DSIR will support Common Research and Technology Development Hubs for MSMEs: Dr Harsh Vardhan

New Delhi, Feb 13 (KNN) As per the announcement in the Union Budget 2017-18, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) will extend support to Common Research and Technology Development Hubs for MSMEs by DSIR.

The Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Science Dr. Harsh Vardhan has expressed happiness for increased allocations for various departments relating to Science & Technology. 

Dr. Harsh Vardhan pointed out that there has been nearly an increase of about 10 percent from Rs.33467 crore to Rs.37435 crore.

The budget allocations for various departments relating to Ministry of S&T and Ministry of Earth Science have been substantially increased.

The Budget Proposal envisages the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research(DSIR) to extend support to Individual Innovators, Technology Developers and Demonstration Projects of Industry and Support to Common Research and Technology Development Hubs for MSMEs by DSIR.

It also aims to support National Lab Programme/Projects, Fast Track Translation Projects, S&T Intervention for Common People, Inter Ministerial/Agency Projects, New Millenium Technology Leadership Initiative, International S&T collaboration, Technology Incubation Center,Technology Park, building up of a Technology Development Fund by CSIR.

The Budget allocation for DSIR has been increased to Rs 4446 Cr against RE of Rs 4062 Cr in 2016-17.

The Department of Science & Technology(DST) will also take initiatives for Advanced Manufacturing Technology , Waste Management Technology, Bio Medical Devices and Science and Heritage Research Initiative, Programme on Electric Mobility and more.

For the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), a budget BE of Rs. 2222.11 crore has been allotted for 2017-18. This is an increase of nearly 22% over current year.

While the ongoing initiatives for supporting R&D ,infrastructure and human resource will continue, there will be a special emphasis on launching Mission Programmes  on (i ) Harnessing the Blue Economy -proposed as the Institute of Ocean Biology; (ii) Accelerating Discovery Research for Bio Pharma Product Development (iii) Biotech KISAN for improved interventions for agriculture; (iv) Start Up Innovation Eco System; (v) Clean Energy; (vi) Collaboration with Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovation(CEPI).

The Department will establish 3 new Biotech Clusters , Technology Transfer Offices, Bio Incubators, Bio Connect Offices in line with the National Biotechnology Strategy, said an official release.