Call of Proposals under the Scheme for Socio-economic Development of SC/ST Community through Intervention of Science and Technology

State S&T Council Programme (SSTP) of DST.

The Government of India is under constitutional obligation to protect the interests of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities so as to uplift their socio-economic condition to the best possible extent. As per 2011 census, 17% of the countrys population belongs to Scheduled Caste community. Additional 9% of the population comes from Scheduled Tribe community. Since independence, as per the provisions of the constitution, both central and state governments have taken up different schemes to promote their educational, economic and political interests and have offered them opportunities to develop. It provided general infrastructure, health services, building communication networks etc. Unfortunately, because of various reasons, their condition still remains miserable. Most of the SC and ST communities are still striving to fulfill their basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health care, sanitation etc. There exists a significant scope of scientific and technological intervention in order to improve the quality of life of these marginalized communities. Department of Science and Technology announces a special scheme under State S&T Council Programme (SSTP) to address the problem. Project proposals, primarily of translational nature, are invited from all concerned including R&D establishments, educational institutes, NGOs and others. The areas of research and development may include: Healthcare and sanitation Potable water Low cost but descent housing Infrastructure Communication Energy and environment Better utilization of local resources including forest waste Agriculture including animal husbandry and fisheries Skill development Others, if any. The Project Proposals could be submitted for financial support by scientists/engineers/ technologists working in academic institutions/registered societies/NGOs/State S&T Councils/R&D institutions/laboratories having adequate infrastructure/facilities to carry out projects in the above mentioned areas for Socio-economic Development of SC/ST Community through Intervention of Science and Technology. The guidelines for formulation and submission of projects in State S&T Council Programme (SSTP) of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India, New Delhi and the prescribed format/proforma can also be collected from Shri Rajeev Sharma, Scientist-D & Member Secretary (PAC on Tech. Systems), Room No: 20, Hall-C, Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110 016 (E-mail : rajeevsharma@nic.in,Telephone : 01126602187, 26590310). The Proforma for submission of project proposals under SSTP-DST is also available on http://www.dst.gov.in. The complete proposals (10 copies) alongwith a soft copy in CD of the proposal in the prescribed format of SSTP-DST may be submitted to: Dr G. J. Samathanam Adviser & Head Technology Development and Transfer (TDT) Division Department of Science & Technology (DST) Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110 016 Telefax : (011) 26862512/26590367, E-mail : samathan@nic.in