The Institutional structure of India’s Science and Technology Organisations
Department of Science and Technology (DST) is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Science and Technology established in May 1971. DST was established for the promotion of new areas of Science and Technology where DST was to act as the nodal department for the organization, coordination, and promotion of Science and Technology activities in the country. DST gives financial support and funds to various scientific projects in India and supports Indian researchers to attend conferences held abroad. It supports open access to the scientific knowledge for the public funded research experiment works in India.
DST has the responsibility of formulation of Science and Technology policies, their implementation, identification, and promotion of research in different sectors of S&T. It acts as the nodal agency for international collaboration in Science and Technology with friendly countries and promotion of Science and Technology activities in India.
Mandate and responsibilities of DST
· DST formulates the policies related to science and technology in India.
· It looks after the matters related to the Scientific Advisory Committee to Cabinet (SAC-C).
· It promotes Science and Technology through R&D in research institutions for the development of indigenous technologies related to biofuel production, processing, and coordination with concerned department or ministry etc.
· Coordination and integration of various sectors of Science and Technology having cross-sectoral linkages with Institutions and departments having interest and capabilities.
· Financial sponsorship of scientific and technological surveys, research design and development.
· Grant in aid and financial support to research institutions, scientific bodies, and associations.
· Issues which affects scientific and technological departments, Institutions and organizations.
· Management information systems for S&T and it's coordination.
· Matters related to domestic Technology especially promotion of ventures which involves commercialization of Technology other than those under the DSIR.
· Steps required for the promotion of S&T and their application for the development and security of the country.
· Promotion of S&T at the state, district and village levels through Science and Technology state councils etc.
· The utilization of S&T for women, weaker sections, and socially disadvantaged sections of society.
· Apart from these, it deals with all the matters related to Science and Engineering Research Council, National Council for Science and Technology Communication, National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board, National Innovation Foundation Ahmedabad etc.