Mapping Department Of Biotechnology: Schemes And Programmes

Policy Update
Meenu Mohan

History

The inception of DBT (Department of Biotechnology) in India was in 1986, when the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi established the Department of Biotechnology within the Ministry of Science and Technology, recognizing its importance for economic growth. India was one among the first countries to create a dedicated biotechnology department at that time. The groundwork was well set much earlier in 1982, when the National Biotechnology Board (NBTB) was established to pinpoint the critical areas and formulate long-term plans to build indigenous capabilities in this new emerging area.

Mandate

To ramp up the use of biotechnology, bringing progress in the field of research and development, and improvements in the production of biological science. DBT provides oversight of self-contained institutions, promotion of partnership between universities and industries, identification and establishment of Centres of Excellence for R&D and integrating programs for human resource development and it is the nodal point for international collaborations in specific areas. It lays emphasis on infrastructure development to support both R&D and production while evolving biosafety guidelines, especially for the manufacture and application of cell-based vaccines. It also encompasses becoming the node for information collection and sharing in terms of biotechnology.

Schemes and Initiatives

One Health Consortium

To enhance zoonotic disease governance via inclusive surveillance, coordination, and better research and preparedness towards pandemics, One Health Research Consortium comprises 27 organizations involved with interconnected health systems.

Portal for biological research regulatory approval (BioRRAP)

Common platform providing unique BioRRAP ID for a list of agencies required for research.

CTEP Conference, Travel, Exhibition, and Popular Lectures

Provides financial assistance towards organizing Conference/ Seminar/ Symposium/ Workshop and Travel support to the researchers for presenting their papers in the conferences which are being organized outside the country.

Project Manav

Development of a common database for human molecular networks for better understanding of biology related to diseases, diagnostics, and training of students. A Public-Private venture, it compiles molecular information, identifies knowledge gaps, and educates students.

GenomeIndia Project

Catalogue genetic diversity of Indians by sequencing 10,000 individual genomes. This helps provide reference genome, genetic markers for diseases, and personalized medicine.
- Ethical Considerations: Informed consent, Data protection, Participants privacy

Part of Biotechnology Sector Growth Strategy (2021-2025)

By placing India as a global bio-manufacturing destination, it aids the knowledge-driven Bio economy, which estimates $150 billion growth in the next few years.
Key Features: Human resource and Infrastructure development, Translational research, and Norm-setting frameworks.

Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network Scheme

To empower farmers with science-based solutions. It has served more than 1.6 lakh farmers.
Special Features: Hub-and-spoke model, local leadership, improved seeds, bio-fertilizers, and health management.

National Biopharma Mission

To accelerate indigenous biopharma development in India by encouraging entrepreneurship in biopharma
Special Features: Rs 1500 crore mission; four verticals; inter-ministerial Steering Committee

Distinguished Biotechnology Research Professorship Award Scheme

Grants for financial support and research grants to scientists fostering mentorship and leadership of young research groups.

LOTUS-HR Project and DBT-BIRAC Clean Tech Demo Park

LOTUS-HR Project: Demonstrate holistic management for wastewater to be clean and reusable water.
DBT-BIRAC Clean Tech Demo Park: Showcase innovative waste-to-value technologies.
Key Features: A joint India-Netherlands initiative, located at the Barapullah drain site involving various technologies and lots of educational tools.

Source: Annual Report 2023-24, DBT

Programmes

Fellowship and Training

DBT-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) Programme: Promotes research and nurtures talent through annual online exams.
DBT-RA (Research Associateship) Program: Trains young researchers in biotechnology and life sciences (initiated in 1999).
DBT PG Programme: Supports M.Sc. and M.Tech. programmes in biotechnology and allied areas.
M K Bhan Fellowship: Provides grants and support for young researchers post-PhD (launched in 2020-21).
BioCARe Programme: Enhances women’s participation in biotechnology research.

Source: Annual Report 2023-24, DBT

International Collaboration

Institute of Technology Bombay – Monash Joint PhD Programme: Indo-Australian partnership supporting PhD scholars.
TWAS Programme: Supports early-career researchers from developing countries (partnership with UNESCO-TWAS).
DBT-Wellcome Trust Partnership/India Alliance: Promotes biomedical research careers in India.
EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization) Membership and Support: Provides fellowships, grants, and workshops for Indian scientists (India became an associate member in 2016).
HFSPO (Human Science Frontier Programme): Supports interdisciplinary research with high potential (awarded grants and fellowships to Indian researchers in 2023).
DBT British Council PhD Placement Program: Offers short-term placements for PhD scholars in UK and India.
Khorana Programmes for Scholars: Provides internships at US labs for Indian pre-final year UG and PG students.

Source: Annual Report 2023-24, DBT

Skill Development and Outreach

Skill Vigyan Programme: Provides skill training across various domains in biotechnology (executed in 12 states).
Biotech Industrial Training Programme (BITP): Enhances job opportunities through industry-specific training.
DBT Star College Programme: Promotes outreach and networking among colleges in Aspirational districts.
DBT Outreach Programme: Supports conferences, travel, exhibitions, and lectures to raise awareness about biotechnology (includes CTEP component).
Foldscope Programme: Provides training workshops on using ultra-affordable paper microscopes in schools.

Source: Annual Report 2023-24, DBT

Research Infrastructure

Research Resources, Service Facilities and Platforms (RRSFP) Programme: Develops research infrastructure with two arms: DBT-BUILDER (upgrades labs) and DBT-SAHAJ (creates national service facilities).

Other Initiatives

DBT-BUILDER (Boost to University Interdisciplinary Life Science Departments): Upgrades laboratories and enhances interdisciplinary teaching and research capacity.

New Initiatives

Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics

Research Focus: Corn-based biopolymers, sustainable films/coatings, nano-cellulose, PGGA blends, algae-based plastics, bioconversion of wastes.
Implementation: Thirty institutions across India.
Goal: Develop sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and support plastic waste management.

Key Achievements

iSMAART: Ceramic membrane integrated anaerobic bioreactor for textile effluent treatment (90% dye decolourization, 70% COD reduction).
DNA Aptasensor: Point-of-care diagnostic device for E. coli detection in water and urine.
Marine Biosurfactant: Low-cost production of biosurfactant for oil removal from water.
Biosurfactant-Mediated Enhanced Oil Recovery: Use of molasses for biosurfactant production in a semi-continuous bioreactor.

References

Human Frontier Science Program. (n.d.). https://www.hfsp.org/
India Alliance – Advancing Discovery & Innovation to Improve Health. (n.d.). https://www.indiaalliance.org/
Integrated Government Online Directory. (n.d.). https://igod.gov.in/organization/d9KpHHUBGGphvn7w1-jZ/SPMA/list
Joint PhD Program, 2024 | IITB – Monash Research Academy | Apply Now. (n.d.). https://iitbmonash.org/phd_2024/#:~:text=Students%20in%20the%20joint%20IITB,35%2C000%20per%20annum%20in%20Australia.
Membership, E. (2024, September 11). About EMBO – Membership – EMBO. EMBO. https://www.embo.org/about-embo/membership/
Newton Bhabha Fund PhD Placements Programme | British Council. (n.d.). https://www.britishcouncil.in/programmes/higher-education/newton-fund/phd-placements
Welcome to DBT India. (n.d.). https://dbtindia.gov.in/about-us/annual-report/dbt

About the Contributor– Meenu Mohan is a Research Intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute, and holds a BSMS Degree in Mathematics from IISER, Bhopal.

Acknowledgement– The author extends sincere thanks to Dr. Arjun Kumar, Aasthaba Jadeja, Geetam Acharya, and Shivashish Narayan.