NEW DELHI, February 28: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has announced a substantial increase in the budget for science departments, underscoring the Modi Government’s dedication to advancing science, technology, and innovation.
During the observations for “National Science Day” at Vigyan Bhawan, Dr. Singh highlighted the considerable growth in budget allocations across various departments over the years. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) saw its budget rise from ₹2777 crore in 2013-14 to ₹28,509 crore in 2024-25, representing a staggering 926% increase. The Department of Science and Industrial Research (DSIR) experienced a budget increase from ₹2013 crore in 2013-14 to ₹6658 crore in 2024-25, a 230% rise. Additionally, the Department of Space (DOS) saw its budget grow from ₹5615 crore in 2013-14 to ₹13,416 crore in 2024-25, reflecting a 139% increase.
As part of the celebrations, Dr. Singh recalled Prime Minister Modi’s call in “Man Ki Baat” for a joyful observance of this year’s National Science Day.
National Science Day is celebrated annually on February 28 in India, commemorating the discovery of the Raman Effect by physicist C.V. Raman in 1928, a landmark achievement in light scattering for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
During the event, Dr. Singh introduced a new DST initiative focused on Electric Vehicle Solutions, spearheaded by startups collaborating with the Ministry of Heavy Industries and ACMA.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, stated, “India is on a transformative journey to establish itself as a global hub for research, innovation, and scientific excellence, aiming for Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Reflecting on the last decade of scientific progress, Dr. Singh noted that India has developed into the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with a rising number of youth-led deep-tech startups tackling local challenges and contributing solutions to global issues such as cybersecurity, data privacy, sustainable energy, healthcare advancements, and smart manufacturing.
He reported that as of December 31, a survey indicated that 5352 Indian scientific minds rank among the top 2 percent globally. Citing India’s improvement in the Global Innovation Index, Dr. Singh noted, “In just ten years, India has climbed from the 80th to the 39th position, solidifying its status among the world’s most innovative countries.”
The minister reflected on significant scientific milestones, including the historic Chandrayaan-3 mission to the moon’s south pole, making India the first nation to achieve this remarkable accomplishment. He also mentioned the successful launch of ISRO’s SPADEX mission on December 30, 2024, a groundbreaking spacecraft project for rendezvous, docking, and undocking.
Dr. Singh emphasized India’s readiness to make a significant impact in the global quantum technology sphere, focusing on quantum computing, communication, and cryptography. The youth-driven startups in deep-tech are leading the way in formulating global solutions.
Highlighting this year’s theme, “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat,” Dr. Singh emphasized the nation’s investment in its young scientists, dedicating National Science Day to youth, empowering them to build capacity and prepare for leadership roles by 2047.
He revealed that patent filings reached an impressive total of 64,480, with approximately 55.2 percent filed by resident Indians, showcasing a significant shift towards innovation and intellectual property creation within the country.
During the event, the inclusion of nine new institutes into the NIDHI- iTBIs (Inclusive Technology Business Incubators) was announced, joining 50 existing institutions such as:
– National Engineering College, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu
– GITAM, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
– Indian Institute of Management, Jammu, J&K
– Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha
– Sanskriti University, Mathura, UP
– AIIMS, Patna, Bihar
– Sona College of Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu
– Assam Down Town University, Assam
– Sangam University, Bhilwara, Rajasthan
Additionally, an MoU was signed between IIT Kanpur and HAB Biomass Pvt. Ltd. regarding a Green Corrosion Inhibitor from manure developed by the SHRI Cell of DST. The event also featured a technology transfer between CSIR-NBRI and Ankur Seeds, Nagpur, and Dr. Singh released the Compendium of Selected Projects from the 31st NCSTC.
Nine more universities were supported under the PURSE program across various scientific themes with a total allocation of ₹75 crore. The supported institutions are:
– Central University of South Bihar
– Central University of Tamil Nadu
– Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Chhattisgarh
– Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Uttarakhand
– Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana
– Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh
– Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Maharashtra
– Tezpur University, Assam
– Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Uttar Pradesh
In a landmark initiative, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund dedicated to the space sector, approved by the Cabinet to support India’s growing pool of nearly 300 space startups, positioning the country as a leader in the space industry.
The government has allocated ₹2,000 crore for Mission Mausam, a national initiative geared towards improving weather forecasting abilities. Furthermore, the launch of the Anusandhan National Research Fund (NRF) with an allocation of ₹50,000 crore marks a monumental advancement in ensuring that scientific progress in India is driven by research excellence and innovation.
Dr. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to realizing the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ through the development of indigenous technologies that cater to India’s unique needs. The Ministry of Science and Technology is committed to ensuring that innovations transition from the lab to the field, benefitting local communities while establishing India as a global leader in science and technology.
The importance of collaboration between various scientific departments and the private sector was emphasized by Dr. Singh. The government’s initiatives aim to create an environment conducive to scientific innovation, ensuring that research and development meet the needs of both public and private sectors.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Prof. A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR and Secretary of DSIR; Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST; Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT; Sh. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space; along with Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Head of NCSTC. Senior officials from State S&T Councils and students from schools and colleges across 22 states in India participated in the Science Day celebrations online.
