GoI Launches Vigyan Dhara Scheme to Strengthen Scientific Research & Innovation.
Goverment Scheme
The Government of India (GoI) launched the unified Vigyan Dhara scheme on 16 January 2025 to enhance India's scientific research, innovation, and technological development. It consolidates three existing umbrella schemes under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T): Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development (R&D), and Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment.
- The Vigyan Dhara scheme focuses on building advanced R&D infrastructure, promoting collaborative research, driving innovation in schools and industries, ensuring gender parity in S&T, and positioning India as a global scientific leader.
- With a total outlay of ₹10,579.84 crore for 2021-26, the scheme's annual allocation has increased 4.31 times from ₹330.75 crore (2024-25) to ₹1,425 crore (2025-26). It will be implemented nationwide as a Central Sector Scheme under DST, MoS&T.
- The Vigyan Dhara scheme focuses on upgrading R&D labs in academic institutions, supporting faculty development, student research, and fostering international collaborations. It also promotes R&D in sustainable energy, water, nanotechnology, quantum science, and biotechnology, while providing access to international mega facilities.
Main Point :- (i) The scheme funds startups and technology commercialization, encouraging grassroots innovation through initiatives like INSPIRE-MANAK, aimed at students in Classes VI-X, to augment national aspirations and knowledge.
(ii) India ranks 3rd globally in scientific publications with 2.44 lakh papers in 2022. The scheme has benefited 57,869 individuals, including students under INSPIRE-MANAK. Telangana has allocated Rs. 3.3 crore for 4,002 beneficiaries as of March 2025.
(iii) The scheme aligns with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) for global-standard research and supports DST's 5-year goals to increase India’s researcher count and strengthen its R&D base.
About Ministry of Science & Technology
Minister: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Headquarter : New Delhi
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