CONTENTS
- Bio-RIDE Scheme
- SUBHADRA Scheme
Bio-RIDE Scheme
Context:
Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister of India approved continuation of the two umbrella schemes of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), merged as one scheme-‘Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio- RIDE).
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- Bio-RIDE Initiative
- Strategic Implementation Focus
Bio-RIDE Initiative:
- The Bio-RIDE scheme is crafted to catalyze innovation, bolster bio-entrepreneurship, and position India as a foremost player in the global biomanufacturing and biotechnology sector.
- The initiative seeks to expedite research, enhance the development of products, and seamlessly integrate academic research into industrial applications.
Components of the Scheme:
- Research and Development: Focus on advancing biotechnology research.
- Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development: Aimed at boosting industrial growth and entrepreneurship within the biotech sector.
- Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry: A novel addition targeting advancements in biomanufacturing.
Mission and Funding:
- Mission Alignment: Aligns with India’s strategy to leverage bio-innovation for addressing key challenges in health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and energy.
- Financial Layout: An allocation of Rs.9197 crore has been earmarked for the duration of the 15th Finance Commission cycle from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026.
Strategic Implementation Focus:
- Promoting Bio-Entrepreneurship: Fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem through seed funding, incubation support, and mentorship for bio-entrepreneurs.
- Advancing Innovation: Offering grants and incentives for pioneering research in fields like synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics.
- Enhancing Industry-Academia Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between academia, research bodies, and the industry to hasten the commercialization of biotechnological innovations.
- Supporting Sustainable Biomanufacturing: Emphasizing environmentally friendly practices in biomanufacturing that align with India’s ecological goals.
- Extramural Research Support: Providing significant funding to bolster scientific research and technological advancements across various biotechnological domains.
- Human Resource Development: Dedicated to enriching the skill set and capabilities of students, young researchers, and scientists in the biotechnology sector.
SUBHADRA Scheme
Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister of India launched ‘SUBHADRA’, the flagship Scheme of Government of Odisha, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
SUBHADRA Scheme:
- Naming: Named after Goddess Subhadra, associated with the deity Lord Jagannath of Odisha.
- Beneficiaries: Women aged 21-60 years, specifically those not from affluent backgrounds or receiving significant government aid, are eligible.
- Financial Benefit: Eligible women receive Rs. 50,000 distributed over five years (2024-2029) in semi-annual installments of Rs. 10,000 each.
Operational Mechanics:
- Direct Deposit: Funds are directly deposited into the beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked and DBT-enabled bank accounts.
- Digital Verification: Enrollment requires mandatory e-KYC verification.
- Incentives: Special incentives of Rs. 500 are awarded to the top 100 digitally active beneficiaries per gram panchayat and urban area.
- Exclusions: Excludes women from high-income families, government employees, tax payers, and those receiving Rs. 1,500 monthly or Rs. 18,000 annually from other government programs.
Enrollment Process:
- Continuous Registration: No deadline for registration, allowing ongoing enrollment until all eligible women are registered.
- Accessibility: The inclusion of a Subhadra Debit Card to facilitate financial transactions.
