New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research – DSIR Capacity Building Scheme – officially titled “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development,” with an allocation of Rs.2,277.397 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 under the Fifteenth Finance Commission cycle.
Implemented by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the DSIR capacity building scheme is designed to strengthen research across R&D institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and universities nationwide.
The initiative provides a platform for young and enthusiastic researchers to build careers in universities, industries, national laboratories, and other academic institutions, guided by eminent scientists and professors.
Also Read: CSIR Foundation Day: ANRF CEO Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Outlines Research Vision
It emphasizes development in Science, Technology & Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical Sciences (STEMM).
DSIR Capacity Building Scheme: Strengthening Indian R&D Ecosystem
The DSIR Capacity Building Scheme is pivotal in helping India achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the science and technology sector by increasing the number of researchers per million population.
It has effectively enhanced the pool of high-quality human resources in STEMM, supporting thousands of scholars and scientists whose research outputs have contributed significantly to India’s scientific achievements.
Government-supported R&D initiatives over the last decade have elevated India’s standing in the Global Innovation Index (GII) to 39th in 2024, according to WIPO, while India ranks among the top three globally in scientific paper publications, as per NSF, USA.
Also Read: CSIR-NCL and Covestro Partner for Breakthrough in Polyurethane Upcycling
Celebrating 84 years of service, CSIR’s umbrella scheme includes four sub-schemes: Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships, Extramural Research Scheme, Emeritus Scientist Scheme, and Bhatnagar Fellowship Programme, Promotion and Recognition of Excellence through Award Schemes, and Travel and Symposia Grant Scheme for knowledge sharing.
This approval marks a historic milestone in India’s R&D journey, reflecting the Government’s dedication to building a robust innovation ecosystem and preparing Indian science for global leadership in the 21st century.
