Deadline: 25-Jul-22
The Department of Science & Technology (DST) is seeking proposals for the Establishment of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs for Development of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) Communities.
Science and Technology (S&T) based innovation, development and delivery programmes for the vulnerable sections of the society should try to address the problems in the livelihood system consisting of Human, Natural, Social, Physical and Financial capitals including health in the context of growing aspirations and Quality of Life. It is thus envisaged that establishment of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs will develop, nurture and ensure the development, improvement and delivery of appropriate and relevant S&T approaches for inclusive social and economic development of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population in the country.
The STI Hubs may follow a bottom up approach for gathering information on livelihood system and should try to identify the strongest and weakest links in the predominant livelihood systems for appropriate STI interventions and creation of social enterprises. Attempts should be made to capture the Indigenous Knowledge Systems of different communities and improving them with infusion of advanced technologies.
Thus, the STI Hubs shall facilitate the ecosystem for the socioeconomic development of SC/ST communities through the following:
- Creation of sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities
- Promoting equitable economic growth
- Improving productivity and reduce drudgery
- Promoting efficient and effective use of local and natural resources
- Establishment of social enterprises o Equity and Inclusion
Objectives
- To capture the weakest linkages in the predominant livelihood systems of the SC and ST Communities and improving the livelihoods through Science and Technological interventions
- To Identify the strongest aspects in the livelihood system in respect of current occupations/livelihoods of the SC and ST Communities in the target area for establishing social enterprises, local manufacturing units and startups for boosting the rural/village economy
- To harness, document, research, validate and conserve the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), skills and practices of different communities through inputs of Science and Technology to integrate IKS into appropriate technology, innovation and development for sustainable development practices in livelihood systems
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations/institutes are eligible for receiving financial support for establishment of STI Hubs
- Government Academic Institutions (Central and State Government), Government S&T bodies, R&D Labs etc.
- Private Academic Institutions (Universities/ Colleges/ Institutions and Government Aided Colleges recognized or regulated by UGC/AICTE/ MCI/DCI/PCI etc) – would be considered as Non-Government Organization (NGO) and shall use ‘NGO/ VO’ option during the process of online submission of proposal.
- S&T based Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) with legal status or as a society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 or a Trust registered under the Indian Trusts Act 1982 or Charitable or Religious Act 1920 or under the corresponding State Act with
- Minimum 10 years of field level experience in technology development, dissemination, delivery and management.
- Experience in handling projects having focus on S & T with support from Scientific Departments of Government of India.
- The organization has not been blacklisted by any Central or State Government Department.
Criteria for Establishment of STI Hubs
The STI Hubs may be located in a geographical area with predominant presence of SC and/or ST population (The figures showing population distribution of SC and ST population is given in figures 1 & 2). At least 50-70% of the total beneficiaries of the STI Hubs should belong to SC and/or ST Community. The STI Hub can be co-located in the Host Institution. This co-location should not only promote more effective utilization of the knowledge centres, but would also redefine their usage and role in fostering problem solving and project based learning and provide hands on/ practical learning and engagement in the process of Science, Technology and Innovation. Each STI Hub may focus on not more than 4-5 interventions as per the objectives for Creation of Sustainable Livelihoods to the SC and ST Communities. While proposing the technological interventions based on the weakest and strongest links of the predominant livelihood system of the SC and ST Communities, the following indicative aspects may be considered:
- Availability of local resources and skills
- Capable to remove drudgery
- Able to enhance efficiency of the livelihood system
- Empowerment and enhancement of the socio-economic status of the SC/STØ community.
- Bringing the community to higher market value chain
- Adaptable and affordable interventions/technologies
For more information, visit https://dst.gov.in/callforproposals/call-proposals-under-science-technology-and-innovation-sti-hubs-development-sc-and