Vigyan Dhara and Biotechnology Initiatives

On 24th August, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved two major science initiatives aimed at enhancing research capabilities and addressing critical challenges in clean energy and biotechnology.

Key Points:

Vigyan Dhara Initiative: The Centre has merged several existing Department of Science and Technology (DST) schemes into a new program called Vigyan Dhara, aimed at improving fund utilization and efficiency.
Components of Vigyan Dhara: The initiative includes three main components:
- Human and institutional capacity building
- Research and development, innovation, and technology development
- Deployment
Flexibility and Efficiency: Vigyan Dhara provides DST with the flexibility to reallocate funds and avoid duplication of efforts, optimizing the impact of existing programs.
Biotechnology Initiative: The new biotechnology initiative focuses on six thematic areas:
- Bio-Chemicals and Bio-Polymers: Targeting industrial, consumer, and scientific applications.
- Smart Proteins and Functional Foods: Aiming to support food security by developing foods that complement land-based production.
- Bio-Therapeutics: Promoting targeted therapies for genetic conditions and cancers.
- Agriculture: Developing bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides to enhance agricultural resilience and reduce chemical use.
- Bio-Fuels and Bio-Chemicals: Creating products from captured carbon emissions to support a circular economy.
- Marine and Space Applications: Focusing on products derived from marine ecosystems.