Mapping Department of Scientific and Industrial Research: Schemes and Programmes

Policy Update
Meenu Mohan

History

The Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) was established in January 1985 under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It is responsible for promoting industrial research and development in India. The department also oversees various administrative functions such as personnel management, vigilance, foreign deputations, and welfare activities. 

Mandate

DSIR’s mandate includes promoting scientific and industrial research to enhance technological innovation and development. It implements initiatives like the Flexible Complementary Scheme (FCS) for Group ‘A’ scientists and manages various outreach and welfare activities. In 2023, DSIR organized the Special Campaign 3.0, focused on cleanliness, environmental awareness, and the launch of the “Recycling on Wheels Smart-ER Project,” an initiative aimed at recycling e-waste through mobile units.

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Figure 1: Organizational and Functional Structure

Industrial R&D Programme (IRD)

Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs (PRISM)
Supports individual innovators, start-ups, and MSMEs to convert ideas into working prototypes and commercialize innovations. Focuses on funding for prototype development and new technologies. 

Patent Acquisition and Collaborative Research & Technology Development (PACE)
Facilitates collaboration for technology acquisition and commercialization, focusing on patent acquisition and industry-research collaboration. Supports the transition from R&D to commercialization, with ongoing projects in large-scale production of secondary metabolites.

Building Industrial Research & Development and Common Research Facility (BIRD-crf)
Creates common R&D hubs for MSMEs, offering shared infrastructure to promote technological growth. Formerly included the Industrial R&D Promotion Program and IT & e-Governance, delinked post-2017.

Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)
Promotes technology development through three components:
(a) TDUPW – Promotes technology adoption by women, e.g., Bio-coal from Waste Coconut Shells, Zero-Calorie Stevia.
(b) Support to Studies – Analyzes emerging technologies for commercialization.
(c) Support to Events – Hosts seminars and conferences for industrial research and innovation.

Industrial R&D Promotion Programme

  1. Recognition of in-house R&D Units (RDI)
    The only scheme in the entire government set-up for benchmarking the industrial R&D. In-house R&D units recognized by DSIR are not only eligible for incentives (wherever applicable), but also for receiving funds for R&D from other government departments and agencies
  2.  Recognition of Scientific and Industrial Research Organizations (SIRO)
    DSIR began recognizing Scientific and Industrial Research Organizations (SIROs) from 1988 onwards for customs duty exemptions and eligibility for government funding. Recognition granted to SIROs is for duration ranging from one to three years.
  3.  Public Funded Research Institutions (PFRI)
    DSIR registers Public Funded Research Institutions for customs duty exemptions. From January 2023 to March 2024, 15 institutions were newly registered, and 61 received renewals.
  4.  Fiscal Incentives for Scientific Research (FI)
    DSIR granted fresh approvals to 27 companies under section 35 (2AB) of the Income Tax Act and extended approvals to 191 companies. R&D expenditures reported amounted to ₹17,666.41 crores.
  5. Commercial R&D companies approved by DSIR before 2007
    To promote research and development in commercial R&D companies, a ten-year income tax holiday for companies recognized under Section 80-IB(8A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Approval was granted for an initial period of 3 years and is extendable up to 10 years based on performance evaluation. The scheme was not extended after March 31, 2007 by the government.

Other Schemes from Annual Report 2023-24

Common Research and Technology Development Hubs (CRTDHs)
Encourages research and technology development activities by Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). Government grants will fund CRTDHs to support MSEs in R&D, innovation, and skill development. This will enhance productivity, competitiveness, and job creation.

Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT)
APCTT, a UN regional institution, helps Asia-Pacific countries build capacity in science, technology, and innovation. It promotes technology transfer and development to address global challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). APCTT fosters partnerships between governments, institutions, and the private sector to facilitate technology transfer and diffusion in the region.

Information Technology and e-Governance (IT-eG)
The IT-eG division was established to leverage IT for efficient and transparent governance within the Department. Its key activities include:

  • Infrastructure Development: Providing and maintaining IT equipment and software.
  • Networking: Upgrading and maintaining the LAN.
  • Office Automation: Implementing software for efficient record-keeping and process management.
  • IntraDSIR: Enhancing the internal portal with relevant information.
  • IT Training: Providing training to employees.
  • e-Reports: Digitizing important documents for public access.
  • Website: Enriching the website with downloadable forms and guidelines.

The division aims to create a citizen-centric, IT-enabled environment in line with the National e-Governance Action Plan.

Autonomous Institutions

CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research)
The CSIR is the National R&D organization providing scientific industrial research for India’s economic growth and human welfare. It has a country-wide network of forty laboratories and eighty field centers covering fundamental and applied R&D in all areas of science and technology barring atomic research, developing and nurturing S&T human resource for the country through extramural support and promoting scientific talent through awards, fellowships etc.

CDC (Consultancy Development Centre)
CDC (established 1986) promotes the consultancy profession in India. They offer various services to both consultants and clients, aiming to be the central hub for consultancy knowledge and development. This includes:

  • Education & Training: Providing programs for consultants and clients.
  • Connecting Consultants & Clients: Helping them find each other.
  • Resources: Offering publications, databases, and consultancy opportunities.
  • International Cooperation: Promoting Indian consultancy services abroad.
  • Quality & Standards: Working to improve the quality and integrity of consultancy services.

Assistance of PSEs (Public Sector Enterprises)

National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)
NRDC promotes and commercializes technologies developed by Indian R&D institutions. It has a vast repository of technologies in various fields and has facilitated technology transfer to numerous industries, leading to the establishment of small and medium-scale enterprises. NRDC also provides support to startups, including incubation services, financial assistance, and IP protection. Additionally, it implements government programs to promote technology development and commercialization.

Central Electronics Limited (CEL)
An enterprise dedicated to commercializing indigenous technologies developed by Indian research institutions, CEL has pioneered advancements in solar energy, railway signaling, and defense electronics. Its R&D efforts have resulted in numerous innovative products and technologies, recognized by prestigious awards like the National Award for R&D by DSIR. CEL’s commitment to technological innovation has solidified its position as a key player in India’s scientific and industrial landscape

References

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, Nandini Arya, and Arohi Sanyal for their inputs.

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