Cancellation of notification for DST scheme worries researchers

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated22/11/2023

The Centre’s move to cancel a call for proposals under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)’s SATHI programme has sparked fears among higher education institutions
shrinking funding sources to procure sophisticated, high-end equipment that are vital for research and development.

It is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology to boost access to research and testing facilities
To address problems of accessibility, maintenance,and expensive equipment in Institutions.
to set up a shared, professionally managed Science and Technology (S&T) infrastructure facility which can be readily accessible to academia, start-ups, manufacturing units, industries, and R&D labs.
Such S&T infrastructure will be known as the Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institute (SATHI).
These Centres will be equipped with major analytical instruments and advanced manufacturing facilities which are usually not available at Institutes / Organisations.
It would encourage and ensure the establishment of a National Network of Laboratories and testing facilities tightly linked to global standards.

Proposals from well-established, internationally competitive S&T host institutes / R&D Centres / Organizations irrespective of their status as Government / NonGovernment, from State/ Central Universities, are invited through networking and a cluster approach.
A not-for-profit Section-8 company as well as a Governing Body (GB) formation are compulsory in consortium mode with the support of the granting agency.
Duration: The duration of support for the SATHI Project will be for a period not exceeding 4 years.