CSIR Scheme on Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD)

Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology

Context

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) / Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Scheme on “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD)”.
  • The scheme will have a total financial outlay of Rs. 2,277.397 crore for the Fifteenth Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).

About the Scheme

• Implementation: Managed by CSIR, the scheme will cover all R&D institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and universities across India.
• Objective: To provide a structured platform for young researchers to build careers in universities, industry, national R&D laboratories, and academic institutions.
• Focus Areas: The initiative targets growth in Science, Technology & Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical Sciences (STEMM).
• The CBHRD scheme consolidates four sub-schemes:
  • Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships: Support for young researchers pursuing advanced studies.
  • Extramural Research Scheme, Emeritus Scientist Scheme, and Bhatnagar Fellowship Programme: Encouraging research excellence and mentorship.
  • Promotion and Recognition of Excellence through Award Schemes: Recognizing outstanding contributions in science and technology.
  • Knowledge Sharing through Travel and Symposia Grant Schemes: Facilitating exposure to global research environments and collaborative opportunities.

Government Initiatives to Promote Innovation

• Impacting Research Innovation & Technology (IMPRINT): Encourages research and innovation in various engineering and technology domains.
• VigyanDhara Scheme: Operationalised to strengthen India’s STI ecosystem by enhancing S&T infrastructure, developing well-equipped R&D labs in academic institutions, and promoting research in critical sectors.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): It was set up by NITI Aayog in 2016  to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. AIM has created four programs to support these functions:
  • Atal Tinkering Labs
  • Atal Incubation Centers
  • Atal New India Challenges and Atal Grand Challenges
  • Mentor India.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), seeks to create a unified research ecosystem bridging science, humanities, and social sciences.
• Research parks at IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, IIT Chennai, have been established which provide an interface between entrepreneurship and Industry to establish their R&D units in collaboration with students & faculty members of the IITs.

India’s Progress

• Global Standing: 
  • India secured the 39th position among 133 global economies in the Global Innovation Index 2024, marking a significant improvement from its 81st rank in 2015.
  • India is now among the top three countries globally in terms of scientific paper publications, according to data from the National Science Foundation (NSF), USA.
• Growth in Startups: India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with over 1.92 lakh startups, up from just 500 in 2014. This growth is attributed to supportive policies and a vibrant innovation landscape.

Challenges

• Funding Constraints: Despite robust government support, private sector investment in R&D in India remains limited compared to global benchmarks, constraining large-scale innovation.
• Talent Retention Challenges: The brain drain persists, as skilled researchers are often drawn abroad by better infrastructure, funding, and career advancement opportunities.
• Global Competitiveness: India must accelerate its capabilities in frontier technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, deep-tech, and biotechnology to maintain and enhance its global standing.

Way Ahead

• India’s concerted efforts in strengthening its research and innovation ecosystem reflect a strategic vision to become a global leader in science and technology. 
• Continued focus on talent retention, technology commercialization, and global partnerships will ensure that India not only addresses national challenges but also contributes significantly to global scientific progress, driving sustainable growth and technological self-reliance.

Source: PIB