Human Capacity Building Programmes

INSPIRE Scheme-(Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)-"Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired
Research (INSPIRE)" is an innovative programme sponsored and managed by the Department of Science & Technology for
attraction of talent to Science. Vision -Build the critical human resource pool to strengthen the science and technology
system and expand R&D base of the country. Goal- Attract Young Talent to opt research as a career. A striking feature of
INSPIRE Scheme is that it does not conduct any competitive exam(s) for identification of talent at any level. It relies on the
efficacy of the existing educational structure for identification of talent. Scope- Covers the entire meritorious youth who is
interested to study science right from school to college and university level and choose scientific research as a career. It
carries out enabling activities of human capacity building including scholarships and fellowships, research exposure training
of human resources. Objectives- The basic objective of the ‘Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)’
scheme is to communicate to the youth the excitement of pursuing science. INSPIRE attracts and nurtures young bright
students to study basic and natural sciences at the college and university level and to pursue research careers in both basic
and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences. The same is done through the
following components:

INSPIRE INTERNSHIP- aims to provide exposure to the top 1% students at Class X Board level by organizing Science
Camps either during summer or winter which provides opportunity to them to interact with Science icons from India and
abroad, including Nobel Laureates, to experience the joys of scientific pursuit. These science camps nourish the curiosity of
students in science, help them to think out-of-the box and attract students at an early age of 16-17 years to choose science
subjects for further studies.

SCHOLARSHIP for HIGHER EDUCATION (SHE)- component of the INSPIRE aims to encourage meritorious students
to study basic and natural sciences at undergraduate level through attractive scholarship and mentorship opportunities. SHE
offers 12,000 scholarships every year to meritorious students in the age group 17-22 years.

INSPIRE FELLOWSHIP- component offers 1000 Fellowships every year to bright students in the age group of 22-27
years to pursue Ph.D. in basic and applied sciences including engineering, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences.

INSPIRE FACULTY FELLOWSHIP- component provides opportunities to 100 persons every year with Ph.D.
qualification in the age group of 27-32 years for 5 years to carry out research in both basic and applied science areas
including engineering, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences for establishing themselves as independent researchers.
It grants an attractive fellowship for a duration of 5 years.

Scheme Component-Target Group-Target Age Group-Target Number-Aim

INSPIRE Internship-Top 1% students in Class X Boards-16-17 years-50,000-To expose students to joys of creative science
during 5-day camps through lectures by experts, innovative experiments etc.

Scholarship For Higher Education (SHE)-Top 1% students in Class XII Boards + top 10000 performers in IIT-JEE + other
national exams-17-22 years-12,000-To encourage meritorious students to study B.Sc. & M.Sc. (basic and natural sciences)
by providing scholarship (Rs. 60,000/- p.a.) and mentorship grant (Rs. 20,000/- p.a.)

INSPIRE Fellowship-INSPIRE-SHE Scholars with 70% marks in M.Sc. + M.Sc. Toppers with min 70% marks-22-27
years-1000-To encourage students to pursue Ph.D. in areas of S&T, Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy and Veterinary
Sciences

INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship-Ph.D.-27-32 years-100-To encourage young researchers to continue research in areas of
S&T, Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy and Veterinary Sciences.

INSPIRE Scheme Implementation: Implementation of INSPIRE Scheme is a fully automated process through INSPIRE
Web-portal.

Research Exposure Training Programme for Students of NE and J&K and Ladakh: To promote research culture
among students pursuing post-graduation courses in various science and technology streams in North-Eastern States and UTs
of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, a special Initiative under the “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research
(INSPIRE)” scheme of Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been taken. It is the need of hour to interact with
these young minds at Masters’ level and imbibe culture of research in them to pursue career in scientific research and
development. The initiative was launched in the year 2022 as pilot phase which is nearing completion. “Research Exposure
cum Training Programme for Students from North- Eastern States and UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh” focuses on
providing training to the talented youth from the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland,
Sikkim, Tripura (North-Eastern States), UT’s of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for pursuing research career in frontier
areas of Science Technology and Innovation. This being a new and special initiative, it is being implemented on pilot scale in
first phase
INSPIRE-MANAK-Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing INSPIRE MANAK (Million Minds
Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Scheme under its flagship programme Innovation in Science Pursuit for
Inspired Research (INSPIRE). MANAK is a unique initiative to attract talented school students at an early age to study
science and pursue research career apart from fostering a culture of innovation among them. Scheme caters to school
children in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in Class 6-10. INSPIRE-MANAK scheme targets ten (10.0) lakh ideas
from more than five (05) lakh middle and high schools across the country every year. Out of these, one lakh ideas are eligible
for INSPIRE Award of Rs. 10,000/-each. Under this scheme, all the middle and high schools across the country are eligible
to participate and can provide nominations of 5 students through online mode, every financial year. During submission of
nominations schools are requested to provide all the relevant details including a brief idea of the project students intend to
make. Received online nominations are scrutinized on the basis of the ideas provided by the students and selected students
participate in District, State and National Level Exhibitions and Competitions. The participants of National Level Exhibition
& Competition (NLEPC) are provided mentorship at premier educational and technical institutions of the country. Top sixty
projects are rewarded as national winners every. National Innovation Foundation, an autonomous institution of DST is the
resource partner under this scheme.

Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)-The need for women's empowerment and the promotion of
gender equality is particularly crucial in the fields of Science, technology, and engineering. Historically, women have been
significantly underrepresented in these fields due to various factors, including societal stereotypes and bias. Encouraging and
supporting women's participation in these fields is essential for scientific advancement and innovation. By empowering
women and promoting gender equality, a more inclusive, diverse and strengthen scientific ecosystem can be developed. The
Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing a dedicated scheme 'Women in Science and Engineering-
KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)'to cater women of all walks of life in order to enhance their participation in the field of Science and
Technology (S&T)with ultimate goal to bring gender parity. The WISE-KIRAN Scheme is a holistic approach to address
various challenges faced by women in their scientific journey through different kinds of programmes. The WISE-KIRAN
Division runs the following programs for empowering women of varied age groups and in different domains of Science and
Technology-

I. Fellowship for Ph.D.: WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD): WISE-PhD Programme aims to provide support to
women who want to pursue a Ph.D. in 5 subject areas of basic and applied sciences. Women of the age group between 27-45
years are eligible to apply. However, there is 3 years relaxation in upper age for women belonging to SC/ST/PH category.
The support is available for a maximum of 5 years duration.

II. Opportunity for Post-Doctoral Research:

1.WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF) – WISE-PDF Programme aims to provide opportunity to women to
continue research after Ph.D. in Basic and Applied Sciences through independent project grant. Women in age group of 27-
60 years having PhD or equivalent degree in Science & Engineering can submit proposal under WISE-PDF.

2.Women's Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations (WIDUSHI): WIDUSHI
Programme aims to encourage and support senior women scientists to conduct research in interdisciplinary areas of Science
& Technology. WIDUSHI programme provides support to women scientists who are at the verge of retirement or retired
from Government service and also to the women scientists who are not at permanent position but are active researchers and
continuously excelling in research field. The maximum age to apply under WIDUSHI programme is 62 years.

3. WISE-SCOPE: WISE-SCOPE Programme encourages women scientists and technologists to address societal challenges
through S&T interventions. The women scientists in age group of 27-60 years who have completed Ph.D. or equivalent
degree and wants to work at grassroots level are eligible for WISE-SCOPE programme. The support is available in 5
thematic areas namely, Agriculture and Allied Sciences (AAS), Health, Food and Nutrition (HFN), Energy, Water and Waste
Management (EWWM), Engineering and Technology Development(ETD) and Environment, Climate and Sustainable
Development (ECSD).

III. Internship for alternative career path in STEM: WISE Internship in Intellectual Property Rights (WISE-IPR) –
WISE-IPR programme provides one-year training to women in the area of Intellectual Property Rights in order to develop a
core professional skill in this domain. Women of age group between 25-45 years and having Post-Graduation/Ph.D. or
equivalent degree in Basic and Applied Sciences are eligible for this programme.

IV. Overseas Opportunities: Women International Grant Support (WINGS): WINGS Programme provides opportunities to
Indian Women scientists to undertake research in the International research labs and academic institutions. There are 3
Modules in WINGS Programme: Module I: WINGS Internship, Module II: WINGS Fellowship,Module III: WINGS for
Scientific Visit

Infrastructure Development Support in Women Institutions-Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and
Excellence (CURIE):CURIE Programme provides support to women institutions for establishing State-of-the art research
infrastructure to enhance research facilities and improving R&D activities in order to create excellence in Science &
Technology (S&T) domain. The main objective of CURIE is to focus on strengthening research infrastructure, building
research capacity and fostering a conducive environment in women institutions in the country. The programme has 2 major
components:CURIE Support to Women Universities: To develop research infrastructure in basic and applied sciences and
establish state-of-the art research facilities in women universities. Establishment of special facilities in Artificial Intelligence
(AI) in women universities to foster AI innovations and development of human resource for AI-based jobs is another major
step under CURIE.CURIE Support to Women PG Colleges: to support Women PG Colleges of the country for developing
research facilities in basic and applied sciences.

Opportunity for Young Girls-Vigyan Jyoti: Vigyan Jyoti programme aims to encourage girls to pursue higher education
and career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) especially in the areas where women participation
is low in order to balance gender ratio across the streams. Vigyan Jyoti (School Component) is in implementation in 250
districts of 34 States/UTs of the country. Around 25000 meritorious girls of Class IX-XII are enrolled under Vigyan Jyoti
programme during 2023-24 and getting benefits through various S&T interventions. Under this programme, various
activities viz. student-parent counselling, career counselling, role model interaction, additional academic support classes,
tinkering activities, special lectures, visit to scientific institutions/Labs/industries, science camps, workshops, etc. are being
organized to improve participation of girls in underrepresented areas of STEM.

Policy Intervention for Gender Equality-Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI):GATI aims to
develop an indigenous Charter for Gender Equity in STEMM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics & Medicine),
with a focus on bringing about transformational changes at Institutional level. The ultimate goal is to create a new ecosystem
based on building competencies of institutions and provide them with ongoing mentoring support to achieve transformation.
This will entail examining the full life cycle in the profession of women in STEMM at various levels in the institution. 30
Indian Institutions have participated in GATI pilot.

Institutional Capacity Building Programmes-

R&D Infrastructure Division-The R&D Infrastructure Division of the Department aims to strengthen the S&T
infrastructure of the country by fostering well-equipped R&D labs in the academic/ research institutes/ universities as well as
a strong culture of research collaboration between institutions and across disciplines. It has six schemes the objectives of
which, at large, are establishment of R&D labs, Training, upgradation of research facilities orienting towards creating a self-
reliant India.

FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure in Universities and Higher Educational Institutions): This
scheme is operated in competitive mode of support at four levels. The financial support circumscribes six basic purposes i.e.
Equipment, Infrastructural Facilities, Networking & Computational Facilities, Industrial R&D Support, SSR Activities and
Maintenance. Depending on the level, the total financial support is limited to Rs. 1.50 Crore (Level A), Rs. 3.0 Crore (Level
B), Rs.5.0 Crore (Level C) and Rs.10.0 Crore (Level D). The program prefers to focus towards supporting interdisciplinary
problems, solution-centric and translational research, and increasing the scope for participation of industries and start-ups
and new ideas, aiming towards Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’

PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence): The main objective of the scheme is to strengthen
the research capacity of performing Indian Universities and provide support for nurturing the research ecosystem and
strengthening the R&D base of the Universities in the country. Department of Science & Technology has restructured and re-
oriented PURSE in the year 2020. A combination of i10-index of faculty members in the University, H-index of the
University along with NIRF Ranking is used to formulate the new criteria for selection of Universities under PURSE.

SAIF (Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities) The SAIF scheme is being implemented regionally with the
objective to provide facilities of sophisticated analytical instruments to the research workers in general and especially from
the institutions which do not have such instruments to enable them to pursue R&D activities. This enables the institutions
acquiring such facilities to keep pace with development taking place globally.

SATHI (Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes): This scheme initiates the setting up of shared,
professionally managed Science &Technology Infrastructure facility readily accessible to academia, start-ups, manufacturing
units, industries and R&D Labs. SATHI Centres will be equipped with major analytical instrument and advanced
manufacturing facility, which is usually not available at Institutes/ Organisations. The aim is to provide professionally
managed services with efficiency, accessibility and transparency of highest order under one roof to service the demands of
industry, start-ups and academia.

STUTI (Synergistic Training program Utilizing the Scientific and Technological Infrastructure): The program has been
designed to cater to human resource and its capacity building through open access to S&T Infrastructure across the country
by organizing short term courses/ workshops on the awareness, use and application of various instruments and analytical
techniques.

(SUPREME) Support for Up-gradation Preventive Repair & Maintenance of Equipment-Department of Science &
Technology launched the new Program in the year 2023 called “SUPREME” to provide financial support for repair/
upgradation/ maintenance/ retrofitting or acquiring additional attachment to increase functional capabilities of existing
analytical instrumentation facilities (AIFs) supported by DST in various Institutions/laboratories/academic institutions.

Research & Development Programmes

National Programme on Nano Science and Technology (Earlier Nano Mission)-Building upon the promotional activities
carried out as part of the Nano Science and Technology in the highly promising and competitive area of Nano Science and
Technology, the Government of India launched a Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) in May 2007.
Recognizing the success of Nano Mission, the Union Cabinet accorded approval for continuation of the Nano Mission in its
Phase-II during the 12th Plan period till 2017. The National Mission on Nano Science and Technology stands completed as
on 31st March 2017. The above Mission has been converted to a National Programme on Nano Science and Technology. No
new Projects are being supported under the Nano Mission. However, we are monitoring the existing projects supported under
the Mission.

National Geospatial Programme (erstwhile NRDMS)-Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) which was
initiated in 1982, an interdisciplinary research programme has promoted R&D in emerging areas of Geospatial Science,
Technology and providing geospatial solutions to area specific problems. Over the years, NRDMS has successfully
demonstrated utilities of Geospatial Technologies in decision making and developed capacity for geospatial data and
information management at State, District and local levels at pilot scale. Considering the changing requirements of
Geospatial Science & Technology in the country, the NRDMS Division has now evolved into National Geospatial
Programme (NGP) to catalyse the National Geospatial Ecosystem with the mandate of promoting Geospatial Science and
Technology, policy, solution, capacity building, entrepreneurship and international cooperation for sustainable socio-
economic development at all levels of governance. Vision: Catalysing the National Geospatial Ecosystem. Mission:
Promoting Geospatial Science and Technology, Policy, Solution, capacity building, entrepreneurship and International
cooperation for sustainable socio-economic development at all levels of Governance. Objectives: Promotion of R&D in
emerging areas of Geospatial science and technology. Development of geo-spatial solutions for sustainable socio-economic
growth in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and National Developmental Priorities up to panchayat
and ward levels. Build knowledge and adaptation capacity of geospatial technologies at various levels of governance in
collaboration with academia and user agencies. Stimulate the growth of Geospatial technology innovation. Develop the
national capacity for Geospatial science and technology development, acquisition and transfer through International
cooperation. The following programmes and sub-programmes are being supported under the division–

1. Geospatial Science Programme:The main aim of the programme is to develop the fundamental and applied scientific
knowledge underpinning the geospatial sciences to strengthen geospatial science research and education in line with
international standards. The details of various sub-programmes are as follows: 1.National Programme on Geodesy
Geospatial Intelligence and Geospatial Analytics. 2.National Programme on Assessment of Regional Hydrological Systems
using Space Borne Gravity Observations

2. Geospatial Technology Programme: The programme aims at catalysing the development of indigenous
geospatial/location specific technologies in the country. The main objectives of this programme are as follows: To improve
the economic value of the existing Geospatial Technologies in practice To promote demand based futuristic Geospatial
Technology development. The above programme further divided into following sub-programmes where R&D project
proposals in specific areas are being invited/ supported from time to time:

I. Geospatial Data Capture and Gathering Technologies

II. Geospatial Data Management Technologies
III. Geospatial Data Processing Technologies
IV. Development and operationalization of National Data Registry (NDR)
V. Up-gradation of the existing proof-of-concept (POC) cloud-based Geo-platform
VI. Development of Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Tools

3. Geospatial Solutions Addressing National Priorities and Sustainable Development Goals: R&D projects and
operational scale initiatives for providing Geospatial solutions to the stakeholders addressing the National Developmental
Priorities and Sustainable Development Goals viz. Spatial Disaster Risk Reduction (SDRR), Rural Development, Urban
Governance; Operationalization and sustenance of NSDI/ State SDI Data Nodes by coverage of all States and UTs and
Provision of geospatial data/ products/ services and solutions to potential stakeholders/ beneficiaries of the Ecosystem up to
the level of panchayats and wards etc.

a. National Programme on Spatial Disaster Risk Reduction (SDRR): Division has taken the initiative for developing an
integrated National Programme on Spatial Disaster Risk Reduction (SDRR) with reference to National Disaster Management
Plan (NDMP). In this direction the division has already initiated the following sub-programmes viz. Landslide hazard
mitigation and Coastal hazard risk assessment & reduction. Landslide Hazard Mitigation (LHM): As part of the integrated
landslide programme, efforts were made to develop forewarning system to monitor the critical landslides in different geo-
environmental areas. A set of 07 R&D projects has been supported for the development of an early warning system covering
areas (States) like Sikkim, Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Manikaran, Kotropi, Mandiand Darmashala (Himachal Pradesh), and
Uttarakhand. Coastal Hazard, Risk Assessment and Reduction (CHRAR): CHRAR has been initiated to cover the coastal
areas of the country with the aim to develop S&T enabled geospatial techniques for coastal disaster studies encompassing
disaster genetics, propagation, disaster vulnerability mapping, detection of causative factors, mitigation measures etc. and
come out with quantifiable/actionable outputs so that the state governments and the stake holders can readily use them
during the disasters for relief, restoration and rehabilitation. R&D project sare being supported in the areas of land
subsidence and sea level rise, tsunamis, cyclones, floods and coastal erosion etc. since the inception of the programme. b.
Geospatial Solutions for Urban Governance: Under this sub-programme proposals are supported in the areas of city
governance applications as well as in the core R&D areas focusing on emerging technologies related to city development
using Geo-ICT. The various R&D projects are being supported focusing on Smart Parking Management System using
sensors; IoT and GIS technologies; Framework for flood mapping and or prepare an early warning system in the occurrence
of flood; City GML based 3D models for smart cities; Industrial Indoor Assets Positioning and Navigation System using
Geospatial Analysis; Geomagnetism based Indoor Navigation system etc.

4. Capacity Building Programme: This programme aims at the following-Training on Geospatial Science, Technologies
and Disaster Risk Reductions Organising Geo-Innovation Challenges for harnessing the new ideas in Geospatial Science/
Technology Strengthening Geospatial Training Institutes and development of Training modules and kits. Summer/ Winter
School & Training in Geospatial Science and Technology: The capacity building program has been evolved into a strong
program that has over the last ten years conducted more than 166 programs of three weeks duration, incorporating
classroom, lab and field sessions with a mini project conducted across the length and breadth of the country benefitting over
5000 participants from academia, Government and research institutes across India. A structured curriculum and promoting
the use of open-source software through a dedicated portal (www.dst-iget.in) as an one stop resource for teaching-learning
geospatial science besides networking educators, professionals and scientists has ensured adoption of geospatial technologies
contributing to strengthening India’s geospatial ecosystem. In the current cycle, apart from the Level 1 (basic) three week
and Level 2 (advanced) Summer/Winter Schools, a new program as Geo innovation Challenge aimed at harnessing young
minds and developing a bank of ideas that the division could use further to develop future research themes was introduced.
In the current cycle, 43 capacity building programs were supported against a total of 119 proposals received. Of this there are
25 Level 1 (basic), 10 theme specific advanced and 08 theme specific Geo innovation programs being conducted across the
country. New Initiative: From this year, all Level 2 programs have been aligned to the respective SDG goals and focus on
those national indicators where geospatial tools are used. The 2021-23 capacity building cycle was initiated with a workshop
to orient the PIs to the objectives of the program as well as implement each program as a pre-event to the United National
World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC) to held in October 2022 in Hyderabad. For the first time, few 21- days
Summer/Winter Schools on “Geospatial Science and Technology” were conducted in online/ hybrid mode including hands
on practice coordinated by various Institutions. These Summer/ winter Schools not only aimed to provide the exposure to the
number of trainees towards various tools and techniques of the geospatial Science and technology by using open source
softwares but also via hands-on sessions contribute ideas on addressing the SDGs in the Indian context with the geospatial
technologies.

5. International Collaboration:This programme aims to develop the national capacity for Geospatial technology
development, acquisition and transfer through international partnerships/collaborations namely United Nations Global
Geospatial Information Management (UNGGIM), Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), Brazil Russia India China South
Africa (BRICS), Indo-Africa collaborations etc.

6. New Initiatives and Major Achievements: National Centre for Geodesy (NCG): Geodesy is defined as the discipline
that deals with the measurement and representation of the earth, its gravity field and geodynamic phenomena in three-
dimensional time varying space. First and only National Centre for Geodesy (NCG) has been established by the division at
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in India. It is first of its kind in supporting educational and research activities in the
field of Geodesy in the country. The center has been established to rejuvenate national-level education on Geodesy and other
aligned areas with the primary aim to act as a hub of excellence. It has a vision to support various government agencies in
infrastructure development and related areas to facilitate strong industry-academic collaboration in Geodesy. The National
Centre for Geodesy has been set up in year 2019 for 05 years. Regional Centres for Geodesy: The idea of establishing
Regional Centres for Geodesy (RCG) has been planned right from the start of the NCG. Six institutions, namely, IIT
Bombay, IIST Trivandrum, IRS Anna University, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, MNNIT Allahabad and MANIT Bhopal have been
identified and set up in year 2022 with same objectives of the NCG.

National Networking Programme on Assessment of Regional Hydrological Systems using Space Borne Gravity
Observations: This National Network project was developed involving 03 ministries and many knowledge institutions. This
networking programme represents a new opportunity to explore the feasibility of monitoring total water storage variations
from space. The grace data enable the researchers to monitor the fluxes of water mass changes and exchange of water masses
between the ocean and land ice masses. As a part of this programme, a central facility including a web portal has been
established at CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad for this networking project. This Central
Facility has been established as a sort of virtual laboratory as well as a knowledge partner (Capacity building, Knowledge
Hub & Data Generation) to provide remote support to all the members of the network programme to augment data and data
products from various sources. A call for proposal (CFP)for Geospatial start-ups and knowledge Institutions of the Country
on ‘Geospatial Analytics for Revival and Restoring the Economic Growth in Post COVID-19 Scenario’ was issued. This CFP
aimed to strengthen the area specific geospatial analytics capabilities of the country as the COVID-19 outbreak will not have
only short-term impact but also many long-term socio-economic effects as well. As per one of the major outputs of the
Geospatial Chair Professor (GCP) Scheme, Geomatics Engineering – which involves the collection, measuring, monitoring,
and archiving geospatial data has been included as one of the subjects to the list in the GATE exam for the Year 2022. The
Second United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC) on the theme "Geo-Enabling the Global Village:
No one should be left behind" was held successfully in Hyderabad from 10-14 October 2022.

Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI)-Cognitive Science is the study of human mind and brain, focusing on how
mind represents and manipulates knowledge and how mental representations and processes are realized in the brain. The
field is highly transdisciplinary in nature, combining ideas, principles and methods of psychology, computer science,
linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience etc. In Indian scenario which is full of diversity, it is important to foster scientific
research in interdisciplinary field of Cognitive Science for better understanding of Indian mind sets, languages and cognitive
disorders etc. With this aim, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) had initiated a highly focused programme
"Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI)" in 2008 during 11th Five year plan. The Cognitive Science Research
Initiative facilitates a platform to scientific community to work for better solution of challenges related with cognitive
disorders and social issues through various psychological tools & batteries, early diagnosis & better therapies, intervention
technologies and rehabilitation programmes.

Post Doctoral Fellowship: Two years 'Post Doctoral Fellowship' Programme is aimed to develop human resource in
Cognitive Sciences. The Scheme provides Opportunities to Young Scientists (below 40 years) for pursuing innovative
research in frontier areas of Cognitive Science.

Innovation and Technology Development Programmes- National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship
Development Board- Introduction-The National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB),
established in 1982 by the Government of India under the aegis of Department of Science & Technology supports various
programs on Science, technology and innovation based entrepreneurship, and enables promotion of knowledge driven and
technology intensive ventures / startups. Since the thrust on startup programs through the national iniatives of Start-Up India
and Stand-Up India, a new program NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations) has been
launched in 2016 which enables innovators and startups to translate their ideas into successful startups. DST nurtures and
empowers innovators and startups since their initial phase of startup journey. Major Objectives of NSTEDB: To promote
and develop high-end entrepreneurship for S&T manpower as well as self-employment by utilizing S&T infrastructure and
by using S&T methods. To facilitate and conduct various informational services relating to promotion of entrepreneurship.
To network agencies of the support system, academic institutions and Research & Development (R&D) organizations to
foster entrepreneurship and self-employing using S&T with special focus on backward areas as well. Implementation of the
NIDHI programs To act as a policy advisory body with regard to entrepreneurship. About NIDHI-National Initiative for
Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) is an umbrella programme conceived and developed by the Innovation and
Entrepreneurship Division (NSTEDB) of DST, Government of India in 2016, for promoting S&T based entrepreneurship
and startup ecosystem across the country. The programme works in line with the national priorities and goals and its focus is
to build an innovation driven entrepreneurial ecosystem with an objective of national development through wealth and job
creation. NIDHI aims to nurture start-ups through scouting, supporting and scaling of innovations. NIDHI is developed
keeping in line the new national aspirations and on the basis of DST’s experience of three decades, in promoting innovative
start-ups. Key Components of NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations): The
components of NIDHI are designed to support ideators and innovators since their early startup journey and link them to the
entire market value chain. NIDHI-Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR): Inspiring graduating students to take
entrepreneurship by providing fellowship.NIDHI-Promotion and Acceleration of Young and Aspiring Technology
Entrepreneurs (PRAYAS): Supports innovators and startups to technically and financially from Idea to Prototype stage.
NIDHI - Inclusive-Technology Business Incubator (iTBI): Program has been rolled out to increase outreach of incubation
program in terms of geographies, gender etc. NIDHI-Technology Business Incubator (TBI): Support and nurture
knowledge driven innovative start-ups into successful enterprises. NIDHI-Seed Support Program (SSP): Provides early-
stage funding to the potential start-ups with promising ideas / innovations to help them graduate to the next level. NIDHI-
Accelerator: Fast tracking a startup through focused intervention. NIDHI-Center of Excellence (CoE): To create a world
class facility to help startups go global

1.Renewable Energy System (RES) including Solar Energy Research Initiative (SERI)-Initiated in January, 2009 the
initiative aims to develop national research competence to drive down the cost of solar energy through pre-competitive
translational research, oriented solar research & human and institutional capacity development. SERI has led to development
of critical mass of researchers both by rekindling interest of experienced researchers in related fields towards solar energy
research as well as attracting younger researchers to the area of solar energy. This has created a vibrant atmosphere for solar
energy research in the country. Programmes-1.Renewable Energy System (RES) including Solar Energy Research Initiative
(SERI)-2.Building Energy Efficiency Research Initiative (BERI)-3.Clean Coal Research Initiative (CCRI)4.Clean Energy
Material Initiative (CEMI)5.Smart Grids Research Initiative (SGRI)6.Methanol Economy Research Programme
(MERP)7.Clean Fuel Research Initiative (CFRI)8.Hydrogen Research Initiative (HRI)9.Carbon Capture, Utilisation and
Storage (CCUS)10.Cross-Cutting and Futuristic initiatives (CCFI)11.Mission Innovation on Clean Energy (MI) 12.Water
Technology Initiative (WTI)

2. Solar Energy Hubs-SERI has resulted in development of a knowledge platform networked amongst researchers as well
as with other stakeholders in the area of Solar Energy. The reach of the programme has been expanded to development of
Solar Hubs to enrol and support relevant stakeholders. 2.1 Indo -US Joint Virtual Centre on Solar Energy Research
Institute for India and United States (SERIIUS). India (through DST) - United States (through US DoE) have worked to
establish Roll-to-Roll (R2R) process of large flexible solar cells. This collaboration has resulted in first super-critical carbon
dioxide laboratory scale test loop for concentrated solar power at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore besides
several other accomplishments. 2.2 DST- Indian Institute of Technology- Madras (IITM) Solar Energy Harnessing Centre
has undertaken research and technology development in inter-disciplinary domains namely, photovoltaics, energy storage,
solar thermal and solar fuels. 2.3 DST-Indian Institute of Engineering Science & Technology (DST-IIEST) Solar PV hub
has state of art pre-commercial baseline facilities for fabrication and characterization of large area silicon based solar cell
and Photovoltaic technologies.

3. Collaborations- 3.1 Off Grid Access to Electricity-Access to affordable fossil-free electricity for rural and urban
households is a major challenge at the global level and is identified as one of the UN sustainable development goals. For
isolated household or communities, R&D is needed to bring down the cost of reliable low carbon off-grid solutions, either to
equip people with no access or to modernize existing systems by switching to renewable energy. Off Grid Access to
Electricity has the objective to support significant reduction in price and increase performance of renewable power systems
for individual homes in for remote communities at a significant lower cost than present cost. 9 collaborative projects are
under implementation with 9 countries.

4. Bhaskara Advanced Solar Energy (BASE) Programme-BASE Fellowship Program is a dynamic and transformative
program of the Department, implemented through Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), for building
capacity in the area of Solar Energy and to developed and nurture students and scientists from India and the United States.
The fellowship/ internship include air fare, monthly stipend and contingency allowance. Building Energy Efficiency
Research Initiative (BERI)-The focus of the Initiative is to promote R&D activities to improve energy performance of
buildings and cities. The programme also supports enhancement of knowledge and practice to save energy indesign,
construction and operation of human habitats. It undertakes research on demand reduction through improved building
envelops, low energy cooling & heating, social practices of adaptive thermal comfort and post-occupancy evaluation. Special
emphasis is on cooling technology that requires radically less energy to operate, utilizes refrigerants with no ozone depletion
potential and with low global warming potential, and has the potential to be cost effective at scale.

National Initiative to Promote Habitat Energy Efficiency (I-PHEE)-India has declared a voluntary goal of reducing the
emissions intensity of its GDP by 33–35 per cent by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. This can be achieved through promoting
energy efficiency. Currently, the building sector accounts for about 35% of the country’s energy consumption, and therefore
the role of the building sector towards energy efficiency and energy conservation are imperative. This initiative was launched
in July, 2016 to support research and development to improve energy performance of buildings and cities in India. The
initiative envisages support to India specific outcome based research in the areas of energy efficient building envelop
technologies, low energy cooling systems, daylighting and electric lighting, building automation and controls for energy
savings and research which can provide scientific inputs to policy formulation and help devise procedures, codes and
standards.

India-UK Programme on Energy Demand Reduction in the Built Environment- DST and Research Councils United
Kingdom (RCUK) Energy Programme, jointly developed a programme for collaborative research projects focussing on
reducing energy demand in the built environment. Energy demand reduction and energy efficiency are recognised as the
most effective interventions to meet the 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target in order to mitigate climate change. Reducing
energy demand also makes access to clean energy more affordable and improves energy security, thereby addressing all three
aspects of the energy trilemma in a cost-effective way. Both DST and RCUK have committed to a £3.8M to support R&D
projects in the area of Energy demand reduction in the built environment. 4 proposals have been supported for funding.

Affordable Heating and Cooling of Building-Affordable Heating and Cooling of Building aims to make low carbon
heating and cooling affordable for everyone. The ultimate goal of the programme is to develop core building cooling systems
and measures to improve building envelopes without the carbon emissions. DST and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has
announced Global Cooling Prize (GCP), a first of its kind global competition that aims to identify a low energy cooling
technology for Indian climatic conditions and also intends to prevent up to 100 gigatons of CO2 equivalent emissions by
2050, and put the world on a pathway to mitigate up to 0.5˚C of global warming by 2100.

Building Energy Efficiency Higher & Advanced Network (BHAVAN) Programme-In order to address the need for
human resource development and capacity building in the areas energy efficiency in buildings, Department of Science and
Technology (DST) and the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) have partnered to launch the BHAVAN
Fellowship/ internship programme with an aim to create a sustainable and vibrant linkage between students and scientists in
the domain from India and the US.

Clean Coal Research Initiative (CCRI)-The main focus of the Clean Coal Research Initiative is to utilise indigenous fuel
in clean and efficient way for reducing the carbon footprint. The areas included are coal excavation, washing & purification
and transportation, conversion of coal to power and chemicals through combustion, Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC)
technology and controlling other emission including handling of waste water generated during the entire operation chain, as
well as developing enabling technologies namely coating, welding, machining and new materials for High Performance
Power Generating Systems (HPPGS). 1. Clean Coal Research and Development (CCORD)- Clean coal R&D covers a
spectrum of multidisciplinary science and technology programmes to achieve high efficiencies and lesser impact on local
and global environment. CCORD was launched in February, 2016. The objective of the initiative is to go into a regime of
deep cuts in emissions of conventional pollutant and to develop technologies using which indigenous coal can be exploited.

2. National Centres for Clean Coal Research & Development -DST has set up a National Centre for Clean Coal Research
and Development (NCCCR&D) as a national level consortium on clean coal R&D, led by the Indian Institute of Science
(IISc)-Bengaluru. The Centre is pursuing research in clean coal domain, which could potentially be game changer for
meeting the energy needs of the country in terms of higher efficiency and capacity at lower operating costs and size and
would result in research, development and demonstration of state-of-art tools, products and processes which are of critical
importance for our energy security. DST setup another National Centre for Development of Advanced Materials and
Manufacturing Processes for Clean Coal Technologies for Power Applications at International Advanced Research Centre for
Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad. The centre researches on the development of enabling processing
and fabrication technologies namely, coating, welding, machining and new materials for the High Performance Power
Generating Systems (HPPGS) in coal based power Plants.

3. Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) Programme-DST’s programme on Advanced Ultra Super Critical Mission aims
at improving the efficiency of existing thermal plants significantly. The material developed indigenously is proposed to be
tried out in existing thermal power plants at pressures and temperature nearing supercritical conditions. Besides AUSC
Mission, DST has also supported several projects on utilization of Indian coal in environment friendly efficient manner.

Clean Energy Material Initiative (CEMI)-Clean Energy Materials Initiative (CEMI) supports material research and
development for a wide range of energy sectors and applications. Specific application areas for new materials include
advanced batteries and solar cells, low energy semiconductors, thermal storage, coatings for various applications, structural
materials, catalysts for the conversion and capture of CO2 etc. The initiative aims to accelerate the innovation process for
high-performance, low-cost clean energy materials and automate the processes needed to integrate these materials into new
technologies.

1. Materials for Energy Storage (MES)-This programme was launched in May, 2016 to support research and development
for entire spectrum of energy storage technologies. The initiative intends to bring together scientists and other stakeholders
including industry representatives and entrepreneurs, national development policy makers and practitioners. The Initiative
offers opportunity to investigate and develop new insights and research in energy storage. It also promotes collaborations for
research on energy storage.

2. Materials for Energy Conservation and Storage Platform (MECSP)-This initiative supports research and development
of energy conservation and storage technologies from early stage research to technology breakthroughs in materials, systems
and scalable technologies to maximize resource use efficiency. The MECSP will support research and development for entire
spectrum of energy conservation and storage technologies from early stage research to technology breakthroughs in
materials, systems and scalable technologies. Four centres have been developed under this initiative on super capacitors,
batteries and hydrogen. These centres constitute knowledge networks of more than 20 elite institutions and 80 research
personnel are working on materials and next generation devices in batteries, super capacitors, solid state hydrogen storage
and fuel cells.

2.1 DST- IIT Delhi Energy Storage Platform on Batteries-DST–Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Delhi) Centre on
Batteries aims to carry out research and development to develop three different types of novel materials and their application
in electrochemical storage devices. The network of researchers engaged in the centre comprise of scientists from Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi), Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Central Glass and Ceramic Research
Institute, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, ARCI - Centre for Fuel
Cell Technology (CFCT).

2.2 DST- IIT Bombay Energy Storage Platform on Hydrogen-DST has been established the centre with an aim to carry
out materials and systems research, prototype demonstration, technology development, incubation of innovative ideas,
industrial interactions, collaborations, manpower development and information dissemination in the field of hydrogen. The
lead organisation is Indian Institute of Technology IIT Bombay and has four partnering institutions IIT Guwahati, IIT
Kanpur, IIT Tirupati, NIT Rourkela.
2.3 DST- IISc Energy Storage Platform on Supercapacitors-The overarching objective of the DST-IISc Energy Storage
Platform on Supercapacitors is to develop techno-economically viable electrical energy storage solutions that have the
potential to catapult India to a leadership role in energy storage and clean energy technologies through active collaboration
and accelerated technology development. IISc Bangalore, being the nodal centre has four partnering institutes, IIT
Hyderabad, IIT Madras, Central Electro-Chemical Research Institute Karaikudi, Pondicherry University.

2.4 DST- NFTDC Energy Storage Platform on Hydrogen-The centre has been established at Nonferrous Materials
Technology Development Centre, Hyderabad with a core theme of Hydrogen based materials to Energy Devices. The focus
of this centre will be specific Hydrogen related systems. The network of researchers engaged in centre comprise of scientists
from IISc Bangalore, IIT Madras, IIT Bhubaneswar, Sri Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram. The
Centre started off with three major verticals in Heat and Power Generation via Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), solid state
storage and cooling solutions.

3. Integrated Clean Energy Material Acceleration Platform- IC MAP-The need to accelerate the transition to a low-
carbon economy is a global challenge that requires a global response. Integrated Clean Energy Material Acceleration
Platform (IC-MAP) aims to accelerate the discovery of high performance low cost clean energy materials for energy
harnessing, energy storage and energy efficiency for diverse sectors such as power, buildings, transportation, storage,
construction etc. IC MAP gives tremendous opportunity to improve the quality of life by making clean energy widely
affordable and accessible and thus mitigating adverse impacts of climate change. The Integrated Clean Energy Materials
Acceleration Platform (IC-MAP) also aims to reduce the materials development cycle significantly, say upto 10 times. It
builds on recent scientific breakthroughs and the ability to program machines to assist the design of materials, moving away
from the drudgery of conventional discovery methods, identify the gaps and missing links and commit to a tangible output.

4. National Innovation Challenge Awards for Designing and Developing Energy Storage Devices-A rapid decline in the
costs of renewable energy generation has made the adoption of renewable energy sources economically viable. Renewable
energy has the potential to provide access to uninterrupted and clean electricity to almost all households of rural India.
However, a major hurdle for the realization of the national dream of complete rural electrification is the absence of an
economically viable energy storage solution that can be integrated with renewables, which are an intermittent energy
sources. The objective of this grand challenge is to develop cost effective, viable and reliable solutions that can address the
challenge of energy access through an energy storage system integrated with appropriate renewable energy source(s).

Smart Grids Research Initiative (SGRI)-The purpose of developing Smart Grids is to seamlessly transit from the existing
centralized power network powered with fossil fuels to decentralised generation systems powered with renewable energy.
The initiative also aims to conduct research, development and demonstration to foster technology innovations that are
technically feasible, robust and cost effective to facilitate greater share of renewable energy in overall energy mix, and
develop research pathways to allow 100% renewable powered grid eventually. It is expected to evolve technologies and
develop methodologies tunable to local as well as at global needs through setting up virtual joint Clean Energy Centre in
consortium mode.

1. Smart Energy Grids and Energy Systems (SEGES)-DST in collaboration with the Research Councils United Kingdom
(RCUK) led by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is aiming at strengthening collaboration
between UK and Indian research institutions andhas identified Smart Energy Grids and Energy Systems as area of
significance in providing solutions to the problem of meeting future energy needs. 5 research proposals has been supported
focusing in the areas namely, Appropriate distributed storage technologies, On/off grid energy systems, DC networks and
Control & communications.

2.Joint Virtual Centre for Clean Energy-Towards the joint commitment to clean energy led low carbon economy, DST and
UK together have set up virtual Joint Clean Energy Centre on Clean Energy. These virtual centres will focus on integration
of intermittent clean energy with storage for stable power supply at grid as well grid isolated communities at a total
investment of £ 10 million. The UK partners comprises of SUPERGEN hubs in the UK which will link to leading academic
centres in India in the areas of solar energy, energy storage and networks. The proposed centres will operate through one UK
consortium which is linked with two Indian consortia working in the areas of solar energy, energy storage and
networks.These two Indian consortia UK India Clean Energy Research Institute (UKICERI), led by IIT Kharagpur and India
UK Centre for Education and Research in Clean Energy (IUCERCE), led by IIT Bombay will bring together experts from
national laboratories, universities and industry in both India and the UK to leverage their expertise and resources to unlock
the huge potential of clean energy technologies.

3.Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Centre on Smart Grids and Energy Storage ( UI-ASSIST)- India and
the United States of America agreed to expand the Indo-US Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Centre
(JCERDC) by funding new research in two areas critical to improving the reliability, flexibility and efficiency of the
electricity delivery system i.e. Smart Energy Grids and Energy Storage. The programme is being administered in India by the
bilateral Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) and in the US by the Department of Energy (DoE).Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is leading a Pan-India consortia of 15 organizations involving 5 IITs, TERI, NTPC
NETRA, Utilities and Industries in this five-year joint Indo-US research project, which started on 29 September 2017. The
consortia from US is being led by Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, WA and also has 15 organizations
collaborating, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Texas A&M University (TAMU), two DOE labs,
industries and utilities.

4. Indo Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research and Collaborative Programme-The initiative aims on applied R & D
projects focused on co-development of new technologies, services or processes to address challenges within the context of
electrical smart grid with a strong potential to future commercialisation. A digitalized, flexible and interactive power system
will make it possible to use energy more efficiently. Smart grids empower consumers and give all stakeholders in the
electricity market the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable energy system. The challenge is how to carry out the
development and transformation of the power system from a holistic perspective so that it not only enables, but also
facilitates, change in the transport sector, building sector, industry and other sectors prioritized by both countries. Critical
aspects are integration of renewable energy, grid security, flexibility, digitalization, integration of local systems together with
national grids, end users including “prosumers” and integration to other systems such as the building sector, transport sector
and industry. This joint Initiative between Indian and Swedish is to be led by a commercial company in the respective
country and the consortium could in addition include research performing organisations such as universities, research
institutes or other similar entities.

5.India EU Integrated Local Energy Systems-This joint initiative between India and EU aims to develop and demonstrate
novel solutions, integrating all energy vectors like electricity, heating, cooling, water, wastes, etc., including possibilities
offered by batteries and electric vehicles, interconnect them and optimize joint operation with increased share of renewables
and higher energy efficiency. The system developed should be robust, replicable, scalable, sustainable and cost effective with
low maintenance and less skilled manpower dependent. Cooperation will take the form of a proposal demonstrating a local
energy system (or several) in Europe and/or India. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) will range between 5 and 8.

Methanol Economy Research Programme (MERP)-Energy is one of the key contributors for the economic development
of the country. India will play an important part in the global energy space, as it is likely to account for 25% of the rise in
global energy demand by 2040. Methanol and Dimethyl ether (DME) can play an important role in order to contain the
rising imports and improve the energy security of India. Methanol is an efficient fuel which emits less NOx and Particulate
matter (PM) than Petrol & Diesel and produces no SOx as there is no sulphur in methanol. It can be blended or be
completely substituted with Petrol & Diesel to use as a transport fuel along with other applications. Like Methanol, DME is
also an efficient fuel and burns with lesser NOx and PM, no SOx than Diesel. It is a viable and clean diesel alternative and
can also be blended with LPG.

Clean Fuel Research Initiative (CFRI)-Any renewable substance which can be used as fuel other than the conventional
fossil fuels are known as the Alternate or Clean Fuel. They can serve, at least partly, as a substitute for fossil fuel in
transportation and have the potential to contribute to its decarbonisation and enhance the environmental performance of the
transport sector. Clean fuels will play an important role in clean energy initiatives worldwide. Some well-known fuels which
can be used as Clean Fuels are biomass, biofuel, non-fossil natural gas, vegetable oil, liquefied petroleum gas, synthetic and
paraffinic fuels etc. Clean fuels, especially biofuels, are new sources of energy with smaller carbon footprints.

Programmes: Biomass, Biofuel and Biogas (BBB)-Biofuels, being a derivative of renewable biomass resources such as
agricultural wastes, forest residues, surplus food grains, municipal solid waste (MSW) etc., can be used as transport fuel or
stationery fuels and has huge potential to help the country achieve sustainability and energy security. Replacing fossil fuels
with biofuels, produced from renewable organic material, has the potential to reduce some undesirable aspects of fossil fuel
production and use, including conventional and greenhouse gas (GHG) pollutant emissions, exhaustible resource depletion
and dependence on unstable foreign suppliers. Adopting biofuels as an alternative source of energy can improve farmer's
income, generate employment opportunities, reduce imports, augment waste to wealth creation, etc. Sustainable Biofuel and
sources is one area DST envisages to think and work. The objective of the programme is to develop ways to produce at scale,
widely affordable, advanced biofuels for transportation and industrial applications. DST strives to develop clean
technologies and their integration into production of affordable and sustainable biofuels to ensure unequivocal carbon
savings. It resolves to continue working on the development and commercialization of novel sustainable bio-based fuels and
products by encouraging early stage technologies and nurturing cross-innovations with the objective of ensuring speedy
commercialisation.

Converting Sunlight into storable fuels-Converting Sunlight into storable fuels aims to produce fuels that are carbon
neutral in both their production and use. The objective of the initiative is to discover affordable ways to convert sunlight into
storable solar fuels. It has the potential to serve to enhance energy security and will provide opportunities for economic
development across the globe. So far 13 collaborative projects have been supported with 6 countries.

Hydrogen Research Initiative (HRI)-Hydrogen is a versatile and clean fuel which can be used for power, transportation
and storage applications. Fuel Cell is a device which uses Hydrogen as fuel to produce electricity with heat and water as by
product. As Hydrogen fuel cell emits only water, there are no carbon emissions and no air pollutants that cause health
problems.
1. Hydrogen and Fuel Cell (HFC)-Hydrogen and Fuel Cell (HFC) programme focuses to develop transformational
technologies that reduce the cost of hydrogen production, distribution & storage, diversify the feedstock available for
economic hydrogen production, enhance the flexibility of the power grid and reduce emissions through novel uses of low-
cost hydrogen.The programmes aims to reduce the production cost of fuel cell systems to be used in transport applications,
while increasing their lifetime to levels which can compete with conventional technologies, increase the electrical efficiency
and the durability of the different fuel cells used for power production to levels which can compete with conventional
technologies.

2. Renewable and Clean Hydrogen-Renewable and Clean Hydrogen programme has the objective to accelerate the
development of a hydrogen economy by identifying and overcoming key technology barriers to the production, distribution,
storage and use of hydrogen at gigawatt scale. The programme focuses collaborative research and demonstration efforts from
both public and private sectors on industry-directed breakthroughs which have a realistic prospect of underpinning
commercial renewable and clean hydrogen applications (and implied target prices).

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)-Globally, power and industry account for about 50% of all greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage programme aims to reduce carbon emissionby either storing
or reusing it so that captured carbon dioxide does not enter the atmosphere. Department of Science and Technology (DST)
aims to nurture the area of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage through emphasis on research and development and
capacity building of both human resource as well as infrastructure, to evolve technologies and methodologies that address
issues related to high capital costs, safety, logistics and high auxiliary power consumption.

1. Collaborations

1.1 Mission Innovation Challenge on CCUS

The objective and scope of Mission Innovation carbon capture innovation challenge is to enable near-zero CO2 emissions
from power plants and carbon-intensive industries. CCUS can achieve significant CO2 reductions from power plants (fuelled
by coal, natural gas, and biomass) and industrial applications’-DBT had jointly launched a Call on IC3 on CCUS in July
2018 to to undertake joint Research & Development with member MI countries to identify and prioritize breakthrough
technologies in the field of CO2 capture, separation, storage and CO2 value addition. 20 Proposals have been recommended
for support, 17 from DST and 3 from DBT.

1.2 Accelerating CCS Technologies (ACT)-This initiative aims to facilitate R&D and innovation that can lead to
development of safe and cost effective CO2 capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies. The intension is to
facilitate the emergence of CCUS by accelerating and maturing CCUS technologies through targeted financing of innovative
and research activities. The scope also envisages to address the challenges related to CCUS in technological, environmental,
social and economic context of the country. India has joined forces with France, Germany, Greece, Norway, Romania,
Switzerland, The Netherlands, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States to achieve these objectives.

Cross-Cutting and Futuristic initiatives (CCFI)-Development of the digital transformation of energy / water
/environmental systems and networks by designing, implementing and testing interoperable technical, business, market and
communication protocol for the green energy transition. The focus is to establish science and technology hub/ living lab
that focus on sustainable technologies development for rural area, creates awareness about sustainable environmental
technologies and offers training to marginal communities as well as cross sector ally explore the nexus of water with energy,
food and health.

Water Technology Initiative (WTI)-Water Technology Cell (WTC)* started in 2007 with a thrust on strengthening the
capability and capacity of Indian researchers and S&T institutions to encourage research, design, and development of
indigenous low cost technological solutions to ensure safe drinking water for the masses. In 2009, based on the directives of
the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the WTC initiated and implemented Winning, Augmentation, and Renovation (WAR)
for Water. The programme promotes national and international collaborative developmental research, builds the capacity of
research professionals and water managers, evolves methodology for the development of customised solutions suited to
social context, and develops synergies with line departments. It also envisages upscaling and replication of proven
technologies/ solutions to a credible scale. WTC directly caters to furthering Sustainable Development Goal #6 (Clean Water
and Sanitation) which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The scheme
also aligns with the National Missions such as “Swachh Bharat” and “Namami Gange”. Programmes-- 1. Research,
Development &Demonstration (RD&D) and Demand Driven convergent solutions-2. Water Technology Research and
Innovation Centres (WATER-IC)- 3. International Collaborations-3.1 DST-NERC Collaboration on Water Quality
Research-3.2 DST-NWO Joint Programme on Urban Water Systems (Water for Change: W4C3.3 DST-NWO Clean
Ganga-3.4 DST-NWO Joint Programme on Disaster Management-4. Desalination Mission:4.1 Centre of Excellence
on Desalination-5. Water Advanced Research & Innovation (WARI) Fellowship-6. Industrial Wastewater reuse and
recycling -

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) :The Government has set a growth target for the manufacturing sector
from 16% of GDP to reach 25% of GDP by 2025. The National Manufacturing Policy and the emphasis on “Make in India”
is a powerful strategy for economic development. In accordance with this objective, DST has initiated this program for
developing Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in October 2015, and a high level Expert Advisory Committee (EAC-
AMT) was set up, chaired by Prof. Rudra Pratap, Center for Nano Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore. Objectives-Five thrust areas were selected for developing novel manufacturing technologies:

I. Nano materials & surfaces,

II. Robotics & automation
III. Precision manufacturing,
IV. Manufacturing process of Pharmaceuticals & Bio manufacturing
V. Advanced forming & near net shaped processing.
VI. Encourage R&D labs to move some of their activities from “discovery research” towards “industrially relevant
R&D”.
VII. Encourage inter-disciplinary, multi-institutional research programs for innovation.

Waste Management Technologies (WMT)-: This program is aligned to the “Swachh Bharat Mission” or “Clean India
Mission” of the Government. DST initiated a special program on Waste Management Technologies (WMT) in October 2015,
and constituted a high level Expert Advisory Committee (EAC-WMT) Objectives-Take stock of technological development,
assess, analyse and look for material recycling systems with low environment loading and improve upon them or find better
alternatives. Develop waste management technologies that can be adopted in small & medium scale enterprises in order to
improve their productivity and global competitiveness. Establish techno-economic feasibility of proposed methodologies/
technologies. Salient feature-The program aims to promote the development of suitable technologies with potential to
ameliorate the environmental load from the huge amount of residuals generated by industrial development and consumption
lifestyle. Thrust areas -1 E-Waste (Electrical & Electronics Waste): Recycling & Recovery-2 Industrial Hazardous &
non-hazardous Wastes2.1 Mining Waste: Overburden, Tailing Pond 2.2 Metallurgical Waste2.3 Cost effective
treatment of refractory organics2.4 Recycling/recovery of value added materials from hazardous/non-hazardous
wastes2.5 Solid Waste from Chemical Industry (such as adsorbents like ion exchange resins, activated carbon, clays,
membranes)2.6 Membrane rejects and Salts2.7 Industrial sludges2.8 Industrial spent solvents and chemicals,3 Newer
technologies for Biomedical Waste4 Urban & Rural Solid Waste, including Plastic Waste4.1 Existing Landfills: Gas
Extraction, Leachate Treatment, Material Mining, Remediation, Value-added Material Recovery4.2 Non-recyclable
packaging material.4.3 Household hazardous waste4.4 Construction & demolition debris4.5 Co-digestion of sewage
sludge Biomedical Device and Technology Development Programme (BDTD)Program Title: Biomedical Device and
Technology Development (BDTD)-Early-Stage Prototype Development:

Device Development Programme (DDP)Program Title: Device Development Programme (DDP)-Mandate of Device
Development Programme (DDP) is to promote and support Research, Design and Development (RD&D) activities of
different areas of devices leading to: Indigenous development and production of devices .Upgradation of existing device for
modern accessories and attachments and latest technology. Establishment of base in RD&D and limited production
techniques. Generation of trained manpower in the area. Accordingly, DDP has been evolving, supporting and monitoring
projects for design & development of devices in different areas at various laboratories, academic institutions in association
with the user industries. The mandate of DDP is following: Evolving, supporting and monitoring following types of projects
to research laboratories for design & development of instruments in different areas:

Technology Development Programme (TDP)Introduction-Technology Development (TD) Programme supports activities

aimed at developing and integrating technologies to evolve materials/process/techniques both in the advanced/emerging
areas and in traditional sectors/areas. Under the Programme, feasibility of fresh ideas/ concepts is assessed for their potential
conversion into useful technology/product. Applications of R&D for socio-economic benefits is consciously promoted under
this programme. Objectives-The primary objective of the Programme is to facilitate and support development of products or
techniques/technology aimed at specific end use. The Programme stresses on clearly identifying the needs for development
of the technology so that the developmental effort could be useful to the target beneficiary. It envisages active user
involvement and association in the development effort. The intention is that the products/technologies developed under the
Programme become useful for the benefit of the people at large. The specific objectives of the Programme are to develop and
integrate technologies following a holistic approach in identified areas; promote application of modern/advanced
technologies to socio-economic problem solving; promote modernization of traditional technologies, tools and skills;
facilitate enhancing quality and performance of the traditional/non-traditional items; encourage developments in application
of R&D activities; and promote activities aimed at improving technology, technique, material, methods and other appropriate
activities conducive for development of technology status in identified areas.

DHI-DST Technology Platform for Electric Mobility (TPEM)-Genesis: The National Mission for Electric Mobility
(NMEM) Plan was launched in April 2015, and a Consumer Incentives Scheme” for Electric & Hybrid Electric Vehicles was
published in the Gazette of India. It is expected to catalyse the development of the market and by 2020 to reach an annual
sales6-7 million vehicles. This may lead to savings of 9500 Million Liters of crude oil or Rs. 62000 Cr. Savings by 2020.
The DST has joined hands with the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) to create a Technology Platform for Electric
Mobility (TPEM), that will be funded primarily by the DHI, and the program management will be undertaken completely by
DST. Objectives-
 I. to develop technologies & products that specifically address India needs, and
II. to develop a global competitive edge in select technologies of Electric Mobility.
III. to strengthen the industry technology capability sufficiently so as to be able to reduce and wean off the consumer
subsidy program for electric vehicles in the near future.

The following six priority areas have been identified for technology development.

I. Lithium ion Battery

II. Charging – Low voltage platform
III. Driving Cycle & Traffic Pattern
IV. Motors & Drives
V. Ultracapacitor
VI. Light weighting

The mechanism that will be followed by TPEM will be

I. To create Centers of Excellence (CoE) and Testing Facilities

II. Formation of Industry Technology Consortia (ITC) led by automotive & component companies, with significant
academic participation.
III. To encourage innovation Program to support scientific research by academia/ laboratories and to support new
product development by private companies.

Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI)-Science and Heritage Research Initiative SHRI, a new programme on
Heritage Research, plans to engage experts from diverse fields for data capture and analysis, to form new collaborations, and
provide viable technology to address cultural heritage related issues. Aims and Objectives SHRI has been envisaged to -
Build capacity in human resources and encourage new researchers to work in these areas. Promote scientific RD activities
for conservation of Heritage objects which may include material deterioration process, preservation techniques, intervention
technologies, new materials, processes for restoration and diagnostic technologies. Safeguard the use, representations,
expressions, knowledge and techniques, communities, groups and in some cases, individuals, recognised as an integral part
of our cultural heritage. To explore new approaches, state-of-art technology to preserve the heritage and art works of former
generations, which witnessed the evolution and growth of human civilization. Promote application of advanced knowledge
of archaeometry science in a range of fields. Promote RD activities and technological advancement in Tribal Arts for value
addition. The envisaged thrust areas are -Study of Heritage Materials/Metals. Remote sensing Techniques for Detection of
Archaeological Residues. In situ non-invasive imaging of sub-surface microstructure of object, sustainable radiography for
heritage materials, etc. Heritage Textiles – New technologies in yarn treatment, weaving, printing, Eco friendly dyes, Cement
Clothing etc. Salts and synthetic coatings for wall paintings for example, the application of surface science to artists' acrylic
emulsion paint films Health monitoring of ancient artefacts. Tribal Arts/Heritage New Materials development Conservation
Technologies Development of Tools/process for conservation Any other area related to Heritage other than mentioned above

Technical Research Centres-This programme was launched as a follow-up of the budget announcement made by the
Hon’ble Finance Minister of India in his Budget Speech in FY 2014-15. Five Technical Research Centres (TRCs) were
established with a mission to provide techno-legal-commercial and financial support to scientists, entrepreneurs, and
business fraternity to achieve translation of research into products and processes for greater economic and societal benefits in
5 DST institutions at a total cost of Rs.467.00 Crores. The following Technical Research Centres (TRCs) are established in
the DST institutions during FY 2015-16:1. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST),
Trivandrum2. International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad3.
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru4. Indian Association for the Cultivation
of Science (IACS), Kolkata5. S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata. The TRC programme is translating
scientific discoveries and technological inventions into products and services of societal and industrial relevance. TRCs have
been instrumental in building R&D translation ecosystem by supporting advancements in technology readiness levels of
background R&D capabilities and intellectual properties, streamlining multi-stakeholder involvement (including industry-
academia partnerships), technology out-licensing, setting-up platforms for start-ups, and strengthening state-of-the-art R&D
infrastructure. Around a dozen of technologies have been transferred to the industries and many of them are at different
stages of developments for transfer to the industries. The first phase (5 years) of the above programme has already been
completed and it is proposed to continue the programme for another 5 years i.e. second phase.

Science For Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED)-Science for Equity Empowerment and Development
(SEED) Division (earlier known as Science and Society Division) under the Department of Science and Technology provides
opportunities to motivated scientists & technologists from national Research and Development (R&D) labs, S&T-driven
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and field-level workers to take up action-oriented and location-specific projects
aiming at Socio-economic development of disadvantaged sections of the society through appropriate interventions of
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), leading to their improved quality of life and livelihood. Through its diverse
schemes and programmes, efforts are being made to empower the community by adopting technologies to address locally
defined needs and priorities that consider available resources and moral prosperity of society for sustainable development.
The schemes and programmes of the division are also being converged with line function ministries/departments for the last-
mile delivery and national development programmes to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC)-Schemes for Communication and
Popularisation of Science & Technology-The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) is
mandated to communicate Science and Technology to masses, stimulate scientific and technological temper and coordinate
and orchestrate such efforts throughout the country. The programmes of NCSTC aims at building capacity for informed
decision making in the community and promote scientific thinking. It is devoted towards societal upliftment through the
dissemination of scientific knowledge in an informed manner and builds programmes with the help of different media which
percolate down to every nook and corner of the society. The NCSTC focuses on outreach activities, training in Science and
Technology communication, development, production & dissemination of S & T software, incentive programmes, and field
based Sci-Com projects, research in S&T communication, international co-operation, motivating students and teachers,
environment awareness and programmes with a special component exclusively for women. Some of its important successful
initiatives, over the years include the campaigns over the Year of Scientific Awareness, Year of Physics, Year of Astronomy,
Year of Mathematics, observation of the National Science Day and National Mathematics Day, the National Children’s
Science Congress, National Teacher’s Science Congress, and Science Express etc.

A multi- pronged effort has been developed by the NCSTC including:- National Award for Science & Technology
Communication 2021[PDF]616.88 KB National Award for Science & Technology Communication 2021 -Hindi[PDF]6.1
MB Communicating science using folk media; Use of mass & digital media for science communication and popularization;
Use of Social media in science and Technology Popularization

Major programmes: National Children's Science Congress- This is an opportunity for brilliant young scientists (10 -17
years of age group), started since 1993 to popularize the method of science with following steps: work in teams under a
guide on an identified theme select a problem from the neighbourhood develop a hypothesis and conduct field research see
patterns in data and prepare a report present findings before peer group in one's own language. Innovative projects are
selected for district congress, state congress and national convention. Each state also sends two delegates to the annual
session of the Indian Science Congress. The NCSC has been organized in almost all districts every year with more and more
schools joining the activity. Developing an activity book, training workshops for guide teachers, evaluating the research
projects and coordinating the district and state level conventions are enriching experiences for a number of organizations.
More than 10 lakh children are participating actively throughout the country.

National Science Day-Every year on February 28, is celebrated as the National Science Day. The programme was initiated
by department to trigger science popularization activities throughout the country and to disseminate scientific education
about the current issues of science and technology amongst the citizens of the country. The programmes starts around the
national science day and activities like lectures, quiz, radio, television shows, open houses and debate etc. are organized
around a central theme. These programmes are organized nationwide through the state S&T Councils, science and
Technology Departments. Effective science communication can change ways of community learning, peoples’ access to
knowledge & resources, and societal paradigms. The science behind management of ecological resources, habitat &
ecosystems services is central to our well being and ability to work. It thus addresses critical life cycle needs and
complexities of social, economic and ecological nature. In today’s fast-paced world, role of media, both in printed and
electronic forms, is critical in leveraging furthering these goals. The initiatives would support a direct and purposeful
communicative paradigm, as Science Media & Eco Next Youth leadership and promoting informed choices and decision
making. The Eco Media & Eco Next initiatives focus upon promoting real-time responsiveness and eco-media leverage for
promoting integrated efforts for conservation of natural resources, specifically aimed at –Developing models in public
guidance systems based on science communication, like location specific innovative initiatives for actionable learning and
building field capacity for adopting scientific & best practices in knowledge critical domains. Knowledge led motivation of
youth for leadership and improvement of quality of life of specific target groups based on scientific approaches of ‘Being-
on- their -Own’ and ‘Collective response’ to challenges and location specific problems. Serving national priorities of
Government of India like Swachh Bharat, Access to Safe Water, Ecological Health of Rivers, etc.

National Teachers’ Science Congress (NTSC)-Initiated by NCSTC, the NTSC provides a forum to teachers of the country
to enhance their level of scientific awareness. The first national event was held in 2003. Presently it has become a biennial
activity of NCSTC. Besides teachers educators of vocational/open schools/teachers educators/DIET faculty/B.Ed and
university researchers, scientists, technologists and activists are also eligible to submit their papers. There is exposure on the
training module aiming at providing basic skills in performing & investigating such miracles and based on science behind it.
Miracles are performed by so called Godmen who want to mislead the gullible, but fact is that all miracles are based on
various principles of science.

Awards and Recognitions-National awards for science communications are presented every year to recognize outstanding
achievements of individuals and institutions. Nominations for the awards are invited in the following categories:

Outstanding Effort in Science & Technology Communication - (Rupees Two Lakhs),Outstanding Effort in S&T
Communication through Books & Magazines - (Rupees One Lakh),Outstanding Effort in S&T Popularization among
Children- (Rupees One Lakh).Outstanding Effort in Translation of Popular S&T Literature-(Rupees One
Lakh).Outstanding Effort in S&T Communication in the Print Medium - (Rupees One Lakh),Outstanding Effort in
S&T Communication in Electronic Medium - (Rupees One Lakh), Each award comprises an attractive cash prize, a
memento and a scroll, presented every year at the national function on 28th February, the National Science Day.

The UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science is an award given by UNESCO for exceptional skill in
presenting scientific ideas to lay people. It was created in 1951, following a donation from Hon’ble Shri Biju Patnaik, Chief
Minister of Orissa and Founder President of the Kalinga Foundation Trust, Bhubaneswar. The purpose of the Prize is to
reward the efforts of a person who has had a distinguished career as a writer, editor, lecturer, radio/television programme
director or film producer, which has enabled him/her to help interpret science, research and technology to the public. He/she
is expected to be knowledgeable of the role of science, technology and general research in the improvement of the public
welfare, the enrichment of the cultural heritage of nations and the solutions to the problem of humanity. Many past prize
winners have been scientists, while others have been trained in journalism or have been educators or writers. Each member
state is entitled to nominate a single candidate, through its National Commission for UNESCO, on the recommendation of
the national associations for the advancement of science or other science associations, or national associations of science
writers or science journalists. The Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science is administered by the Science Analysis
and Policies Division of UNESCO.

Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research (AWSAR)-AWSAR is an initiative that aims to disseminate Indian
research stories among the masses in an easy to understand and interesting format to a common man. Under this initiative,
PhD Scholars and Post-Doctoral Fellows (PDFs) in Science and Technology (S&T) streams would be encouraged to write at
least one popular science article during the tenancy of their fellowship, and to participate in a national competition.
Following are the objectives under AWSAR:

I. Encourage youth pursuing higher studies to submit at least one story/article based on their research work.
II. Foster, strengthen and create scientific temper through popular science writing and creating a culture of science
communication/popularisation among the scholars.
III. Recognize the initiative and output of researchers on the specific aspects of natural, physical, mathematical and
information sciences, applied science, technology, engineering, and multi-disciplinary science.
IV. Conduct training workshops for Early Career Researchers (PhD Scholars and PDFs) in popular science writing.

National Missions-National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)-Department of Science &
Technology (DST) is implementing multi-stakeholder National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical System (NM-
ICPS). The Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2018 at a total outlay of Rs.3660 Crores for a period of five
years. NM-ICPS is a comprehensive Mission aimed at complete convergence with all stakeholders by establishing strong
linkages between academia, industry, Government and International Organizations. The Mission working with all the
concerned Ministries/ Departments to identify their technology needs, develop solutions and technical support. The Mission
aims at development of technology platforms to carry out R&D, Translational Research, Product Development, Incubating &
Supporting Start-ups as well as Commercialization. Mission Objectives are:

I. To promote translational research in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and associated technologies.

II. To develop technologies, prototypes and demonstrate associated applications pertaining to national priorities.
III. To enhance high-end researchers base, Human Resource Development (HRD) and skill-sets in these emerging
areas.
IV. To enhance core competencies, capacity building and training to nurture innovation and start-up ecosystem.
V. To establish and strengthen the international collaborative research for cross-fertilization of ideas.
VI. To set up world-class interdisciplinary centers of excellence in several academic institutions across the country,
that can become repositories of core expertise in CPS and related areas and serve as focal points for technology
inputs for the industry and policy advice for the government
VII. To involve Government and Industry R&D labs as partners in the collaboration centers. Incentivise private
participation to encourage professional execution and management of pilot scale research projects
VIII. To set mission mode application goals and foundational themes for excellence for different centers. Set up CPS test
beds at various centers.
IX. To tie up with incubation centers and accelerators to foster close collaboration with entrepreneurship eco-system
X. To address some of the National issues and development of sector-specific solutions.

National Quantum Mission (NQM)-The Union Cabinet, approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) on 19th April
2023 at a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and
industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). This will accelerate QT led
economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of
Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).The Mission objectives include developing intermediate-scale quantum
computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.
Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 kilometres within India, long-
distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km as well as
multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories are also some of the deliverables of the Mission. The National
Quantum Mission will focus on developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for
precision timing, communications, and navigation. It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as
superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices. Single
photon sources/detectors, and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and
metrological applications. Mission Implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and
National R&D institutes in the domains:

I. Quantum Computing
II. Quantum Communication
III. Quantum Sensing & Metrology
IV. Quantum Materials & Devices

The hubs which will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in
areas that are mandated to them.

National Super Computing Mission (NSCM)-National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) has set up to provide the country
with supercomputing infrastructure to meet the increasing computational demands of academia, researchers, MSMEs, and
startups. It is a first of its kind attempt to boost the country’s computing power. National Super Computing Mission is steered
jointly by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and implemented
by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
Bengaluru. With the approval of Technical Advisory Committee and Executive Board, a revised plan based on buy to build-
approach was put in place. The first supercomputer assembled indigenously, called PARAM Shivay, was installed in IIT
(BHU) and was inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister. Similarly, the 14th machine was dedicated to the nation by
the Honourable President of India in IIT Guwahati. The installations completed as on March 2023 and their details are given
below. They are all majorly equipped with applications to cater the domains like Weather and Climate, Computational Fluid
Dynamics, Bioinformatics, and Material science. 1-IIT(BHU), Varanasi-PARAM Shivay-838TF,2-IISER, Pune-PARAM
Brahma-1.70PF,3-IIT, Kharagpur-PARAM Shakti-1.66PF,4-JNCASR, Bangalore-PARAM Yukti-1.8PF,5-IIT, Kanpur-
PARAM Sanganak-1.66PF,6-C-DAC, Pune-PARAM Siddhi-AI-5.2PF/210PF (AI),7-IIT, Hyderabad-PARAM Seva-
838TF,8-NABI, Mohali-PARAM Smriti-838TF,9-IISc, Bangalore-PARAM Pravega-3.3PF10-C-DAC, Bangalore-PARAM
Utkarsh-838TF11-IIT, Roorkee-PARAM Ganga-1.66PF12-IIT, Gandhinagar-PARAM Ananta-838TF13-NIT, Trichy-
PARAM Porul-838TF14-IIT, Guwahati-PARAM Kamrupa-838TF15-IIT, Mandi-PARAM Himalaya-838TF- II - R&D and
Application development systems-16-C-DAC, Pune-SANGAM Testbed-150 TF-201717-C-DAC, Pune-PARAM Shrestha-
100 TF-201818-C-DAC, Pune-PARAM Embryo-100 TF-202019-C-DAC, Pune-PARAM Neel-100 TF-202020-SETS,
Chennai-PARAM Spoorthi-100 TF-202021-C-DAC, Pune-Bioinformatics R&D Facility -230 TF-202122-C-DAC,
Bangalore-System Software lab-82TF-202023-C-DAC, Pune-PARAM Sampooran-27 TF-2020 III - PARAM Vidya under
NSM HRD (For education and training)-24-C-DAC, Pune-PARAM Vidya1-52.3 TF-2022,25-IIT, Kharagpur-PARAM
Vidya2-52.3 TF-2022,26-IIT, Palakkad-PARAM Vidya3-52.3 TF-2022,27-IIT, Chennai-PARAM Vidya4-52.3 TF-2022,28-
IIT, Goa-PARAM Vidya5-52.3 TF-2022- NSM has successfully installed 24.83 PF of HPC machines across the country
against 15- 20 PF originally envisioned. Also, 12 more machines with a total capacity of 41.17 PF is scheduled to be
commissioned in a year time. The upcoming new installations will be based on indigenous Rudra server platform
manufactured in India. This will provide a total computing power of 66 PF, which is 4.5 times higher than the intended
computing capacity. The indigenous efforts resulted in the creation of Trinetra high-speed interconnects and Direct Liquid
Cooling units. We have our own server based on Intel Cascade platform called Rudra. These systems are cost efficient and
power efficient in operation. The salient achievements of the NSM are as follows: A total capacity of 24.83 PF HPC
machines are built locally and commissioned across the country. Development of Rudra server board 1.0, Trinetra HPC
interconnects, HPC system software stack 1.1 and various benchmarks (cloud, HPC) applications.17500 people have been
trained so far in High Performance Computing More than 5930 expert users from 100+ institutes are using the facilities
routinely73,25,604 high performance computational queries have been executed till recently.

Climate Change Missions (CCM)-The Government of India launched National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
on 30thJune, 2008 outlining eight National Missions on climate change. These include:

I. National Solar Mission

II. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
III. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
IV. National Water Mission
V. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system
VI. National Mission for a Green India
VII. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
VIII. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

The Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology was entrusted with the responsibility of
coordinating two out of these eight national missions on climate change. These are:
National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) and National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for
Climate Change (NMSKCC)-Objectives: Both of these missions - NMSHE & NMSKCC - focus on building national S&T
capacities in the area of climate change. While main objective of NMSHE is to develop a capacity to scientifically assess the
vulnerability of the Himalayan region to climate change and continuously assess the health status of the Himalayan
ecosystem, NMSKCC focuses on building human and institutional S&T capacities in climate change and developing
strategic knowledge in the key areas of climate change science, adaptation and mitigation.

National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)-The consequences of climate change on the
social systems are expected to vary in different regions of the world on account of several regional and other local factors.
Therefore, different modelling studies, adaptation strategies and technology systems would be required in differing
geographical and social contexts. Further, there are many uncertainties in disaggregating the effects of global warming on
different agro climatic regions due to still inadequate scientific understanding of the processes involved in the climate
change. This would require developing a strong capability in basic and applied research in climate science by strengthening
observational and modelling tools and systems. India is too large a country to adopt strategies based on global averages of
climate change. The current levels of uncertainties associated with likely consequences of climate change in various regions
of the country are significant and do not enable the development of strategic action plans for different regions within the
country. There are a number of constraints that limit at present the ability of the national knowledge system to deliver the
required and expected outcomes for effective response. Addressing these constraints through strategic actions that include
the development of appropriate institutional and human resource capacity for this purpose will form the main goal of the
National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change. Accordingly, the following objectives have been identified
for the Mission. Formation of knowledge networks among the existing knowledge institutions engaged in research and
development relating to climate science and facilitate data sharing and exchange through a suitable policy framework and
institutional support. Establishment of global technology watch groups with institutional capacities to carry out research on
risk minimized technology selection for developmental choices Development of national capacity for modelling the regional
impact of climate change on different ecological zones within the country for different seasons and living standards.
Establishing research networks and encouraging research in the areas of climate change impacts on important socio-
economic sectors like agriculture, health, natural ecosystem, bio-diversity, coastal zones, etc. Providing an improved
understanding and awareness of the key climate processes and the resultant climate risks and associated consequences.
Building alliances and partnerships through global collaboration in research & technology development on climate change
under International and bilateral S&T cooperation arrangements.

National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)-Himalayas assume great significance to the people
of India- socially, culturally and economically. The Himalayan eco-system possesses nearly 51 million people who practice
hill agriculture. Most of the India's river systems in the North originate from glaciers in the Himalayan region. The
Himalayas are therefore major source of fresh water for the perennial rivers such as the Indus, the Ganga, and the
Brahmaputra. Glacial melt may impact their long-term lean-season flows, with adverse impacts on the economy in terms of
water availability and hydropower generation. For centuries, Himalayan ecosystem has remained delicately balanced, and
has been responsible for the tremendous biodiversity of the region. The ecosystem has become increasingly vulnerable to the
impacts of changes due to natural causes, anthropogenic emission related causes and also due to developmental paradigms of
the modern society. The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem has been launched with the goal of
addressing all such issues holistically and in coordinated manner by involving all possible stakeholders. The most crucial and
primary objective of the mission is to develop a sustainable National capacity to continuously assess the health status of the
Himalayan Ecosystem and enable policy bodies in their policy-formulation functions and assist States in the Indian
Himalayan Region with their implementation of actions selected for sustainable development. Accordingly, the following
objectives have been identified for the Mission. Building human and institutional capacities in the different existing / new
Institutions in the Himalayan region. Identification of national knowledge institutions and development of a self-sustaining
knowledge network. Development and adoption of new methods for assessing the health of the Himalayan eco system
including those of glaciers and create a data base of the same. Assessment and quantification of the changes in the
Himalayan eco system attributable to the climate change as a result of global emissions and human activities in the region
and model for future projections Exploration of linking of traditional and formal knowledge systems through strategic
mechanism of formalization for mutual benefit and value for the sustainability of the Himalayan ecosystem Identification of
most-desirable Adaptation Policies to Improve Regional Sustainability Programme Implementation The implementation is
carried out through a mix of top down and bottom up approaches by carrying out pro-active objective mapping of
institutions and scientists for consideration of support. Project formulation is adopted for the co-development of project
proposals with various stakeholders. Society and policy interventions are integrated at the project formulation stage itself.
Coordinated efforts for strong linkages with all line ministries working in climate change domain are vital for creating
synergism in the field. In addition, creation of inter-linkages amongst institutions and programmes supported by Climate
Change Programme are also essential for developing a network of institutions and investigators working in the CC science
and nurturing them on a longer-term basis.

Mega Facilities for Basic Research (MFBR)-This scheme is aimed to create mega facilities and launch mega projects in
and out of the country to improve access to such state-of-the-art facilities for the Indian scientific community, especially
from the academic sector for pursuing basic research. Because of technical complexities and requirement of large resources,
such projects are manifestly multi-agency, multi-institutional and, quite often, international in character. The Department of
Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) have been jointly promoting most of such
projects in the country. The details of some important initiatives under this scheme are appended below. Indian Participation
in Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at European Organization for Nuclear
Research (CERN), Geneva Indian scientists, engineers and research students from 15 research groups are participating in the
CMS experiment at CERN and the associated work in the country. Indian Participation in A Large Ion Collider Experiment
(ALICE) Experiment at CERN, Geneva. Indian scientists, engineers and research students from 15 research groups are
participating in the ALICE experiment at CERN and the associated work in the country. Operation and Utilization of WLCG
Infrastructure for CMS and ALICE Experiments being conducted at CERN, Geneva Indian scientists, engineers and research
students from 30 research groups are participating in the activities of LHC Computing Grid related to CMS and ALICE
experiments being carried out at CERN and the associated work in the country. India became Associate Member State of
CERN on 16.01.2017. At present, 10 Indian Industries are involved in the CERN-related activities. For coordinating
activities related to participation of Indian Companies in the market surveys and tenders floated by CERN and seek
contracts/orders from CERN, an Industrial Liaison Officer (ILO) was appointed. Utilization of Twin Indian Beamlines,
XRD2 (for Macromolecular Crystallography) and XPRESS (for High Pressure Physics research) at the Elettra Synchrotron,
Trieste, Italy. The twin Indian beamlines, XRD2 and XPRESS was established at Elettra Synchrotron, Trieste, Italy through
extramural support by DST. These beamlines are available for Indian users for scientific experiments and research utilizing
diffraction techniques.

National Science & Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS)-DST is responsible for collection,
collation, analysis and dissemination of information on resources devoted to S&T activities in the country. The Scientific and
Technological (S&T) activities play a vital role in the economic, social and physical development of a country. Scientific and
technological research needs huge investments and calls for a judicious utilization of scarce resources like finance, trained
manpower, raw materials etc. Data collection and analysis pertaining to resources, devoted to S&T, therefore, assumes
significant importance. The growth of S&T, its performance and impact on society and economy are indicators to assess the
effectiveness of planning and policy formulation. The National Science and Technology Management Information System
(NSTMIS), a division of Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been entrusted with the task of building the
information base on a continuous basis on resources devoted to scientific and technological activities for policy planning in
the country.

State Science & Technology Programme (SS&TP)-Vision: Catalysing Science Technology Innovation (STI) ecosystem
through Centre–State Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation mechanism for assessing, developing and delivering
appropriate solutions to state-specific challenges. Vision-Mission: To develop holistic Science Technology and Innovation
(STI) ecosystem for socio-economic development at State and National level Goal: To align State STI ecosystem across
sectors & domains with national priorities. Objectives: To promote Human Resource Development To catalyse Science
Technology Innovation (STI) landscape in the States. To strengthen S&T based delivery system in State. To create the
Scientific Temper. To strengthen the mechanism of State S&T Councils for facilitating the demonstration of efficient
technologies developed at National and International Institutions. To promote self-reliance through S&T based business
models. To establish S&T partnerships. To create awareness, extend assistance on protecting Intellectual Property Rights
(IPR) including patent, copyright, industrial design, geographical indication, trademark etc. at the state level. The SSTP
supports State S&T Councils to evolve STI ecosystem through strategic partnerships by assessing and implementing
commercially viable solutions for state specific needs through appropriate delivery mechanism. In this process the
Knowledge Institutions, R&D labs and S&T based Voluntary Organizations are encompassed to promote applied research,
development and adaptation of scientific knowledge and technologies to find appropriate solutions to well identified
location-specific or need-based challenges and improving quality-of-life of the population in the State. As S&T development
leads to overall enlargement of socio-economic environment, this unique mechanism benefits entire population of the State.
The program has reached out to more than 3.0 lakh stakeholders across the country through various media platforms
(YouTube, Facebook etc) The activities of ‘Vigyan Utsav’ are available on the SSTP web portal (Download The file ( bytes)
jsp Icon). Through this festival, the State S&T Councils are promoting the idea of a sustained and structured framework for
connecting various stakeholders within and outside the State/UTs. Awards and Recognitions to State S&T Council-Patent
Information Centre at Punjab State Council of Science and Technology was awarded with IP recognition Award by the
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) for proving impeccable IP services to innovators during COVID. PIC at Assam
Science Technology and Environment Council was awarded Best PIC during the National Intellectual Property Award 2020.

Patent Facilitation Programme (PFP)-Department of Science & Technology (DST) have established Patent Facilitation
Cell (PFC) in TIFAC in the year 1995 and subsequently 24 Patent Information Centres (PICs) in various states under Patent
Facilitation Programme (PFP) of the Department, for creating awareness and extend assistance on protecting Intellectual
Property Rights (IPR) including patent, copyright, geographical indication etc. at state level. These PICs have also
established Intellectual Property Cells in Universities (IPCU) of their respective states to enlarge the network. As of now 84
IPCU’s have been created in different universities of the states. In addition, they are also liable to provide assistance to the
inventors from Govt. organizations, State Universities, for patent searches to find out the potential and assessment of the
invention. Mandate of the Programme:
1. Providing Patent information as a vital input to R&D

2. Patent /IPR facilitation to academic Institutions and Government R&D Institutions

3. IPR policy input to Government

4. Conducting training and awareness programme on IPR in the country

1. IP/Patent Facilitation-DST through Patent Facilitation Centre helps in filing and prosecuting patent and other IPR
applications in India and in other countries on behalf of academic institutions and government R&D institutes. These patent
and IP applications are drafted and filed through patent attorneys on the panel. The cost of filing these patents is borne by
Department and patent/IP applications are filed in the name of inventing institute/s. Department conducted through
patentability assessment in house for all the invention disclosure received by it.

1.1 Filing of Patent and Other IPR Applications-DST through Patent Facilitation Centre has assessed the patentability of
about 114 new cases for filing of patents on behalf of academic and government R&D institutions. Out of which 49 cases
were found suitable and have been sent to attorneys for filing of new patent applications along with one National Phase
application (in persuasion to PCT application filed earlier) and one copyright application. One case for National Phase Filing
was considered following filing PCT application earlier. Three design registrations were also examined and found they were
not subject matter of design registration, hence not proceeded further.

1.2 Grant of Patents-During the period 16 Indian Patents have been granted to respective applicant and facilitated filing and
prosecution of these patent.

2. Awareness and Training on IPR-Department through Patent Facilitation Centre conducted 3 IPR Awareness Workshops.
In total 400 plus scientist, technologist, academician and industry people attended these workshops. A “Two Weeks Training
Programme on IPR and Patents” for officials of Patent Information Centres (PICs) at State Councils of Science and
Technology and University IPR Cell (IPCUs) was held from April 23, 2018 to May 2, 2018 at Chennai in association with
PIC, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science & Technology. Mostly PICs and IPCUs from southern India attended this
programme. Another two training programmes were conducted; one was a two-day workshop held on December 3-4, 2018
on “The Guides for Identifying and Using Inventions in the Public Domain” conducted jointly by PFC, CIPAM, DIPP and
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and second with DRDO and ICAR.

3. A GI on Kodaikanal Garlic has been registered by Patent Information Centre, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science &
Technology, DOTE Campus, Chennai

4. In addition various awareness programmes were organized by the Patent Information Centre situated in the States.

NGCMA Secretariat-A number of countries require manufacturers of chemicals viz. Industrial chemicals, Pharmaceuticals
(Human and Veterinary), Agrochemicals, Cosmetics Products, Food/ Feed Additives and Medical devices, etc., to establish
through data that use of these chemicals does not pose any hazards to human health and the environment. Non-hazardous
nature needs to be established through studies and data, which will be examined by the regulatory authorities of the
concerned countries. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a system, which has been evolved by Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) used for achieving the above goals. National GLP Compliance Monitoring
Authority (NGCMA) was established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, with the
approval of the Union Cabinet on April 24, 2002. GLP-compliance certification is voluntary in nature. Industries/ test
facilities/laboratories dealing with above chemicals and looking for approval from regulatory authorities before marketing
them, may apply to the NGCMA for obtaining GLP Certification.

About NGCMA-National Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Compliance Monitoring Authority {NGCMA}-National GLP
Compliance Monitoring Authority (NGCMA) was established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST),
Government of India, with the approval of the Union Cabinet on April 24,2002. India is full-member for Mutual Acceptance
of Data (MAD) in the OECD's Working Group on GLP w.e.f March 3, 2011. As a consequence, the non-clinical health and
safety studies/ data of such studies generated by Indian GLP laboratories is acceptable in 36 OECD member countries and 6
non-member MAD adherent countries. This facilitates export of chemicals, drugs, pesticides etc. to these countries including
developed markets of USA, UK, Australia, Japan, European Union, etc. The National GLP Programme functions through an
Apex Body, represented by Secretaries of concerned Ministries/ Departments with Secretary, DST being its Chairman. This
Apex Body oversees that the National GLP Programme functions as per OECD Principles of GLP & OECD Council norms.
The Apex Body is supported by Technical Committee on GLP, which is a recommending body of NGCMA on cases of GLP
certification and various technical matters concerning GLP. To meet the increasing demand of GLP compliance monitoring
in the country, NGCMA has 17 trained GLP Inspectors from various Government laboratories, Universities & public funded
institutions to evaluate the technical competence of the applicant test facility for its compliance to OECD Principles of GLP
and OECD Test Guidelines. GLP certification is voluntary in nature. The test facilities have to submit the prescribed
Application fee and apply in the prescribed application form of NGCMA. A pre-inspection of the laboratory is carried out by
NGCMA, followed by a final inspection. The report of the final inspection is considered by Technical Committee on GLP,
whose recommendations are placed before Chairman, GLP Authority for a final decision on grant/ non-grant of GLP
certification. GLP Certification is valid for a period of three years and the GLP Secretariat organizes surveillance inspection
at 18 months from the date of certification and a re-certification inspection during third year for maintaining the certification.
Test Facilities, dealing with chemicalslisted in para above and conducting safety studies for submission to Regulatory
Authorities, can apply to NGCMA for obtaining GLP Certification in one or more of the following areas of expertise:
Physical-chemical Testing Toxicity Studies Mutagenicity Studies Environmental Toxicity Studies on Aquatic and Terrestrial
Organisms Studies on Behaviour in Water, Soil and Air, Bio-accumulation Residue Studies, Studies on Effects on
Mesocosms and Natural Ecosystems Analytical and Clinical Chemistry.

NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL POLICY, 2022- Geospatial technology has applications in almost every domain of the
economy ranging from agriculture to industries, development of urban or rural infrastructure, administration of land,
economic activities of banking and finance, resources, mining, water, disaster management, social planning, delivery
services, etc. Geospatial data is now widely accepted as a critical national infrastructure and information resource with
proven societal, economic and environmental value that enables government systems and services, and sustainable national
development initiatives, to be integrated using ‘location’ as a common and underpinning reference frame. The National
Geospatial Policy, 2022 (the Policy) is a citizen-centric policy that seeks to strengthen the Geospatial sector to support
national development, economic prosperity and a thriving information economy. The Policy builds on conducive
environment generated by the “Guidelines for acquiring and producing Geospatial Data and Geospatial Data Services
including Maps” dated 15.02.2021 (the Guidelines), issued by Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government
of India (GoI). While the Guidelines deregulated the Geospatial sector by liberalizing Geospatial data
acquisition/production/access, the Policy takes it further by laying down an overarching framework for holistic development
of the Geospatial ecosystem. It spells out the vision, goals for the Geospatial sector and outlines the strategies for achieving
them. It seeks to develop Geospatial infrastructures, Geospatial skill and knowledge, standards, Geospatial businesses,
promote innovation and strengthen the national and sub-national arrangements for generation and management of Geospatial
information. The Geospatial data acquisition/production/access will continue to be governed by the Guidelines in its present
form or as stipulated by DST from time to time with an aim to promote private sector participation through continued
enhancements of Ease of Doing Business in the sector.

Vision and Goals

1. To make India a World Leader in Global Geospatial space with the best in the class ecosystem for innovation.
2. To develop a coherent national framework in the country and leverage it to move towards digital economy and
improve services to citizens.
3. To enable easy availability of valuable Geospatial data collected utilizing public funds, to businesses and general
public.
4. To have a thriving Geospatial industry in the country involving private enterprise.
5. Following are the milestones in the journey towards realization of the aforesaid vision: Year 2025
6. Put in place an enabling policy and legal framework that supports liberalization of Geospatial sector and
democratization of data for enhanced commercialization with Value Added Services.
7. Improve availability of and access to better location data across organizations and sectors to enableinnovations and
encourage enterprise.
8. Establish and strengthen an integrative interface for all digital data having location dimension collected or
developed utilizing public funds, for easy access, sharing, use and reuse.
9. Redefinition of National Geodetic Framework using modern positioning technologies and provision of online
access.
10. High accuracy Geoid for the entire country.
11. Develop and strengthen national and sub-national arrangements in Geospatial information management and related
infrastructures with participation of government, industry, private sector, academia and civil society. Year 2030
12. High resolution topographical survey & mapping (5-10 cm for urban & rural areas and 50 cm-100 cm for forests &
wastelands).
13. High accuracy Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for entire country (25 cm for plain, 1-3 metre for hilly and
mountainous areas).
14. Develop a Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) underpinned by Integrated Data and Information
Framework.
15. Enhance capabilities, skills and awareness to meet the future needs of the country. Year 2035
16. High resolution/accuracy Bathymetric Geospatial Data of inland waters and sea surface topography of
shallow/deep seas - to support Blue Economy.
17. Survey and mapping of sub-surface infrastructure in major cities and towns
18. National Digital Twin of major cities and towns.

Institutional Framework- The Government shall constitute a Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee
(GDPDC) at the national level which shall be the apex body for formulating and implementing appropriate guidelines,
strategies and programs for promotion of activities related to Geospatial sector. GDPDC shall drive the overall development
of the Geospatial ecosystem. GDPDC would replace and subsume the functions and powers of National Spatial Data
Committee (NSDC) constituted through GoI Resolution dated 13.06.2006 and Geospatial Data Promotion and Development
Committee constituted vide DST Office Memorandum dated 04.03.2021. The composition and functions of GDPDC are
given at AnnexureI. DST, with the approval of Minister-in-charge, would be empowered to modify the composition and
functions of GDPDC to make it more effective in tune with advancements in the Geospatial sector.

Geospatial Data Infrastructure- UN-GGIM recognizes 14 Global Fundamental Geospatial Data Themes considered
fundamental to development of a country’s Integrated Geospatial Information Infrastructure and supporting the Sustainable
Development Goals. GDPDC will adopt and develop these Data Themes as National Fundamental Geospatial Data Themes
(given at Annexure-II) in line with national priorities. It will also develop Sectoral Geospatial Data Themes for various
sectors like Environment, Forest, Disaster Management, Mines & Minerals, Oceanography, Coastal & Marine, Agriculture,
Health & Diseases etc. Geospatial Data Themes would evolve in tune with modern concepts and also through private sector,
in line with global best practices. It will designate one or more Central or State Level Partnering Agencies as Lead Agencies
for each identified Fundamental or Sectoral Geospatial Data Theme. Duties and responsibilities of Lead Partnering Agencies
and other operational aspects shall be developed and periodically reviewed by GDPDC. Provisions for efficient access to the
National Fundamental and Sectoral Geospatial Data by all stakeholders in the country will be made through
operationalization of a National Geospatial Data Registry (NGDR) which will be a commonly accessible set of registers/
catalogue of data sets and services. Unified Geospatial Interface (UGI), an electronic data querying and processing service,
will be operationalized for provision of consumer-oriented products, applications, services and solutions using the Geospatial
data and metadata contained in the NGDR and utilizing the data supply chains from the Central and State Level Partnering
Agency Data Nodes. Core of Gatishakti developed by Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-
informatics (BISAG-N) and various efforts by National Informatics Centre (NIC), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC),
NSDI, etc would be studied/leveraged to guide/support/facilitate the Partnering Agencies in setting up fit-for-future ICT
Infrastructure for housing their data, connecting to the Central Node/UGI and sharing them through NGDR - as per
stipulated standards and service mechanisms. The UGI will include access to all open Geospatial data directly or indirectly
collected by the Central and State Level Partnering Agencies on terms to be determined by GDPDC. Access to a volunteered
source of Geospatial Data from a non-Partnering Agency, academia, industry or citizenry through NGDR/UGI may also be
allowed as per agreed terms. The UGI will eliminate duplicity of efforts among national agencies like Survey of India,
National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Forest Survey of India (FSI), Geological Survey of India (GSI), National Bureau
of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, etc that create Geospatial Data using public funds and various other agencies. Survey
of India shall be the agency responsible for developing and operating the NGDR and the UGI in collaboration with BISAG-
N, other institutions and the private sector, under the guidance and supervision of GDPDC in relation to the scope,
functionality, and performance of the NGDR and the UGI. Although the NGDR and the UGI are intended to provide access
to all Fundamental and Sectoral Geospatial Data Sets and other Central/State Government datasets, nothing in this Policy
shall be construed to prevent any Partnering Agency from presenting, providing, or disseminating data through their own
mechanisms. Standards related to National Fundamental and Sectoral Geospatial Data Themes would be developed and
promulgated after consultation with a broad range of data users and providers and, to the maximum extent possible, national
and international standards adopted by voluntary and open standards consensus bodies would be used. New standards will be
established only to the extent that such standards do not exist for adoption and use by the stakeholder communities.

Mapping Infrastructure- Map making has recently been deregulated in our country to spur domestic innovation, encourage
creation of quality maps and enable Indian companies to compete in the global mapping ecosystem. The need for continuous
updating of existing data sets, requirement of manpower and technology, and avoiding duplication in data acquisition/
processing make it imperative for the Government to collaborate with private and other agencies for improving Geospatial
information delivery. Towards this objective, this Policy shall replace the National Map Policy, 2005. Rules and regulations
for operating aircrafts and drones for the purposes of surveying would be further simplified.

Role of Private Sector- While there are nodal Ministries/Departments for each of the National Fundamental Geospatial Data
Themes, this does not imply that the entire work has to be necessarily done departmentally or through SoI or only
government/public sector entities. Actual collection and collation of data and development of Data Themes would be
increasingly done with private sector participation consistent with February, 2021 Guidelines. Needs and requirements of the
citizens related to various Geospatial/location-based solutions will predominantly be serviced by the private sector, with SoI
and nodal ministries/agencies of various Geospatial Data Themes in a facilitative role. The Private Sector will play a key role
in creation and maintenance of Geospatial and mapping Infrastructures, innovations and process improvements and
monetization of Geospatial data.

National Digital Twin- The Digital Twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process or service that lies at the core of the
new digital revolution. National Digital Twin would be an ecosystem of smart, dynamic, connected Digital Twins, enabled
by secure and interoperable data sharing, to facilitate better decision-making. National Digital Twin strategy, which is
geospatially aware and built on a dynamic Geospatial infrastructure, would be devised by GDPDC to provide for the
following:-Reliable, accessible, usable, interoperable, continuously updated datasets for both ‘above the surface’ and
‘subsurface’ environments as per the required attributes; Precise positioning data from Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS) systems, or resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.
Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI)- GKI will provide the critical Geospatial component to knowledge and
automation. With focus on ‘data provision’ to ‘knowledge creation and foresight’, GKI will be enabled by integration of
Geospatial data/technology/concepts with Fourth Industrial Revolution (4th Industrial Revolution) technologies and the
growing digital infrastructure (Web, Cloud, Networks, etc.). It will encompass governance, technology, data and people, at
the heart of “knowledge co-creation” in the wider digital ecosystem for delivering value to future economy and society.
GDPDC will create an enabling environment to promote innovations towards GKI enablement, with active participation of
private industry.

Geospatial Education and Skill Development- Geospatial education is imparted in around 200 universities/institutions at
different levels in colleges, universities, Industrial Training Institutes and National Skill Training Institutes. However, there
is lack of standardization of Geospatial curriculum. Geospatial education is not adequately integrated in the innovation
system.

Geospatial Enterprise- An enabling ecosystem will be provided for industry, academia and research with ease of doing
business and pro-actively engaging them in various spheres of Geospatial domain for employment generation and
contribution to the national economy. Proactive steps will be taken for stimulating Geospatial technological innovations and
supporting the growth and development of the Geospatial industry in the country. Measures would be taken to promote the
use of state-of-the-art drone/aircraft/land-vehicle/ship/satellite borne sensors like Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)
including Hydrographic LIDAR, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Ground Penetrating Radar, Electromagnetic Locator,
Digital Camera etc for survey and mapping activities in the country

Making it happen- The core of Integrated Geospatial Information Infrastructure will be cooperation and collaboration
among various stakeholders. Concerted efforts by all the Partnering Agencies would be the underpinning premise for
availability of Geospatial data for its use and access by decision makers and content developers. GDPDC as constituted by
the Government will be the apex body for implementation of the Policy, its various provisions, formulation of guidelines and
steering the course of the development of Geospatial sector in the Country. DST shall be the Nodal Department of the
Government for the Policy.

Functions: GDPDC shall be the apex national body for formulating and implementing appropriate guidelines, strategies and
programs for promotion of activities related to collection, generation, preparation, dissemination, storage, publication,
updating and/or digitization of Geospatial data along with associated products, solutions and services. It shall take measures
to foster innovation, provide leadership and coordination, and promote standards necessary to strengthen Geospatial
information management so that they can be used to find sustainable solutions to emerging development and security
challenges facing the nation. DST shall be the nodal Department of the Government and GDPDC shall make suitable
recommendations to DST in this regard as detailed below:

(i) Lead the establishment and management of an Integrated Geospatial Information Infrastructure to support on-demand
provision of Geospatial data/ information/ knowledge services towards guiding development and security-related strategies
at different levels of the governance hierarchy;

(ii) Determine and decide the Geospatial data needs of the country and require the creation and collection of such data to
meet those needs;

(iii) Establish a mechanism for active engagement of all the stake holders including Governments, Industry, Academia,
NGOs for development of standards, information infrastructure including ICT frameworks and innovation;

(iv) Periodically review and update National Fundamental and Sectoral Data Themes;

(v) Designate one or more Central or State Level Partnering Agencies as Lead Agencies for managing each identified
National Fundamental or Sectoral Data Theme with appropriate private sector participation;

(vi) Periodically review the duties and responsibilities of the Lead Partnering Agencies and their operational aspects as per
the National Geospatial Policy;

(vii) Objectively assess each Lead Partnering Agency on the basis of its annual performance report submitted to the
Committee to determine its progress and achievements in delivering the required data service;

(viii) Recommend an audit of compliance and standards of Geospatial data and services of Partnering Agencies towards their
obligations and responsibilities, wherever deemed appropriate and bring it to the notice of the Competent Authority;

(ix) Get operationalized the National Geospatial Data Registry and the Unified Geospatial Interface and lay appropriate rules
and procedures for the upscaling and maintenance of its servers, networks and accessibility to their service;

(x) Develop, promulgate, and review the standards for the National Fundamental and Sectoral Data

Themes through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and their adoption by the Partnering Agencies;
(xi) Support and promote the infrastructure of networks, systems, services, and standards that provide a digital representation
of the Earth to users for various applications;

(xii) Promote and enable investment in the Geospatial sector and create a conducive environment that encourages
competitive excellence in providing Geospatial data, applications, services and solutions;

(xiii) Promote the development of human resources in the Geospatial sector;

(xiv) Decide on issues arising out of finalization of negative attribute lists and frame regulations on those attributes;

(xv) Assess the adequacy of existing legal and regulatory frameworks to deal with enforcement of provisions of the National
Geospatial Policy and related guidelines, and suggest strategies for overcoming shortcomings, if any, in their enforcement;

(xvi) Coordinate with international organizations having a stake in the development and utilization of the National or Global
Geospatial Information Infrastructures to address challenges in various domains of development and security;

(xvii) Aid and advice the Central Government on matters related to the National Geospatial Policy;

(xviii) Publish articles or reports related to Integrated Geospatial Information Infrastructure and business growth;

(xix) To do all such acts as may be necessary, beneficial or desirable for the promotion and achievement of objectives of the
National Geospatial Policy;