3/18/25, 4:25 PM Press Release:Press Information Bureau
Ministry of Science & Technology
Vigyan Dhara: A Catalyst for India’s Scientific
Progress
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 12:29PM by PIB Delhi
Strengthening India's Scientific Future
The Government of India has significantly increased the allocation for the Vigyan Dhara scheme,
reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the country's scientific research, innovation, and
technological development ecosystem. The budget has witnessed a substantial rise from Rs. 330.75
crore in 2024-25 to Rs. 1425.00 crore in 2025-26. The proposed outlay for the implementation of the
unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is Rs.10,579.84 crore for the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26, aligning
with the 15th Finance Commission. This increased investment underscores the government's
dedication to fostering science and technology as a foundation for national progress.
The Birth of Vigyan Dhara
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The Vigyan Dhara scheme came into force with effect from 16.01.2025. It merges three key umbrella
schemes into one, focusing on:
❖ Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building: This component
focuses on strengthening India's scientific infrastructure and human resource pool. It aims to build
and enhance research and development (R&D) labs across academic institutions, creating a robust
environment for scientific research.
❖ Research and Development (R&D): Vigyan Dhara emphasises research in various critical areas,
including basic research, translational research in sustainable energy and water, and access to
international mega facilities. This component also fosters collaborative research through international
bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
❖ Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment: This segment of the scheme aims to
drive innovation at all levels, from schools to higher education and the industry. It seeks to promote
technology development and deployment, with a particular focus on increasing collaboration between
academia, government, and industry, as well as supporting startups.
This strategic integration enhances efficiency in fund utilization and establishes synchronization
among the sub-schemes and programs, ensuring a more streamlined approach to achieving scientific
progress in India.
Key Focus Areas of Vigyan Dhara
1. Capacity Building
Establishing advanced research laboratories in academic institutions
Supporting faculty development and student research
Promoting international scientific collaborations
2. Research and Development
Encouraging basic research with access to international mega facilities
Supporting translational research in areas such as sustainable energy, water, etc.
Fostering collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation
Contributing to building a critical human resource pool to expand the nation’s R&D base and
improve the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count.
3. Innovation and Technology Development
Supporting startups and entrepreneurs in science and technology
Facilitating technology transfer and commercialization
Promoting the development of indigenous technologies
Reinforcing innovation efforts from school-level education to higher education, industries, and
startups through targeted interventions
4. Promoting Gender Parity in Science and Technology
Implementing focused programs to increase the participation of women in S&T fields
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Ensuring gender equality in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) through strategic
interventions
5. International Collaboration
Promoting joint research projects
Facilitating knowledge exchange with international researchers
Strengthening India’s position as a global scientific leader.
Key Impacts:
❖ Enhanced collaboration between academia, government, and industry
❖ Increased participation of women in S&T fields.
❖ Strengthened R&D capabilities, aligned with global standards and national priorities.
All the programs under the Vigyan Dhara scheme are aligned with the 5-year goals of the
Department of Science and Technology (DST), contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat
2047. Furthermore, the Research and Development (R&D) component of the scheme is structured to
align with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), ensuring that India’s scientific
research follows globally prevailing standards while adhering to national priorities.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
As of March 2025, 57,869 individual beneficiaries have availed the scheme. The beneficiaries
include young students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in class VI to X availing the
benefits under INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and
Knowledge) program. This initiative nurtures a scientific mindset, encourages research careers, and
fosters innovation among students.
In Telangana alone, 4002 beneficiaries have availed of the scheme, with Rs. 3.3 crore utilized as of
10.03.2025. The increased budget allocation will further strengthen state-level scientific initiatives,
enabling more individuals and institutions to benefit.
Nationwide Implementation: Spreading Scientific Awareness
Vigyan Dhara operates as a central sector scheme, implemented across the country. The Department
of Science and Technology (DST) has taken proactive measures to raise awareness through:
Extensive media coverage across print, social, and digital platforms
A dedicated web portal providing comprehensive information on various programs
Active engagement with stakeholders to disseminate knowledge about the scheme’s benefits.
Rising Scientific Publications
As per the latest Science & Engineering Indicators report from the National Science Foundation,
USA, India has shown a consistent rise in scientific publications. The details are as follows:
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The government has taken several steps to strengthen the research ecosystem and encourage
researchers for scientific publications, including:
Successive increases in budget allocations for scientific research
Establishment of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) through the ANRF Act 2023
Creation of Centres of Excellence
Instituting research fellowships and research programs
Encouraging industry participation in R&D
Providing extramural project funding and fellowship schemes through DST, DBT, and CSIR
Research funding supports areas such as clean energy, water, nano and advanced materials, cyber-
physical systems, quantum science, geospatial technology, biotechnology, and industrial technologies.
The outcomes of these initiatives include scientific publications, intellectual property creation
(patents), technology transfers, and industrial designs. Additionally, researchers are encouraged to
conduct research publications and generate intellectual property, as these are key performance
indicators for career progression.
A Transformative Vision for India's Future
Vigyan Dhara is set to revolutionize India's scientific landscape by fostering innovation,
strengthening research capabilities, and promoting technological advancements. The government’s
increased budget allocation signifies a clear commitment to advancing India's position as a global
leader in science and technology while ensuring inclusive participation and alignment with the
nation’s long-term development goals.
References
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2110768
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2048572®=3&lang=1
https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/aug/doc2024828381901.pdf
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2110770
Click here to see PDF.
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