Vigyan Dhara Scheme: For India’s Science & Technology Future!

Recently, the merger of three science, technology, and innovation (STI) focused schemes, run under the Department of Science and Technology, got approved by the union cabinet. The scheme titled “Vigyan Dhara Scheme”, will now be the umbrella scheme looking over the different aspects of strengthening the country’s science and technology infrastructure, both on the national and global level. 

About Vigyan Dhara Scheme

The Vigyan Dhara scheme is launched to elevate the country's science and technology prowess while creating ample opportunities for research and development in the field. The step is taken after a long consideration of the gaps in technological advancements between India and the developed countries.

The scheme aims to cater to individuals across various research and academic institutions in the country, individual researchers, and multi-organisational projects across key areas of science and technology research and innovation such as emerging technologies, climate change, healthcare, and sustainable development. The scheme offers financial aid, mentorship, and access to advanced technology to the scientific community and researchers, PAN India. 

The central government has allocated a sum of INR.10, 579.84 Cr. to be utilised in meeting the scheme goals towards science and technology, during the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26. The government, along with the Department of Science and Technology, have made it a target to ensure all programs under the Vigyan Dhara Scheme align with the country's 5-year goals in the science and technology sector. 

The Vigyan Dhara Scheme covers these three schemes under it:

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

2. Research and Development.

3. Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment. 

Objectives

The primary objectives of the scheme are as below:

1. This step will not only increase the country's research potential across the existing fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering and Biotechnology but will also open doors for newer segments to be explored, giving a push to the nation’s research and development (R&D) in science and technology.  

2. With all three schemes being administered under one umbrella scheme, i.e., the Vigyan Dhara Scheme, it will create opportunities for cross-sectional research, generating positive results as a whole, and ultimately, promoting the zeal for innovation. 

3. From multiple workshops and training sessions to collaboration opportunities, the government through this scheme is aiming to upskill scientists and researchers at every level, across fields. Thus, bolstering research infrastructure and capacity building.

4. On the global level, India’s scientific achievements are still trailing. To change that, this scheme shall promote collaboration and networking between scientists and researchers from various academic institutions, research organisations, and industries across the globe. This will not just help boost India’s presence on the global stage but also integrate solutions to real-world problems with an innovative approach. 

The possible positive outcomes:

1. Financial Support, Fulfilling Aspirations - With a significant amount of budget allocated towards the scheme, it will surely boost the morale of scientific researchers and academic institutions to work on newer ideas and undertake diverse approaches towards science and technology. 

2. Access to Cutting-edge Technology - With a clear objective of promoting science and technology infrastructure and capacity building, the scheme will boost the country’s science, technology and innovation readiness, placing it at par with the developed nations. 

3. Mentorship and Collaboration - The scheme also covers guidance and mentorship from the leading scientists and experts in the respective fields. This not only ensures confidence building among freshers in the sector but also ensures the entire science and technology progress of the country stays on a common pace, leading to collective growth with zero gaps. 

4. Skill Development - The several training programmes and workshops within the scheme will ensure a continuous upskilling of all stakeholders, thereby fulfilling the scheme's goals. 

Lastly, this merger will open new avenues for the country’s science and technology future with more aspirational scientists and researchers entering the field without the obstacles of lack of mentorship or financial support. The Vigyan Dhara Scheme, being an umbrella approach, is a positive step towards streamlining and ultimately strengthening the efforts made towards the field.