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).