State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 09 Jul 2025

Dholpur Science Centre Inaugurated to Boost Innovation

Why in News? 

The Union Minister of Science and Technology inaugurated the Dholpur Science Centre in Rajasthan, aiming to make it a vibrant hub of innovation and scientific curiosity for school children and youth in the region.

Key Points 

• Dholpur Science Centre: 
  • The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), in collaboration with the National Institute of Immunology (NII) and the National Science Centre, developed the Centre as part of a national initiative to establish science museums in aspirational districts. 
  • The Science Centre offers hands-on science experiences, STEM-based modules, and interactive exhibits designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among young minds. 
  • It embodies the government’s ‘Vigyan Setu’ concept, which bridges scientific institutions with underserved regions. 
  • The Centre aims to facilitate capacity-building for potential startups emerging from smaller towns, supporting the government's BioE3 vision—Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment vision of using biotechnology for rural empowerment. 
• BioE3 Policy: 
  • About: 
    • The BioE3 is aimed at fostering high-performance biomanufacturing, which involves the production of bio-based products across various sectors.  
    • The policy aligns with broader national goals such as achieving a 'Net Zero' carbon economy and promoting sustainable growth through a circular bioeconomy. 
  • Objectives:  
    • The BioE3 policy emphasizes innovation in research and development (R&D) and entrepreneurship, establishes Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundries, aims to expand India's skilled biotechnology workforce, aligns with 'Lifestyle for Environment' programs, and targets the development of regenerative bioeconomy models. 
      • The BioE3 Policy aims to generate significant employment, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities through the establishment of biomanufacturing hubs.  
        • These hubs will utilise local biomass, fostering regional economic growth and equitable development.  
    • The policy also emphasizes ethical biosafety and global regulatory alignment to boost India's global competitiveness while ensuring responsible biotechnology development. 

Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) 

• ADP, launched in January 2018, represents a targeted governance approach aimed at transforming 112 of India’s most underdeveloped districts. 
• Anchored by NITI Aayog and driven by the principles of convergence, collaboration, and competition, ADP seeks to address regional disparities. 
• Key Achievements: 
  • Data-Driven Approach: Progress is measured using 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across socio-economic themes. Monthly delta rankings encourage data-driven decision-making and accountability. 
  • Localized Implementation: States, as the main drivers, enable governance tailored to district-specific challenges, fostering competitive and cooperative federalism. 
  • Inclusion and SDG Localization: Focus on marginalized regions aligns with the “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB) principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 
  • Capacity Building: Collaboration among NITI Aayog, ministries, development partners, and district-level officers enhances governance capacity at the grassroots level. 
  • Improvements in Key Sectors: 
    • Health & Nutrition: Reduction in child malnutrition and maternal mortality through targeted interventions like Poshan Abhiyaan. 
    • Infrastructure Development: Accelerated rural electrification, housing, and road construction projects in backward areas.