The Ministry of Science and Technology through the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)/Council for Science and Technology has taken several initiatives to promote an inclusive society and diverse self-determination through science and technology (S&T) activities. These initiatives promote inclusion and equity by providing access to appropriate scientific and technological solutions for improving the socio-economic situation of marginalized/disadvantaged groups, women, marginalized persons and other groups in the society, with a focus on skill development, capacity building, increasing community engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders.
The Ministry of Science and Technology
(DST) has implemented several programmes and schemes for sustainable social development and self-determination by integrating science and technology-based activities. These initiatives focus on concrete, science-based solutions, new and appropriate technologies for sustainable livelihoods, development of modern research and development facilities, skill development, training and capacity building to create an inclusive society, especially for the youth, small and medium groups, economically weaker sections, disability labour groups, senior citizens and other marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
Department of Biotechnology
(DBT) is a department of autonomous government institutions, national laboratories, universities, research institutes etc. which focuses on promoting proven biotechnological innovations and technologies developed primarily for the direct benefit of farmers and livestock keepers. With an emphasis on generating money and jobs through scholarships, unemployed youth in both rural and urban areas are looking for work, particularly rural women, rural residents, and underprivileged groups.
The following uses of CSIR institutes’ expertise and technology are carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) via the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) the problems of rural areas through various projects aimed at empowering various stakeholders in developing technologies/inventions/programmes for the betterment and enhancement of the quality of life in villages. Contributing to the creation of an inclusive society and upliftment of diverse social groups through S&T activities.
In addition, several other ministries such as the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Ministry of Energy, Social Authority and Justice, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Food and Production and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare have implemented empowerment programmes for various levels of society.
The government has taken several initiatives to develop research and professional programmes for the benefit of the backward and disadvantaged sections. These training programmes and initiatives have helped participants from diverse backgrounds and equipped them with the skills required in their respective fields. Therefore, they have played a significant role in creating a skilled workforce and supporting inclusive growth across the country. Below are details of important research and technical programmes undertaken by DST, DBT, DSIR/CSIR and other Ministries and Departments.
- Ministry of Science and Technology (DST)
a) Scheduled Caste Alternative (SCSP) and Scheduled Tribe Alternative (TSP) comprise around 500 science and technology projects in various sectors of agriculture, resource management, micro-enterprise development, arts and crafts, technology, health, nutrition and allied aspects, education and skill development, drinking water and sanitation and energy, which have helped states improve the quality of life of the Scheduled Caste community in the last two decades. In addition, the following activities are carried out to achieve the desired objectives: - Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
. DBT supports national level programmes like DBT-Junior Research Fellowship Programme and PG Teaching Programme to promote higher education in the country to facilitate students from diverse backgrounds including SCs and other weaker sections of society. - B. Under BIRAC, Social Innovation for Affordable and Social Health Products (SPARSH) Programme supports biotechnology activities to address the critical social needs of the underprivileged through SPARSH centres.
- C. Star College Programme has been providing support to colleges in remote and underserved areas in both urban and rural categories since 2018-19. During this period, 75 colleges in rural areas, 13 colleges in aspirational districts and 58 girls colleges in rural and backward areas have benefited from this initiative.
- D. Biotechnology-Agriculture Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN) aims to enhance synergy between farmers and research laboratories to find solutions in the realm of agricultural practices through the application of modern technologies. The programme also emphasizes on developing bio-based agribusiness in rural areas based on affordable technologies.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research The CSIR Aroma Mission aims to activate rural development through cultivation, processing, value addition and marketing of aromatic plants. Since then, 43,600 hectares have been dedicated to aromatic plants, generating over 8 million man-days of employment in the village. For this purpose, 115 startups are being supported for new ventures.
CSIR launched the famous Purple Revolution by introducing lavender cultivation in 10 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, benefiting 1,000 farming families and increasing their annual income from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2 lakh.
With the implementation of the CSIR Aromas Lemon Essential Oil Self-Supplementary Mission, India has become one of the largest exporters of lemon essential oil in the world. In 2021–2022, about 600 tons of lemon essential oil will be valued at Rs. The Golden Revolution in Himachal Pradesh has made the state the largest producer of aromatic essential oil from cumin, producing 8 tonnes of cumin oil (Rs. 11.2 crore). This has increased the income of farmers from traditional crops.
(Rs. 0.00060-500000/ha/year) has increased by 2.5 times.
b) By utilising the knowledge of CSIR institutes, the CSIR Floriculture Mission, which was introduced in 2020–21, will boost the revenue and commercial growth of flower farmers in India.
The implementation of the project has enabled the development of over 6,603 hectares of land in 244 districts, 29 states and union territories, benefiting over 18,692 floriculture entrepreneurs.
- Department of Scientific and Industrial Research/Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- major breakthrough was the local development of tulip pollinators in Lahaul and Spiti, which helped reduce the import of planting material.
- The cultivation method involved tissue culture to grow 20 different local wild ornamental plants collected from the Western Himalayas, Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Indo-Gangetic Plain.
- Honey production was included in the CSIR floriculture campaign in collaboration with Village Industries and Khadi Commission for the production of high quality honey. The CSIR laboratory has so far supplied 8,277 bee colonies to the cluster, benefiting over 8,000 farmers.
The CSIR research on seaweed farming aims to generate knowledge and innovation that can help transform seaweed farming into a new, profitable, eco-friendly, sustainable and scalable form of agriculture. - CSIR is proud to have pioneered the development of Kappa Phycosolari culture technology in the country, paving the way for commercial seaweed cultivation in India.
- Over 800 Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Tamil Nadu have opted for kappa fish farming as a source of livelihood.
