CONTENTS

1. Bio-RIDE Scheme
2. 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:

1. Bio-RIDE Initiative
2. 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