Vigyan Dhara, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, is driving India’s scientific progress by fostering innovation, research, and technological development. Launched on January 16, 2025, the scheme integrates three key initiatives focusing on scientific capacity building, research & development (R&D), and innovation & technology deployment. With a substantial increase in budget allocation from Rs. 330.75 crore (US$ 38.21 million) in FY25 to Rs. 1,425 crore (US$ 164.63 million) in FY26, the scheme is set to accelerate scientific innovation and technology advancements.

Increased Budget Allocation and Vision

Under the 15th Finance Commission, the total outlay for Vigyan Dhara from FY22 to FY26 has been raised to Rs. 10,579.84 crore (US$ 1.22 billion). This strategic funding boost aims to position India as a global leader in science and technology, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which envisions India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047.

Key Objectives of Vigyan Dhara

The Vigyan Dhara scheme is structured to support India’s scientific growth by:

1. Enhancing Research Infrastructure: Establishing advanced research laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology to promote cutting-edge research.
2. Promoting International Scientific Collaborations: Facilitating global partnerships to exchange knowledge and foster innovation.
3. Commercialising Technologies: Encouraging technology transfer and commercialisation to benefit industries and society at large.

Promoting Gender Parity in Science and Technology

Vigyan Dhara is committed to gender parity in science and technology (S&T) by encouraging women’s participation in research and innovation. Targeted programs are designed to ensure inclusive participation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The scheme has successfully empowered 57,869 beneficiaries as of March 2025, including a significant number of women researchers and students.

INSPIRE-MANAK Initiative: Empowering Young Innovators

A major component of Vigyan Dhara is the INSPIRE-MANAK (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research - Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) initiative, which nurtures young scientific talent. This initiative has benefitted students aged 10-15, encouraging them to explore scientific innovation and problem-solving from an early age.

Telangana’s Success: Impact of Vigyan Dhara at the State Level

Telangana has emerged as a leading state in benefiting from the Vigyan Dhara scheme, with Rs. 3.3 crore (US$ 381,018) allocated to benefit 4,002 individuals. This funding has facilitated scientific training, research fellowships, and capacity building for students, researchers, and faculty members across the state.

Rise in Scientific Publications and Research Output

India has witnessed a consistent rise in scientific publications, supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which provides extramural project funding, research fellowships, and grants to strengthen the country’s research ecosystem. ANRF’s contributions have enabled Indian researchers to publish groundbreaking research and gain recognition on global platforms.

Strengthening Academia-Industry-Government Partnerships

Vigyan Dhara fosters stronger partnerships between academia, industry, and government, ensuring that scientific research leads to tangible outcomes and societal impact. This collaborative approach helps in bridging the gap between research and commercial applications, driving innovation and economic growth.

Focus on Technology Deployment and Commercialisation

To ensure that scientific innovations reach the market, Vigyan Dhara emphasizes technology deployment and commercialisation. By supporting startups and incubators, the scheme helps translate laboratory research into viable products and services. This focus on technology transfer not only benefits industries but also addresses societal challenges by offering innovative solutions.

Expanding Beneficiary Base Across India

As of March 2025, 57,869 beneficiaries have availed of Vigyan Dhara’s benefits, including:

• Young innovators under the INSPIRE-MANAK initiative.
• Researchers and faculty members receiving fellowships and project funding.
• Women scientists and researchers benefiting from targeted gender parity programs.

Building Scientific Capacity for the Future

Vigyan Dhara is designed to build scientific capacity across the nation by nurturing talent, enhancing research infrastructure, and promoting interdisciplinary research. The scheme provides financial support for:

• Establishing state-of-the-art research labs in universities and institutions.
• Offering fellowships and grants to budding researchers.
• Facilitating knowledge exchange programs with international institutions.

Role of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) plays a pivotal role in the success of Vigyan Dhara by providing funding, mentoring, and capacity-building opportunities for researchers across India. ANRF’s contributions have enabled:

• A significant rise in India’s scientific publications.
• Increased participation of young scientists and innovators in global research.
• Promotion of interdisciplinary research and technology development.

Alignment with Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision

Vigyan Dhara is a key driver of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which envisions India becoming a global leader in science, technology, and innovation by 2047. By promoting inclusive participation and fostering a culture of scientific excellence, the scheme aims to:

• Enhance India’s global competitiveness in science and technology.
• Develop indigenous technologies to address national and global challenges.
• Strengthen India’s knowledge economy through increased scientific output.

Future Roadmap: Strengthening India’s Scientific Ecosystem

Looking ahead, Vigyan Dhara aims to expand its outreach and beneficiary base by:

• Establishing more research centres in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• Promoting interdisciplinary research collaborations across India.
• Encouraging young innovators and women researchers to contribute to India’s scientific growth.

Conclusion: A Catalyst for India’s Scientific Renaissance

With a substantial increase in budget allocation and a strong focus on research and innovation, Vigyan Dhara is poised to transform India’s scientific landscape. By promoting gender parity, fostering international collaborations, and supporting technology commercialisation, the scheme aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. As India continues to rise as a global leader in science and technology, Vigyan Dhara remains a catalyst for scientific progress, inclusive development, and national growth.

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