Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to be Chief Guest at Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Foundation Day Celebration

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and Vice President CSIR Dr. Jitendra Singh will be Chief guest at the Foundation Day Celebration of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to be held at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi on 5th January, 2024. Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member (S&T), NITI Aayog and Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, PSA to the Government of India will be guests of honour at the celebration.

With a mandate to promote indigenous industrial research, focusing on technology development, utilization and transfer, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) was established under the Ministry of Science and Technology vide Presidential Notification on January 4, 1985. The primary goal is to stimulate research and development (R&D) within industries, assisting them in creating globally competitive, commercially viable technologies.

DSIR endeavors to expedite the commercialization of laboratory-scale R&D, strengthen technology transfer capabilities, increase the contribution of technology-intensive exports to overall exports, bolster industrial consultancy, and establish a user-friendly information network to facilitate scientific and industrial research nationwide.

Under its administrative purview, DSIR oversees the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an autonomous organization, along with two public sector enterprises—National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and Central Electronics Ltd (CEL). Furthermore, DSIR extends host facilities and assistance to the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), a regional institution affiliated with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UN-ESCAP). This multifaceted approach underscores DSIR’s commitment to fostering scientific and industrial advancements within the country.

Though founded in January 4th, 1985, DSIR would be observing its Foundation Day function on January 5th, 2024 at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi from 1:00 PM onwards.

DSIR foundation day would highlight the Departments pivotal role in implementing various programs for like (i) granting recognition/registration to In-house Research and Development (R&D) centers established by industries in India, Scientific and Industrial Research Organizations (SIROs) and Public-funded research institutions; (ii) Implementing PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups, and MSMEs) scheme, aligned with the inclusive development agenda by supporting individual innovators and organizations with an aim to foster innovation for inclusive development; (iii) Implementing ‘Patent Acquisition and Collaborative Research and Technology Development (PACE)’ scheme, by offering crucial support to industries and institutions for facilitating the development and demonstration of innovative product and process technologies. (iv) implementing Common Research and Technology Development Hubs (CRTDH) program aimed at promoting the growth of MSMEs through shared infrastructure, technology support, and access to specialized services to public-funded institutions closely linked to and in proximity with MSME clusters; and (v) implementing A2K+ scheme where Events sub-scheme fosters collaboration and insights on industrial research & technological innovation. Studies sub-scheme supports studies in emerging technology areas, while TDUPW sub-scheme aims to enhance women’s technological capabilities, while setting up Skill Satellite Centres to uplift the socio-economic status of women.

Foundation day would not only acknowledge the establishment but also serve as a pivotal occasion to reflect upon and celebrate the journey, accomplishments, and profound contributions of the Department to the realm of science. This momentous celebration brings together scientists, researchers, and collaborators in a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose. The Foundation Day would serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the department to scientific excellence and the dissemination of knowledge. It would set the stage for future endeavors, encouraging to look ahead with optimism and determination as the nation continue to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. Foundation Day encapsulates the essence of Department’s ethos and the collective passion in carrying forward the mandate of DSIR in Industrial research for indigenous technology development, promotion, utilization and transfer.