Department of Science and Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is a department within the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of India. It was established in May 1971 with the objective of promoting research and development (R&D) in various fields of science and technology, and to play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the country.

Vision and Mission

The vision of the DST is to enable India to become a global knowledge power by promoting scientific research, nurturing innovation, and fostering technological development. The mission of the department is to strengthen the R&D base of the country through funding, policy formulation, and creation of necessary infrastructure.

Organizational Structure

The DST is headed by the Minister of Science and Technology, who is assisted by a Secretary and several other officers. The department has several autonomous institutions, professional bodies, and statutory bodies under its purview, such as:

• Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
• Technology Development Board (TDB)
• National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB)
• Survey of India (SoI)
• Autonomous Institutions like the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), the Raman Research Institute (RRI), and the Bose Institute.

Key Programs and Initiatives

The DST implements several programs and initiatives to support scientific research, technology development, and innovation in the country. Some of the key programs include:

• Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM): This program supports research in yoga and meditation to explore their potential for physical and mental health, and to promote their integration into the healthcare system.
• Science and Technology of Quantum Technologies (QuST): This program aims to develop quantum technologies for secure communication, computing, and cryptography.
• Scientific and Useful Profound Research Advancement (SUPRA): This program provides funding support for high-risk, high-reward research projects in various fields of science and technology.
• Fund for Improvement of Science and Technology Infrastructure (FIST): This program provides financial assistance to universities and research institutions for the creation and upgrading of infrastructure facilities for research.
• Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIF): This program provides access to sophisticated analytical instruments to researchers across the country through a network of facilities.

International Cooperation

The DST actively promotes international cooperation in science and technology through bilateral and multilateral agreements with various countries and international organizations. The department has established joint research centers and programs with countries like the United States, Germany, France, and Japan, among others.

The DST also represents India in various international forums related to science and technology, such as the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Cooperation, the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Cooperation, and the India-EU Science and Technology Cooperation.

Achievements

The DST has made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in India over the past five decades. Some of the notable achievements of the department include:

• Establishment of the Indian Antarctic Program and the setting up of research stations in Antarctica.
• Development of indigenous technologies for supercomputers, parallel processing, and high-speed networks.
• Promotion of technology-based entrepreneurship through the establishment of Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Parks (STEPs) and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).
• Successful completion of the First Indian Moon Mission, Chandrayaan-1, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• Establishment of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) to promote research and development in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The Department of Science and Technology has played a crucial role in the promotion of scientific research, technological development, and innovation in India. Through its various programs, initiatives, and international collaborations, the DST has contributed significantly to the country’s socio-economic development and has helped position India as a global leader in science and technology. As India faces new challenges in the 21st century, the DST will continue to play a vital role in shaping the country’s scientific and technological landscape.