Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the continuation of three umbrella schemes merged into a unified central sector scheme called “Vigyan Dhara” under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

About Vigyan Dhara Scheme

• It is a new central sector scheme unifying three umbrella schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

• Nodal Ministry – Union Ministry of Science and Technology.

• Objective: 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.

• 3-broad components:

1. Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building;

2. Research and Development; and

3. Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment.

• This initiative, managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is designed to enhance India's S&T capabilities through a streamlined approach. 

• Outlay: Rs 10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Components:

• The scheme endeavours to promote research in areas such as basic research with access to the international mega facilities, translational research in sustainable energy, water, etc. and collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

• It will also contribute to building a critical human resource pool to strengthen the science and technology landscape and expand the R&D base of the country towards improving the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count.

• Focused interventions will be taken up to enhance the participation of women in the field of S&T with the ultimate goal of bringing gender parity in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). 

• 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. 

• Research and development component of the scheme will be aligned with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

• ANRF has been established under ANRF Act, 2023 to seed, grow and promote R&D and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.

Significance

• Merger of schemes would enhance efficiency in fund utilization and establish synchronization among the sub-schemes/ programs.

• Contribute to building critical human resource pool to strengthen the science and technology landscape and expand R&D base of the country towards improving the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count.