The Ministry of Science and Technology is the driving force behind India’s advancements in scientific research, innovation, and technological development. With a focus on fostering a culture of curiosity and discovery, it spearheads initiatives to promote scientific education, research infrastructure, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Stay updated on breakthroughs, discoveries, and technological innovations emerging from India’s vibrant scientific community. Explore opportunities for research funding, scholarships, and partnerships offered by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Whether you’re a scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, or enthusiast, the ministry provides a platform for nurturing talent and driving progress across diverse fields of science and technology. Let’s embark on a journey of exploration and innovation, shaping the future through science and technology.
Vigyan Jyoti Scheme
- The Vigyan Jyoti scheme is an initiative by the Department of Science & Technology, aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in India. Here are the key features of this scheme:
- Objective:
- The primary objective of Vigyan Jyoti is to encourage and support meritorious girls to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields.
- Target Group:
- The program is targeted towards meritorious girl students in classes 9 to 12.
- Holistic Approach:
- Vigyan Jyoti follows a comprehensive and long-term approach. It starts from the school level (Class IX) and extends up to the PhD level. This ensures continuous support and guidance for girls aspiring to pursue STEM careers.
- Implementation Partner:
- The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), which is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), serves as the implementation partner for Vigyan Jyoti.
- Network of Knowledge Centres:
- As part of the scheme, 100 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) have been designated as ‘Vigyan Jyoti Knowledge Centres’. These centres play a pivotal role in providing support and mentorship to girls from various schools, including JNVs, Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Government schools, and army schools in smaller cities and rural areas.
- The Vigyan Jyoti scheme is a forward-looking initiative that aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields by providing the necessary guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for girls to excel in these domains. By nurturing talent at the school level and providing a clear pathway towards advanced studies, the scheme lays the foundation for a more inclusive and diverse STEM community in India.
Jigyasa 2.0: Connecting Students and Scientists
- Jigyasa is a student-scientist connect program launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS). Here are the key features of the Jigyasa program:
- Objective:
- The primary objective of Jigyasa is to foster a connection between school students and scientists. It aims to complement classroom learning with hands-on experiences in well-planned research laboratory environments.
- Cultural Values:
- Jigyasa seeks to instil a sense of inquisitiveness and scientific temperament among school students and their teachers. It encourages curiosity and a spirit of inquiry.
- Collaboration Scope:
- The program aims to connect 1151 Kendriya Vidyalayas with 38 National Laboratories of CSIR. This expansive network is designed to benefit around 100,000 students and nearly 1,000 teachers annually.
- Engagement Models:
- Jigyasa offers a variety of engagement models to facilitate learning and interaction between students, teachers, and scientists. These include:
- Student Residential Programmes
- Scientists as Teachers and Teachers as Scientists
- Lab-specific activities and onsite experiments
- Visits of Scientists to Schools and Outreach Programmes
- Science and Maths Clubs
- Popular Lecture Series and demonstration programmes at schools
- Student Apprenticeship Programmes
- Science Exhibitions
- Projects of National Children’s Science Congress
- Teacher Workshops
- Tinkering Laboratories
- Hands-on Learning:
- The program provides opportunities for students and teachers to practically apply the theoretical concepts they learn in science. This is achieved through visits to CSIR laboratories and participation in mini-science projects.
- Jigyasa is a dynamic initiative that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world scientific exploration. By bringing students, teachers, and scientists together, it creates a vibrant learning ecosystem that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the scientific method. This program plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of inquisitive and scientifically inclined minds.
National Geospatial Policy, 2022: Enhancing Geospatial Data Usage
- The National Geospatial Policy, 2022 is a citizen-centric policy that aims to strengthen the geospatial sector for national development, economic prosperity, and a thriving information economy. Here are the key highlights of the policy:
- Aims:
- The policy provides a 13-year guideline to promote the country’s geospatial data industry and develop a national framework for using such data to improve citizen services and more.
- Themes:
- The policy has identified 14 Geospatial Data Themes to support the development of commercial geospatial applications in various sectors, including disaster management, mining, forestry, etc.
- Technology Infrastructure:
- Introduces Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) which involves establishing an Integrated Data and Information Framework by 2030.
- Aims to establish a National Digital Twin for high-resolution topographical survey and mapping by 2035.
- Institutional Infrastructure:
- Establishes the Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC) for formulating and implementing guidelines, strategies, and programs to promote geospatial activities.
- Aims to put in place a legal framework (by 2025) that supports the liberalization of the geospatial sector and democratization of data for enhanced commercialization with value-added services.
- Significance of the Policy:
- Increased Coverage: The government has opened up its geospatial data and services offered by various entities, including government agencies, academic institutions, private organizations, NGOs, and individuals.
- No Prior Approval Required: The requirement for prior approval, security clearance, or other restrictions on the management of geospatial data has been removed. Self-certification is now sufficient for adherence to the guidance.
- Applications in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors:
- Drive Private Participation in Agritech.
- Wider Adoption of Precision Farming using AI, GNSS, and Big Data.
- Better Crop Forecasting with the use of remote sensing data maps.
- Implementation of Government Schemes such as PM Fasal Bima Yojana and ‘Per Drop More Crop’.
- Increased Landholding Size and Pooling through schemes like SWAMITVA.
- Development of Ecosystem Markets, e.g., GIS nitrogen trading tool.
- Applications in Allied Sectors:
- Fisheries: Targeted and deeper fishing opportunities for the economic upliftment of fishermen.
- Dairy: Better grazing grounds for cattle and their management.
- Minor Forest Produce: Advancement of tribal collection and marketing using geolocation data.
- Ridge-to-Valley Approach for water management using geospatial data.
- The National Geospatial Policy, 2022, is poised to revolutionize the geospatial sector, enabling its integration into various domains for more effective planning, management, and development initiatives across the country.
FAQs
Q. What is the role of the Ministry of Science and Technology?
The Ministry of Science and Technology is responsible for formulating and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at fostering scientific research, technological innovation, and scientific education in India. It plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge, promoting technological development, and enhancing the country’s scientific and technological capabilities.
Q. What are the key objectives of the Ministry of Science and Technology?
The Ministry of Science and Technology aims to promote scientific research and innovation across various disciplines, including basic sciences, applied sciences, engineering, and technology. Its objectives include supporting research and development initiatives, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, promoting science education and popularization, and leveraging science and technology for socio-economic development.
Q. What initiatives has the Ministry of Science and Technology undertaken to support scientific research and innovation?
The Ministry implements various initiatives and schemes to support scientific research and innovation, including funding research projects, establishing research institutions and laboratories, providing scholarships and fellowships for researchers, and promoting international collaboration in science and technology. Some notable initiatives include the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Technology Development Board (TDB), and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Q. How does the Ministry of Science and Technology promote technology transfer and commercialization of research outcomes?
The Ministry of Science and Technology facilitates technology transfer and commercialization of research outcomes through technology development programs, innovation grants, technology parks, business incubators, and technology transfer offices. It promotes partnerships between research institutions, industry, and startups to translate scientific discoveries into marketable products and services, thus contributing to economic growth and industrial competitiveness.
Q. What role does the Ministry of Science and Technology play in addressing societal challenges through science and technology?
The Ministry of Science and Technology addresses societal challenges through science and technology by funding research projects and innovation initiatives aimed at solving pressing issues such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, environment, and climate change. It encourages interdisciplinary research and innovation that can have a transformative impact on society, improve quality of life, and contribute to sustainable development goals.
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