Vigyan Dhara

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Context:

• The Union Cabinet on August 24 approved the continuation of three umbrella schemes under a new unified central sector scheme named 'Vigyan Dhara' within the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• The merger of the schemes into a single scheme would enhance efficiency in fund utilization and establish synchronization among the sub-schemes/programs.

Budget and Duration:

• The proposed outlay for the implementation of the unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is Rs.10,579.84 crore during the 15^thfinance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• This significant investment showcases the government's dedication to fostering scientific research and innovation.

Background:

• Department of Science & Technology (DST) acts as the nodal department for organising, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country.

The scheme has three broad components:

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

These three schemes have been merged into the unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’.

Objective of the scheme:

• The primary objective of the 'Vigyan Dhara' scheme is to promote S&T 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 S&T infrastructure of the country by fostering well-equipped R&D labs in the Academic Institutions.

Five pillars of Vigyan Dhara scheme:

Support for Education:

• Training: These programs target students in Class 11 and 12, meant to ignite a pre-mature passion towards the subject of scientific research.
• Fellowships: These are geared toward undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral level scholars in their educational careers as resources to provide funds for advanced study or research.

Global Cooperation:

• This international program motivates and stimulates research participation across the globe.
• Indian scientists will get a chance to address major global concerns, and enhance their research capabilities by partnering with the leading international centers of cutting-edge technology.

Cutting-Age Studies:

• The idea being to make India the first nation of choice for innovations and solutions in high-impact research areas.

Infrastructure Development:

• Investment in state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories is crucial. This pillar ensures that Indian researchers have access to world-class infrastructure to facilitate their work.

Public Outreach and Engagement:

• Promoting scientific temper among the general public and increasing awareness about scientific advancements through various outreach programs.

Significance:

• All the programs proposed under the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme would be aligned with the 5-year goals of DST towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
• The research and development component of the scheme will be aligned in line with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
• Implementation of the scheme would follow the globally prevailing yardsticks while in alignment with the national priorities.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2048572

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following statements about Vigyan Dhara’ is/are correct? It is an annual science outreach program aimed at promoting scientific temper among students and the general public. It is organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with various scientific institutions across India. Select the correct answer using the codes below: A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: C