UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 March 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs Vigyan Dhara Scheme- Budget Allocation enhanced

Vigyan Dhara Scheme- Budget Allocation enhanced

Why in News:

The Vigyan Dhara scheme, launched in 2025, integrates research, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen India’s scientific and technological ecosystem, with a budget allocation of ₹10,579.84 crore for 2021-26.

Introduction

The Government of India has significantly increased the budget allocation for the Vigyan Dhara scheme, reaffirming its commitment to fostering scientific research, innovation, and technological advancement. The budget has risen from ₹330.75 crore in 2024-25 to ₹1425 crore in 2025-26, with a total outlay of ₹10,579.84 crore for 2021-26 under the 15th Finance Commission. This enhanced funding highlights the government’s vision of leveraging science and technology for national development.

Genesis of Vigyan Dhara

Launched on January 16, 2025, Vigyan Dhara integrates three major schemes into a unified framework to enhance efficiency in fund utilization and synchronize various programs. The scheme focuses on:

Science & Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building
- Strengthening research infrastructure in academic institutions.
- Enhancing faculty development and student research opportunities.
- Encouraging international collaborations in scientific research.
Research and Development (R&D)
- Supporting basic and applied research in sustainable energy, water resources, and advanced materials.
- Promoting translational research and access to international mega research facilities.
- Expanding India’s R&D workforce and improving Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count.
Innovation, Technology Development & Deployment
- Encouraging startups and entrepreneurship in science and technology.
- Strengthening technology transfer mechanisms and commercialization.
- Developing indigenous technologies to reduce reliance on imports.

Key Focus Areas

Capacity Building
- Establishing advanced research laboratories in academic institutions.
- Training faculty and students to improve research output.
- Enhancing scientific collaboration at national and international levels.
Research & Development
- Expanding basic and translational research in strategic areas.
- Promoting bilateral and multilateral international cooperation.
- Ensuring India’s research aligns with national priorities and global standards.
Innovation & Technology Development
- Providing financial and technical support to startups and MSMEs.
- Strengthening academia-industry-government collaboration.
- Encouraging technology commercialization and indigenous innovations.
Gender Parity in Science & Technology
- Increasing women’s participation in STEM fields.
- Implementing strategic programs to ensure gender equality in research.
International Scientific Collaboration
- Promoting joint research projects with global institutions.
- Facilitating exchange programs for Indian researchers.
- Enhancing India’s role in global scientific leadership.

Impact of Vigyan Dhara

Strengthened Academia-Industry-Government Collaboration: Enhancing partnerships for scientific research and industrial applications.
Increased Women’s Participation: Encouraging women scientists and researchers in STEM fields.
Boosted R&D Capabilities: Improving India’s position in global research rankings.

Aligned with the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) five-year goals, Vigyan Dhara contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and complements the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), ensuring that India’s research ecosystem aligns with international standards.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

As of March 2025, 57,869 beneficiaries have availed of the scheme, including students under INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge), which promotes a scientific mindset.

In Telangana, 4,002 beneficiaries have benefited, with ₹3.3 crore utilized as of March 10, 2025. The increased budget will further strengthen state-level initiatives, expanding the reach of scientific programs.

Nationwide Implementation & Awareness

Being a central sector scheme, Vigyan Dhara operates nationwide. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has undertaken extensive awareness programs, including:

Media Outreach: Coverage through print, digital, and social media.
Dedicated Web Portal: Providing comprehensive details about the scheme.
Stakeholder Engagement: Active collaboration with research institutions and universities.

Rising Scientific Publications & Research Initiatives

India has shown consistent growth in scientific publications, as highlighted by the Science & Engineering Indicators report of the National Science Foundation (USA).

Government Initiatives to Strengthen Research

Increased R&D Budget Allocation.
Establishment of ANRF under the ANRF Act, 2023.
Creation of Centres of Excellence in critical areas.
Expansion of fellowship programs for researchers.
Encouraging private sector and industry participation in research.

Research funding focuses on clean energy, water management, quantum technology, biotech, cybersecurity, and advanced materials, leading to patents, technology transfers, and industrial innovations.