Approval of Vigyan Dhara Scheme | 27 Aug 2024

Source: PIB

The Union Cabinet approved the continuation and merger of various schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) into three major components under a unified central sector scheme named 'Vigyan Dhara' .

Components: It has three broad components.
- Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building
- Research and Development
- Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment.
Existing schemes like the INSPIRE programme would fall under one of these three components.
Duration: The scheme has been proposed for the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Primary Objective: To promote S&T capacity building, research, innovation, and technology development, thereby strengthening the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem in India.
Gender Parity: The scheme includes focused interventions to increase women's participation in Science and Technology (S&T), with the ultimate goal of achieving gender parity in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
Viksit Bharat 2047: All programs under 'Vigyan Dhara' will be aligned with DST's 5-year goals toward realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Research and Development: The R&D component of the scheme will align with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), adhering to global standards while addressing national priorities.