduction of the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme. This new initiative consolidates three existing umbrella schemes into a unified central sector program, aimed at strengthening science and technology capacity, fostering research, and promoting innovation across the country.
The Indian Cabinet has sanctioned a major reform in science and technology funding through the launch of the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme. This initiative merges three existing umbrella schemes into a single, unified central sector program, focused on enhancing science and technology capabilities, boosting research, and encouraging innovation nationwide.
According to the government, merging the Department of Science and Technology’s schemes into a single framework will enhance efficiency in fund utilization and ensure synchronization among the sub-schemes. The Vigyan Dhara scheme comprises three primary components: institutional and human capacity building, research and development, and innovation and technology deployment. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the proposed budget for Vigyan Dhara is Rs 10,579 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period, from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Designed to streamline funding and coordination, the scheme aims to bolster science and technology infrastructure nationwide. It will support initiatives ranging from school-level projects to higher education, encouraging collaboration between academia, government, and industry. Vigyan Dhara’s key objectives include advancing basic and translational research, supporting international collaborations, and increasing the number of researchers in the field. A significant focus will also be placed on enhancing the participation of women in science and technology, aiming to achieve gender parity.
The programs under Vigyan Dhara will be aligned with the five-year strategic goals of the Department of Science and Technology, contributing to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. The research and development component of the scheme will be in alignment with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Implementation of the scheme will adhere to globally recognized standards while remaining consistent with national priorities, ensuring that India’s scientific community thrives in alignment with global advancements.
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