New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) To foster innovation and nurture young talent in the realm of research and development, the Cabinet has given the green light to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research/Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR/CSIR) scheme, totaling Rs 2,277.397 crore.

The initiative, known as the “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development” scheme, has been authorized for the duration of the 15th Finance Commission Cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26, as per the Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Administered by the CSIR, this scheme encompasses all R&D institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and universities nationwide.

This initiative offers an extensive platform for aspiring young researchers aiming to establish careers in academic institutions, national R&D laboratories, and the industry. Under the guidance of distinguished scientists and professors, the program is set to promote advancements in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical Sciences (STEMM), as outlined in a Cabinet note.

According to the note, the “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Scheme” plays a pivotal role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the S&T sector in India by increasing the number of researchers per million population.

This scheme has proven its significance by enhancing capacity and expanding the pool of high-caliber human resources in the S&T domain.

India has ascended to the 39th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2024, according to the ranking by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), with expectations of further improvement under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister.

Due to government backing for R&D, India now ranks among the top three countries for scientific paper publications, according to data from NSF, USA.

The DSIR's scheme is supporting thousands of research scholars and scientists whose contributions have significantly bolstered India's S&T achievements. This approval marks a historic milestone for CSIR, celebrating its 84 years of service to Indian scientific and industrial research, through the implementation of an umbrella scheme that accelerates the nation’s R&D progress for current and future generations.

This initiative also signifies the government’s dedication to building a robust, R&D-driven innovation ecosystem and positioning Indian science for global leadership in the 21st century.