On 4th January 2025, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) celebrated its 40th Foundation Day, marking four decades of fostering India's scientific and industrial development.
About DSIR
DSIR was established on 4th January 1985 through a Presidential Notification, operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It was created under the 164th Amendment of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. Since its inception, DSIR has focused on promoting indigenous technology development, utilization, and transfer, playing a pivotal role in India's progress toward self-reliance in science and technology.
Key Functions and Oversight
DSIR oversees several crucial institutions:
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)
- Central Electronics Ltd (CEL)
In addition to these, DSIR also supports the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), advancing India’s technological and industrial capabilities.
Key Schemes of DSIR
The department has launched several initiatives to support innovation and technology development:
PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups, and MSMEs): This scheme encourages innovators and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), fostering inclusive development as part of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017).
PACE (Patent Acquisition and Collaborative Research and Technology Development): PACE assists industries in acquiring patents and collaborating on research and technology development, aiming to commercialize innovative technologies.
CTRDH (Common Research and Technology Development Hubs): This initiative provides shared infrastructure and technology support for MSMEs, enhancing their capacity to innovate.
A2K+ (Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination): A2K+ promotes the dissemination of technological knowledge and innovations to industries and research bodies, ensuring that India remains competitive in the global market.
Conclusion
As DSIR marks its 40th Foundation Day, it reflects on its vital contributions to scientific progress and industrial innovation in India, and its ongoing commitment to self-reliance and inclusive growth.