The proposed expenditure for the implementation of the integrated scheme science stream is Rs. 10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period.

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, August 24 approved the continuation of three umbrella schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to merge into an integrated central sector scheme called “Vigyan Dhara”.

The Cabinet also approved internships for science and technology students of class 11 and 12 under Vigyan Dhara scheme of Department of Science and Technology.

Vigyan Dhara Yojana has three major components:

Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and human capacity building, research and development and innovation, technology development and deployment.

The proposed expenditure for the implementation of the integrated scheme science stream is Rs. 10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Merging of schemes into a single scheme will increase efficiency in utilization of funds and establish coordination among sub-schemes/programmes.

The primary objective of Vigyan Dhara Yojana is to promote S&T capacity building as well as research, innovation and technology development to strengthen the science, technology and innovation ecosystem in the country. The implementation of this scheme will strengthen the country's S&T infrastructure by increasing well-equipped R&D laboratories in educational institutions.

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

It will also contribute to building a significant human resource pool to strengthen the science and technology landscape and expand the country's R&D base to improve full-time equivalent (FTE) researcher numbers.

Focused interventions will be undertaken to increase women's participation in the Science and Technology (S&T) sector with the ultimate goal of bringing gender equality in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). The scheme will strengthen the government's efforts to boost innovation at all levels, from school level to higher education and through targeted interventions for industries and startups.

Significant support will be provided to enhance collaboration between academia, government and industry.

All the programs proposed under the 'Vigyan Dhara' scheme will be aligned with the 5-year objectives of DST to realize the vision of Developed India 2047. The research and development component of the scheme will be aligned with the National Research Foundation's research. (ANRF). Implementation of the scheme will follow globally prevailing parameters while being consistent with national priorities.