Development of Science and Technology in Rajasthan has played a vital role in transforming the state’s social and economic landscape. Under the subject Technology, Rajasthan has made remarkable progress in fields like solar energy, biotechnology, and digital services, promoting innovation and sustainable development across the region.
Development of Science and Technology in Rajasthan
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) in Rajasthan has undertaken several initiatives to enhance the state’s socio-economic status through the promotion of science and technology. Here are the key steps taken by DST:
Policy Framework
- Rajasthan State Policy on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) 2021-2026: This policy aims to create awareness about IPR and facilitate patent filing in the region, enhancing innovation and protecting creators’ rights.
- Rajasthan Biotechnology Policy 2015: Focused on promoting biotechnology research and development, this policy supports initiatives in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Entrepreneurship Development
- iStart Scheme: Launched to support startups in Rajasthan, providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities through a dedicated platform.
- KARYA Scheme: Introduced in 2018 to offer fellowships for young aspirants in science subjects, encouraging research and innovation among students.
- Rajasthan Startup policy 2022
Community Engagement and Popularization
- Children’s Science Congress: An annual event aimed at fostering scientific curiosity among children.
- Science Centres and Parks: Plans to establish science parks in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur to promote interactive learning and public engagement with science.
- Academic Kishori Mela: Events designed to engage young women in science, promoting gender inclusivity in STEM fields.
- Scientific Exhibitions: Under the Rashtriya Avishkar Yojna, the government supports scientific clubs in schools with financial assistance to promote scientific inquiry among students.
Research and Development
- Research and Development Division: Promotes application-oriented research through collaborations with national laboratories and institutions.
- Patent Information Centre: Established to assist local innovators with patent applications and IPR awareness.
- Rajasthan Centre of Advanced Technology (RCAT): This international-level institute aims to enhance technological education and research capabilities in the state.
Educational Initiatives
- Support for Science Clubs: Financial assistance of ₹10,000 is provided to science clubs in 5,000 government schools under the Rashtriya Avishkar Yojna to encourage scientific exploration among students.
- Bootcamp and School Startup Program: Aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial skills among school students.
Digital Age Skills Development
- Institutions like the Rajiv Gandhi Centre of Advanced Learning focus on equipping students with digital skills relevant for the modern workforce.
- STEM Coaching via SATCOM Facilities.
Infrastructure Development
- IT Parks: Development of IT parks in cities like Kota and Jaipur to foster a conducive environment for tech startups.
- Planetariums: The government is constructing planetariums in Jodhpur, Kota, and Udaipur, each with an investment of approximately ₹10 crore to enhance public interest in astronomy
- APJ Abdul Kalam Institute of Biotechnology: This institute will focus on research and development in health, agriculture, and bioinformatics, with an estimated cost of ₹300 crore.
Government policies related to Science and Technology
Science and Technology Policies
- Science Policy Resolution (SPR) – 1958
- Laid the foundation for using science and technology to address national challenges.
- Focused on fostering a scientific temper, promoting research, and establishing institutions like CSIR and DRDO to enhance scientific capabilities.
- Technology Policy Statement (TPS) – 1983
- Aimed at achieving technological self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign technology.
- Promoted indigenous technology and encouraged R&D across sectors.
- Science and Technology Policy (STP) – 2003
- Boosted investments in R&D and linked science with socio-economic development.
- Focused on building research institutions, promoting intellectual property rights (IPR), and encouraging private-sector participation.
- Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) – 2013
- Positioned India among the top five global scientific powers.
- Fostered innovation for societal benefits, aimed to increase R&D expenditure to 2% of GDP, and emphasized public-private partnerships.
- Draft 5th Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) – 2020
- Focused on making science and technology inclusive and driving innovation for national progress.
- Emphasized decentralized funding for grassroots innovation and developing indigenous technologies for sustainability.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policies
- National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) – 1982
- Promoted innovation-driven entrepreneurship in science and technology. Established incubation centers and supported women in STEM fields.
- NIDHI (2016): Helps innovators and startups transform their ideas into successful startups.
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) – 2016
- Fostered innovation and entrepreneurship through Atal Tinkering Labs and Incubators. Established over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools.
- National Innovation and Startup Policy (NISP) – 2019
- Fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education institutions. Facilitated the setup of incubation centers and technology transfer.
- Make in India (2014) and Startup India (2016)
- Promoted innovation, entrepreneurship, and domestic manufacturing in science and technology.
Sector-Specific Policies
- National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS) – 2007, 2015, 2020
- Promoted biotechnology for healthcare, agriculture, and industrial development.
- Focused on biopharma, bio-agriculture, and bio-energy, and supported startups through BIRAC.
- National Policy on Electronics (NPE) – 2019
- Aimed to create a $400 billion electronics manufacturing industry by 2025.
- Focused on R&D in electronic components, semiconductors, and emerging technologies.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Electronics
- Encourages domestic manufacturing of electronics, semiconductors, and telecom products.
- India Semiconductor Mission (2021)
- Supports semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation to make India a global semiconductor hub.
Digital and Communication Policies
- Digital India Initiative (2015)
- Accelerates digital infrastructure, internet accessibility, and IT-enabled services.
- National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) – 2018
- Promoted advanced technologies like 5G, IoT, and AI in telecommunications.
- Enabled India’s transition into a digitally connected society.
- Cyber Security Policy – 2013 (Revised Draft 2021)
- Protected critical information infrastructure and ensured safe cyberspace for citizens.
- Established CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team) and addressed emerging threats.
Education and Skill Development Policies
- New Education Policy (NEP) – 2020
- Promotes STEM education, vocational training, and integration of technology in learning.
- Skill India Mission – 2015
- Built a skilled workforce to support science and technology-driven industries. Focused on training in areas like AI, blockchain, IoT, and machine learning.
- Pradhan Mantri Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA) – 2017
- Achieved digital literacy in rural India. Trained over 6.6 crore candidates for basic digital skills.
Space and Quantum Policies
- National Quantum Mission (2023)
- Focuses on quantum computing, communication, and sensing to position India as a global quantum leader.
- Gaganyaan Mission and Space Policies
- India’s human spaceflight mission, supported by ISRO’s space exploration and private sector participation under New Indian space policy 2023.
Research and Development (R&D) Policies
- National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) – 2015
- Built a network of 70 supercomputers across India for advanced R&D.
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
- Supports biotech innovation and entrepreneurship with funding and mentorship.
- National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)
- Focuses on AI, robotics, IoT, and advanced manufacturing to enhance India’s technological competitiveness.
Renewable Energy Policies
- National Solar Mission
- Promotes R&D in solar technologies.
- Green Hydrogen Mission
- Focuses on R&D in hydrogen technologies.
Governance and Data Policies
- National Data Governance Policy (NGDP)
- Formation of a National Data Governance Policy to provide academia and startups with anonymized data.
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023)
- Personal data may be processed only for a lawful purpose upon consent.
- Grants rights to individuals like correction, erasure, and grievance redressal.
- The central government will establish the Data Protection Board of India to adjudicate on non-compliance.
Development of Science and Technology in Rajasthan / Development of Science and Technology in Rajasthan/ Development of Science and Technology in Rajasthan
FAQ (Previous year questions)
The department of tourism has launched several innovative digital measures under draft Rajasthan Tourism Policy to enhance tourist experiences and promotion:
AI-powered Tourism App & Chatbot: Real-time traveler assistance for bookings, itineraries, and local tips.
Digital Project Management Information System (PMIS): Physical and financial progress of works, fund utilization, bottlenecks, etc. can be tracked on real-time basis.
High-quality Digital Maps and Guidebooks
Digital Museums and Interpretation Centres: Using available digital technologies e.g. augmented reality, virtual reality, interactive designs, augmented space display, 3-D video projection mapping, etc.
E‑Ticketing & Free Wi‑Fi: Enabled at major sites, improving visitor convenience (e.g., Amber Fort).
Digital Marketing Campaigns: Strengthened SEO, PPC, and social‑media campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), influencer tie‑ups; awarded “Best Digital Marketing Award” at IATO 2024.
Audio-Visual Content: Short films/clips on heritage (e.g., Maati baandhe painjanee), crafts, and offbeat locales (e.g., Jaipur’s Cultural Diaries at Albert Hall).
Breed Improvement Programme
The Breed Improvement Programme aims to enhance the productivity, disease resistance and genetic quality of livestock in Rajasthan.
It Focuses on both cattle (for milk and meat) and sheep/goats (for wool, meat, and milk).
Key Objectives:
Improvement of Local Breeds: Enhancing the genetic potential of indigenous breeds like Rathi, Kankrej cattle, and Murrah buffalo through selective breeding.
Crossbreeding: Introducing high-yielding exotic breeds (like Holstein Friesian) to increase milk production.
Genetic Upgradation: Adoption of modern genetic technologies such as Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) to improve breed quality.
Subprograms under Breed Improvement Programme:
Indigenous Breed Improvement Programme
Pig Breeding Programme
Goat Development Programme
Sheep Breeding Programme
Impact:
Enhanced milk and meat production.
Improved genetic diversity and productivity in the livestock sector.
Increased income for farmers, especially in rural areas, through enhanced breed quality.
The Animal Husbandry Department in the state is currently implementing the following schemes for the conservation and development of indigenous breeds of cows and buffaloes:
Breed Improvement through Artificial Insemination: Through departmental institutions, artificial insemination is carried out in female animals using the cooled semen of high-yielding indigenous cattle breeds (Gir, Rathi, Tharparkar, Sahiwal, Malvi, Haryana, Nagori, and Kankrej) and buffalo breeds (Murrah and Surti).
Nationalized Artificial Insemination Program: In collaboration with the central government, free artificial insemination services are provided across all districts.
Castration of Unproductive Animals: Under this scheme, castration is performed on unproductive and unclassified bulls and male calves to prevent them from being capable of reproduction.
Infertility Prevention Camps: Provision has been made for organizing an infertility prevention and veterinary health camp every month to provide proper treatment for non-productive animals.
Sex-Sorted Semen Artificial Insemination Scheme (2024-25 Budget Announcement): Introduced under the MIG Scheme with 75% subsidy. Ensures ~90% female calf births, boosting milk production and reducing stray male cattle.
National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)
Launched: In 2015 ( For 7 years 2015-2022) (Budget: ₹4,500 crore)
Aim: To connect national academic and R&D institutions with a grid (National Knowledge Network) of more than 70 high-performance computing facilities.
Objectives: Create an ecosystem for positioning India as a major power for supercomputing and attain global competitiveness and self-reliance in HPC.
Steered jointly by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
Implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
Achievements of the mission
A total capacity of 24.83 PF HPC machines are built. [Example: PARAM Siddhi-AI (5.26 petaflops, among Top 100 globally, PARAM Pravega (3.3 petaflops, IISc Bengaluru), PARAM Shivay (IIT-BHU), PARAM Shakti (IIT-Kharagpur)]
Development of Rudra server board 1.0, Trinetra HPC interconnects, HPC system software stack 1.1 and various benchmarks (cloud, HPC) applications.
17500 people have been trained so far in High Performance Computing.
