Department of Science & Technology (DST) was established in May 1971, with the objective of promoting new areas of Science & Technology and to play the role of a nodal department for organising, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country. The Department has major responsibilities for specific projects and programmes as listed below:

  • Formulation of policies relating to Science and Technology.
  • Matters relating to the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Cabinet (SACC).
  • Promotion of new areas of Science and Technology with special emphasis on emerging areas.
    • Research and Development through its research institutions or laboratories for development of indigenous technologies concerning bio-fuel production, processing, standardization and applications, in co-ordination with the concerned Ministry or Department;
    • Research and Development activities to promote utilization of by-products to development value added chemicals.
  • Futurology.
  • Coordination and integration of areas of Science & Technology having cross-sectoral linkages in which a number of institutions and departments have interest and capabilities.
  • Undertaking or financially sponsoring scientific and technological surveys, research design and development, where necessary.
  • Support and Grants-in-aid to Scientific Research Institutions, Scientific Associations and Bodies.
  • All matters concerning:
    • Science and Engineering Research Council;
    • Technology Development Board and related Acts such as the Research and Development Cess Act,1986 (32 of 1986) and the Technology Development Board Act,1995 (44 of 1995);
    • National Council for Science and Technology Communication;
    • National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board;
    • International Science and Technology Cooperation including appointment of scientific attaches abroad (These functions shall be exercised in close cooperation with the Ministry of External Affairs);
    • Autonomous Science and Technology Institutions relating to the subject under the Department of Science and Technology including Institute of Astro-physics, and Institute of Geo-magnetism;
    • Professional Science Academies promoted and funded by Department of Science and Technology;
    • The Survey of India, and National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation;
    • National Spatial Data Infrastructure and promotion of G.I.S;
    • The National Innovation Foundation, Ahmedabad.
  • Matters commonly affecting Scientific and technological departments/organisations/ institutions e.g. financial, personnel, purchase and import policies and practices.
  • Management Information Systems for Science and Technology and coordination thereof.
  • Matters regarding Inter-Agency/Inter-Departmental coordination for evolving science and  technology missions.
  • Matters concerning domestic technology particularly the promotion of ventures involving  the commercialization of such technology other than those under the Department of  Scientific and Industrial Research.
  • All other measures needed for the promotion of science and technology and their  application to the development and security of the nation.
  • Matters relating to institutional Science and Technology capacity building including setting  up of new institutions and institutional infrastructure.
  • Promotion of Science and Technology at the State, District, and Village levels for grass- roots development through State Science and Technology Councils and other mechanisms.
  • Application of Science and Technology for weaker sections, women and other disadvantaged sections of Society.