Among the major initiatives of the Government of India to boost the nation’s capability in science, technology, and innovation, the Vigyan Dhara Scheme is one of the much appreciated ones. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched this scheme that integrates three programs existing separately into one; for bettering the administration of research, innovation, and technological development all over the country.
In this article, we discuss the Vigyan Dhara Scheme in detail, know its components, its goals, the impact it may have, and how it contributes to India’s development by 2047.
Table of Contents
What is Vigyan Dhara Scheme?
The Vigyan Dhara Scheme is a consolidated central sector initiative that brings together three major umbrella schemes of the DST under one streamlined program. These schemes were working in isolation, but the government felt that by merging them, efficiency would be enhanced and India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem would be further strengthened.
The scheme is wide in scope and includes capacity building, R&D, and technological innovation. The Indian government hopes to create an environment that fosters scientific advancement, making India a leader in science and technology globally.
The Three Foundational Elements of the Vigyan Dhara Program
- Developing Institutional and Human Capacity in Science and Technology
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment
- Each of these pillars is set up to complement the others in such a manner that the scientific infrastructure of the country is both built and sustained while encouraging breakthrough innovation and collaboration.
Objective of Vigyan Dhara Scheme
The fundamental aim of the Vigyan Dhara Scheme is to provide support for the development and growth of India’s capabilities in science, technology, and innovation. This encompasses:
- Boost to scientific research.
- Enhancement in the infrastructure necessary for research.
- Boost to innovation in various sectors.
- Promotion of coordination between research institution-industry-research lab, and international collaboration.
- Human resource capacity building in S&T fields.
- The Vigyan Dhara Scheme is likely to profoundly influence India’s research landscape as the government has sanctioned a budget of 10,579.84 crore rupees during 2021–2022–2025–2026.
Key Features and Components of the Scheme
1. Institutional and Human Capacity Development in the Field of Science and Technology
To establish and improve India’s scientific infrastructure is one of the primary objectives of the Vigyan Dhara Scheme. Upgradation of the existing institutions, as well as new research labs for high-quality scientific work, will be taken into consideration. Besides, specific human resource capacity building refers to training students, researchers, and professionals in the science, technology, and engineering sectors.
Major Objectives:
- Ensure well-equipped research labs are distributed across academic and research institutions.
- Expand India’s research workforce by hiring more full-time equivalents.
- Provide quality education and skill building in STEM fields
- These dimensions align the Vigyan Dhara Scheme for producing a sturdy, sustainable human resource base to propel forward the S&T landscape of India.
2. Research and Development (R&D)
Another significant stream of the Vigyan Dhara Scheme is strengthening research in focus areas of science. Key areas that require priority include:
- Basic Research: Basic research that forms the base of all scientific development.
- Translational Research: Research done to translate scientific concepts into tangible applications related to science, especially in renewable energy, water management, and environmental protection.
- Collaborative Research: Co-operation with international research facilities and institutions to develop new ideas and acquire newer technologies.
- It encourages collaborative competition among public agencies and private sector business enterprises. Additionally, it encourages cooperation with foreign research agencies so that India continues to be competitive in the global marketplace.
3. Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment
The third very important area of the Vigyan Dhara Scheme is to spur innovation across all sectors of society. It would involve an innovation ecosystem running from schools and universities to industries and startups. Innovative solutions to national challenges, such as health, agriculture, and sustainable development, will be encouraged by the scheme. Its support for the commercialization of research findings will ensure that innovations find their way to market.
It provides a platform for technology deployment, bringing research closer to application.
Special Focus on Gender Equality in S&T
The Vigyan Dhara Scheme is aimed at improving gender balance in science and technology. Targeted interventions will be undertaken to enhance the participation of women in STEM fields. It will not only promote diversity but also ensure that India’s science and technology sector harnesses the full potential of its population.
Budget and Allocation for Vigyan Dhara Scheme
The total expenditure towards the Vigyan Dhara Scheme is Rs. 10,579.84 crore. This amount will be distributed over the five-year period from 2021 to 2026, in accordance with the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission.
Such a sizeable investment would go a long way towards infrastructure development of lasting nature, lead to an increase in research output and foster innovative culture across the country.
Why This Scheme Merger Makes Sense
The government will integrate three schemes into one to have better synergy and avoid duplication of efforts. The unified structure of the Vigyan Dhara Scheme will also improve the allocation and use of funds, ensuring that resources are directed to the most critical areas of research and development. Furthermore, the merger will streamline the administration and management of the programs, making them more efficient.
Impact of Vigyan Dhara Scheme on India’s STI Landscape
The Vigyan Dhara Scheme is meant to transform the landscape of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in India. Some of the salient impacts will be seen through the following channels:
- Improving Research Capabilities: The improvement of infrastructure and increased international collaborations in R&D for India will show significant improvements in this area.
- Human Resource Development: The scheme will increase training and capacity building, which will lead to a stronger, more skilled workforce in STEM fields.
- Promotion of Innovation: The scheme will promote innovation at all levels, ensuring that India’s technological capabilities are advanced in line with global standards.
- Economic Growth and Sustainability: The scheme also aligns with India’s long-term goals of economic growth and environmental sustainability, paving the way for a green, innovation-driven economy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vigyan Dhara Scheme
Q1: What is Vigyan Dhara Scheme?
Vigyan Dhara Scheme is a scheme of the Central Government that proposes to integrate three existing DST schemes under one umbrella scheme with an aim to further strengthen the scientific and technological capabilities of India. The prime focus areas for this scheme will be research, innovation, and human resource capacity building.
Q2: How would the Vigyan Dhara Scheme enhance India’s research capabilities?
It will establish research capabilities for India based on infrastructure, international collaborations, and human resources. The outcome will be an increase in the strength of research output in varied scientific streams.
Q3: What are the three main components of Vigyan Dhara Scheme?
The three main components of the Vigyan Dhara Scheme are Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development, and Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment.
Q4: What is the amount of funding under the Vigyan Dhara Scheme?
The total budget under the Vigyan Dhara Scheme is Rs. 10,579.84 crore for the period 2021-2026.
Q5: How does the Vigyan Dhara Scheme promote gender equality?
The scheme aims to increase women’s participation in science, technology, and innovation and achieve gender parity in the S&T ecosystem.
Conclusion: Vigyan Dhara Scheme – A Leap Toward India’s Scientific Future
This Vigyan Dhara Scheme is a big step for India toward becoming a global leader in science, technology, and innovation. The DST will, by unifying three critical programs, be well on its way toward creating an integrated and effective structure to promote scientific research and innovation and create a highly skilled workforce. This will contribute to boosting the S&T landscape of the country as well as to its development in the decades to follow.
The Vigyan Dhara Scheme will, in the next several years, contribute significantly to realizing India’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 and shape the future of the science and technology sector of the country, making this a very exciting time for research, innovation, and development in India.