New Delhi, September 24(HS): In a major boost for India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) / Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) scheme on “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development”. The initiative, with a total outlay of Rs. 2,277.397 crore, will be implemented during the Fifteenth Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).

The scheme, designed to nurture India’s next generation of scientists and researchers, will be executed by CSIR. It aims to strengthen human capital in science and technology by supporting research institutions, national laboratories, universities, Institutes of National Importance, and Institutes of Eminence.

The Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD) programme provides an expansive platform for young and aspiring researchers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical (STEMM) disciplines. Guided by senior scientists and professors, the initiative is expected to foster cutting-edge research while preparing Indian talent to take global leadership roles in scientific innovation and discovery.

The Cabinet note underscored that the scheme will directly contribute to India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by raising the number of researchers per million population and expanding the pool of highly skilled human resources in the science and technology sector.

This move comes as a milestone in the 84-year history of the CSIR, which has played a central role in advancing India’s scientific and industrial research since its inception.

The umbrella scheme will operate through four key sub-schemes:

-Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships to encourage advanced research.

-Extramural Research and Fellowship Programmes, including the prestigious Bhatnagar Fellowship.

-Awards and Recognition Schemes to promote excellence in scientific research.

-Travel and Symposia Grants to enhance global knowledge sharing and collaboration.

India’s science and technology ecosystem has undergone transformative growth in the past decade, a trend that the new scheme seeks to accelerate. The government noted that sustained investments in R&D have significantly boosted India’s global ranking in innovation and research outputs.

I-ndia climbed to the 39th position in the Global Innovation Index 2024, issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

-The country is currently among the top three globally in scientific publications, as per data from the National Science Foundation (USA).

Officials said the continued support to young researchers under the new scheme will reinforce India’s status as a fast-rising global hub of innovation, while boosting collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions.

Government’s Vision for Innovation-Led GrowthThe Cabinet’s approval was described as part of the government’s long-term commitment to building a robust, innovation-driven research ecosystem in India.

By providing structured support for training, mentoring, and global exposure to researchers, the scheme is expected to expand opportunities for thousands of scholars and scientists in the coming years.

“The initiative reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of preparing Indian science and technology for global leadership in the 21st century, while accelerating R&D progress for present and future generations,” an official statement added.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar