The Vigyan Dhara scheme has received Cabinet approval, marking a major restructuring of science and technology funding. This groundbreaking initiative consolidates three existing umbrella schemes into a single, cohesive central sector program designed to strengthen the nation’s capacity in science, technology, research, and innovation.
According to the government, merging the Department of Science and Technology’s various schemes into one unified scheme will not only improve the efficiency of fund utilization but also foster better synchronization among the different sub-schemes.
The Vigyan Dhara scheme is structured around three key components: institutional and human capacity building, research and development, and innovation and technology deployment. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared that the proposed budget allocation for Vigyan Dhara is Rs 10,579 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period, spanning from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
This new scheme is specifically designed to streamline funding mechanisms and enhance coordination among the various sub-schemes, with the overarching goal of strengthening the science and technology infrastructure across the nation.
The scheme aims to support a wide range of initiatives, from school-level science projects to higher education endeavors, and to encourage collaboration between academia, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. Among its primary objectives are advancing both basic and translational research, promoting international scientific collaborations, and increasing the number of researchers in the country.
A notable focus of the scheme is on boosting the participation of women in science and technology, with the goal of achieving gender parity in these fields. All the programs proposed under the Vigyan Dhara scheme will be strategically aligned with the Department of Science and Technology’s five-year goals, which are part of the broader vision for a developed India, or ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’
Additionally, the research and development component of Vigyan Dhara will be coordinated with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The government has emphasized that the implementation of this scheme will adhere to internationally recognized standards while remaining in harmony with national priorities.
By streamlining and consolidating the various science and technology initiatives under a single scheme, Vigyan Dhara represents a focused effort to enhance the country’s scientific capabilities and infrastructure, ultimately contributing to the realization of India’s long-term developmental goals.
