Union Cabinet Approves ‘Vigyan Dhara’ Scheme to Strengthen India’s Science and Technology Ecosystem

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation and merger of three key science and technology umbrella schemes into a unified central sector program, now named ‘Vigyan Dhara’. This significant move is aimed at enhancing India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) landscape with a proposed budget of ₹10,579.84 crore for the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26, under the 15th Finance Commission.

The ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme is structured around three broad components:

1. Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building
2. Research and Development (R&D)
3. Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment

By merging the individual schemes into a single comprehensive program, the government aims to boost efficiency in fund utilization and improve synchronization among sub-schemes, leading to a more cohesive approach to scientific research and innovation.

The primary goal of ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is to strengthen India’s scientific infrastructure by fostering well-equipped R&D labs in academic institutions and promoting research in areas such as basic sciences, sustainable energy, and water resources. The scheme aims to expand India’s R&D base by increasing the number of full-time researchers and encouraging collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

Key focus areas will include enhancing access to international mega facilities for research, promoting translational research, and developing sustainable technologies. The program also seeks to address gender disparity in the science and technology field by introducing targeted interventions to increase the participation of women in the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector.

Another critical objective of the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme is to promote innovation at all levels, from school education to higher education and industry. The scheme will facilitate greater collaboration between academia, government institutions, and the private sector, particularly startups, to encourage the practical application of scientific discoveries and technological advancements.

All programs under ‘Vigyan Dhara’ are strategically aligned with the Department of Science and Technology’s five-year goals, with the overarching vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, India’s long-term plan to become a fully developed nation. The research component of the scheme will also be aligned with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), ensuring that the program adheres to globally recognized standards while remaining in sync with national priorities.