Govt Approves Vigyan Dhara Scheme With Rs 10,579 Crore Allocation For Science And Tech

To support the country’s scientific and biotechnological capabilities, the Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of three umbrella schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The scheme has now been consolidated into a single central sector scheme called ‘Vigyan Dhara.’ The scheme focuses on three broad components: science and technology, institutional and human capacity building, innovation and technology deployment, and research and development.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the media persons of the same. He said, “The scheme is allocated a proposed budget of Rs 10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.”

An official statement stated, “The primary objective of the Vigyan Dhara scheme is to promote science and technology capacity building as well as research, innovation, and technology development towards strengthening the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem in the country. Implementation of the scheme will strengthen the science and Technology infrastructure of the country by fostering well-equipped R&D labs in the academic institutions.”

Designed to streamline funding and coordination among sub-schemes, the Vigyan Dhara scheme aims to boost science and technology infrastructure across the country. It will also support initiatives from school-level projects to higher education and foster collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

Other key objectives include advancing basic and translational research, increasing the number of researchers, and supporting international collaborations. The scheme also focuses on improving the participation of women in science and technology to achieve gender parity.

It is worth noting that all programs under the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme will align with the 5-year goals of the Department of Science and Technology and contribute to the vision of attaining the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The research and development component of the scheme will also be synchronised with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), following the globally prevailing yardsticks while in alignment with the national priorities.