The Vigyan Dhara scheme came into force with effect from 16.01.2025 after the merger of three umbrella schemes namely (1) Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building, (2) Research and Development and (3) Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The department has undertaken several proactive measures to raise awareness regarding the Vigyan Dhara scheme among educational institutions, research organization, and the general public. Adequate media coverage of the scheme was made through print, social and digital communication platforms. Detailed information about the various programmes under this scheme, have been made publicly accessible through official web portal. The officials of the department have also engaged themselves in interacting with the stakeholders to spread awareness about various programs/schemes of Vigyan Dhara.

The department maintains record of the number of beneficiaries who have availed benefits of the scheme. As per the record, 57,869 individual beneficiaries have availed the scheme, so far. The beneficiaries include young students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in class VI to X availing the benefits under INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) scheme that aims to attract young students to study science and pursue research career and also promote creative thinking and foster a culture of innovation among them.

Vigyan Dhara scheme is a central sector scheme and is being implemented at pan India level. The details of budget allocated and utilized since its inception are as follows:

Year	Allocated (Rs. In crore)	Utilized as on 10.03.2025 (Rs. In crore)
2024-25	330.75	89.10
2025-26	1425.00	-

In the state of Telengana, a total of 4002 beneficiaries have availed of the scheme and a total budget of Rs. 3.3 Crore has been utilized as on 10.03.2025.

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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NKR/PSM

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