An Overview of 'Vigyan Dhara'

- As an initiative to strengthen the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem in India, the Union Cabinet recently approved the 'Vigyan Dhara' scheme.

- The scheme operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), merging various existing schemes.

- Spanning the duration of the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26), Vigyan Dhara prominently features three components: 

  1. Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building
  2. Research and Development 
  3. Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment. 

- Existing schemes, such as the INSPIRE programme, will now operate under these three components.

Objectives and Goals of 'Vigyan Dhara'

- The primary objective of this scheme is to enhance S&T capacity building, innovation, research, and technology development in India.

- It plans to create a more balanced gender representation within the S&T industry by implementing focused interventions to boost women's participation.

- All programs within the 'Vigyan Dhara' scheme will dovetail with the DST's 5-year goals towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

- To adhere to global standards while tackling national priorities, the Research and Development component of the scheme will complement the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser 

- The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser came into existence in November 1999.

- Its key objectives include the generation of strategies, policies and missions for various innovative applications, while also coordinating scientific S&T tasks in vital economic, social and infrastructure sectors with government departments, institutions, and industry.

- The Prime Minister's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) aids this office as a supervisory council.

Role of the Department of Science and Technology 

- The foundation of the DST was laid on 3rd May 1971, drawing from the model of the National Science Foundation (NSF), USA.

- Besides funding, DST is a policy-making body and coordinates scientific work with other nations.

- DST empowers scientists, scientific institutions, and works closely with a diverse system that includes school and college students, early-career researchers, startups, and NGOs active in the S&T domain. 

This new scheme is set to play a significant role in enhancing India's science and technology capabilities while cultivating a balanced gender representation in this sector.