The Department of Science and Technology implements the Vigyan Dhara Scheme as a Central Sector Scheme across the country. To strengthen scientific infrastructure, the scheme supports various components on a competitive basis, such as the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST), Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE), Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIF), Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes (SATHI), and Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE). Through these components, numerous projects have been supported for the development of scientific infrastructure across various States and Union Territories, including the State of Andhra Pradesh.

Details of support provided for the development of scientific infrastructure under Vigyan Dhara in various States and Union Territories:

 

 

Details of support provided for the development of scientific infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh:

Component Name / Program	Funds Allocated (in Crores)	Number of Supported Projects	Institutions name and address	Details of Scientific infrastructural facilities supported
PURSE	3.45	1	Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Guntur ( Dt).	Atomic Force Microscope, EM Scanner and EMI/EMC Test Bench, Glove box with Spin coater, RF Sputtering, Prototype Machine, High Precision Inkjet Printer, Electromagnetic Simulation tool and Safety infrastructure
CURIE	0.42	1	Sri Venkateswara College of Nursing RVS Nagar, Tirupati	2D Ultrasound Machine, ABG Machine, Ambu Bag Resuscitator, Cardiac Monitor, Defibrillator, USG Mammogram, Infusion Pump, Incubator Neonatal, ECG Machine, Ventilator

 

Under the Vigyan Dhara scheme, the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations – Inclusive Technology Business Incubators (NIDHI-iTBI) program is actively supporting innovators and startups by providing essential infrastructure, including prototyping labs and related facilities. As part of this initiative, DST has established NIDHI-iTBIs at NIT Silchar in Assam and NIT Agartala in Tripura. Additionally, under the Technology, Translation and Innovation (TTI) Division’s program, two Centres of Excellence focused on Agricultural Residue Management have been set up at VNIT Nagpur in Maharashtra and Chitkara University in Punjab.

To promote balanced regional distribution of scientific infrastructure, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) extends support to a wide range of centrally funded institutions including IITs, NITs, AIIMSs, IISERs, and IISc as well as State Universities, Postgraduate Colleges, and private academic institutions across various States and Union Territories through its infrastructure development programs. The selection process is designed to be inclusive, with a strong emphasis on ensuring regional equity. In line with this objective, DST launched a special call in 2022 under the PURSE initiative to specifically support underrepresented regions such as the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and several Central and Eastern states, enabling universities in these areas to strengthen their scientific infrastructure. This dual approach targeting underserved regions while maintaining national competitiveness underscores DST’s commitment to fostering inclusive and balanced scientific growth across the country.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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NKR/PSM/AV

(Release ID: 2147240)