Why in News?
The Union Cabinet cleared a proposal called ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ of the Department of Biotechnology.
The Union Cabinet also decided to merge 3 umbrella schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) into the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ programme.
What’s in Today’s Article?
- What is BioE3 Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing?
- What is the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ Programme?
What is BioE3 Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing?
- What is high-performance biomanufacturing? It involves -
- The production of products ranging from medicine to materials, tackling farming and food challenges, and
- Promoting the manufacturing of bio-based products through the integration of advanced biotechnological processes.
- Focus areas of the policy: It primarily concentrates on the following 6 strategic sectors:
- High-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers & enzymes;
- Smart proteins & functional foods;
- Precision biotherapeutics;
- Climate-resilient agriculture;
- Carbon capture & its utilisation; and
- Marine and space research.
- Key features of the policy: The BioE3 policy's key aspects involve -
- Supporting innovation-driven R&D and entrepreneurship across various thematic sectors.
- Expedite the development and commercialisation of technology through the establishment of Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundry.
- Bolster the Government's initiatives such as 'Net Zero' carbon economy and 'Lifestyle for Environment'.
- Guiding India towards accelerated 'Green Growth' by encouraging 'Circular Bioeconomy'.
- Nurture an advanced future that is more sustainable, innovative, and responsive to global challenges and sets out the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat.
- Significance:
- It will address some of the critical societal issues-such as climate change mitigation, food security and human health.
- It is important to build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem in India to accelerate cutting-edge innovations for developing bio-based products.
What is the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ Programme?
- Background:
- The DST acts as the nodal department for organising, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country.
- 3 central sector umbrella schemes were being implemented by DST towards promoting Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in the country viz.
- S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building,
- Research and Development and
- Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment.
- The Union Cabinet approved the merging of the above 3 schemes into a unified central sector scheme namely ‘Vigyan Dhara’.
- The primary objective of the 'Vigyan Dhara' scheme:
- To promote S&T capacity building as well as research, innovation and technology development towards strengthening the STI ecosystem in the country.
- Implementation of the scheme will strengthen the S&T infrastructure of the country by fostering well-equipped R&D labs in the Academic Institutions.
- The proposed outlay: For the implementation of the unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is Rs.10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
- Significance of the merger: It would enhance efficiency in fund utilisation and establish synchronisation among the sub-schemes/programs. For example,
- All the programs proposed under the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme would be aligned with the 5-year goals of DST towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
- The R&D component of the scheme will be aligned in line with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).