India Boosts Science Budget Amid National Science Day Celebrations
NEW DELHI, February 28: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced a substantial increase in budget allocations for science departments, underscoring the Indian government’s commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation. Speaking at the National Science Day 2025 celebrations at Vigyan Bhavan, he highlighted the patronage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in fostering a culture of innovation in the country.
Significant Budget Increases for Science Departments
Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed impressive growth in budget allocations for various scientific departments over the years. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) saw its budget rise from ₹2,777 crore in 2013-14 to ₹28,509 crore in 2024-25, marking a staggering 926% increase. Similarly, the Department of Science and Industrial Research (DSIR) experienced a budget increase from ₹2,013 crore to ₹6,658 crore during the same period, reflecting a 230% rise. The Department of Space (DOS) also witnessed growth, with its budget expanding from ₹5,615 crore to ₹13,416 crore, a 139% increase. These figures illustrate the government’s dedication to enhancing India’s scientific capabilities and infrastructure.
During his address, Dr. Singh recalled Prime Minister Modi’s call to celebrate National Science Day with enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of science in national development. National Science Day, celebrated annually on February 28, commemorates the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist C.V. Raman in 1928, a milestone that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
New Initiatives and Innovations Launched
At the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a new initiative by the DST aimed at promoting Electric Vehicle Solutions, which will be spearheaded by startups in collaboration with the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA). This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance sustainable transportation solutions.
The minister also highlighted India’s transformation into a global hub for research and innovation, noting that the country has become the third-largest startup ecosystem worldwide. He pointed out that these youth-led deep-tech startups are addressing both domestic and global challenges, including cybersecurity, sustainable energy, and healthcare advancements.
Dr. Singh shared that a recent survey identified 5,352 Indian scientists among the top 2% globally, showcasing the country’s growing influence in the scientific community. He also noted India’s impressive rise in the Global Innovation Index, moving from 80th to 39th place in just ten years, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most innovative nations.
Commitment to Future Generations and Scientific Excellence
Emphasizing this year’s theme, “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat,” Dr. Singh dedicated National Science Day to the youth, encouraging them to build capacity and prepare for future challenges. He announced the inclusion of nine new institutes in the NIDHI-ITBIs Inclusive Technology Business Incubators, expanding the network to foster innovation across diverse regions.
Additionally, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between IIT Kanpur and HAB Biomass Pvt. Ltd. for developing a Green Corrosion Inhibitor from manure. The event also featured a technology transfer between CSIR-NBRI and Ankur Seeds, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering innovation.
Dr. Singh announced a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund for the space sector, aimed at supporting nearly 300 space startups in India. Furthermore, the government allocated ₹2,000 crore for Mission Mausam, a program focused on enhancing weather forecasting capabilities, and launched the Anusandhan National Research Fund (NRF) with a corpus of ₹50,000 crore to drive research excellence.
Collaboration and Future Prospects in Science
Dr. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ focusing on developing indigenous technologies tailored to India’s unique needs. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between various scientific departments and the private sector to create an environment conducive to innovation.
The celebration was attended by prominent figures, including Prof. A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR. Students from 22 states participated in the event, highlighting the nationwide enthusiasm for science and technology.
As India continues to invest in its scientific infrastructure and youth, the future looks promising for the nation’s role in global scientific advancements.
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