Annual Report 2000-2001

Societal Programmes

Tribal Sub Plan

The Tribal Sub Plan scheme aims at undertaking research, design and development (RDD) for improving living conditions of scheduled tribes based on sustainable S&T activities. Such initiatives are meant to preserve the traditional artisinal skills and upgrading the same, finding out alternative employment potential wherever the present occupation is dwindling, carry out improvements in the existing equipment and machinery and introduction of new techniques and finally promote research, development and adaptation of S&T for improving quality of life of scheduled tribes including primitive tribal groups.

Apart from the ongoing projects, 13 new projects were taken up for implementation. Highlights of some projects is given below:-

• Economic upliftment of tribal population of Kanker (Bastar) through improved piggery practices.

The major contribution of this project has been in mobilizing the tribals and enhancing their awareness through exposure programmes. The improved management practices such as proper housing, hygiene, appropriate feeds were given adequate attention. In addition broad range of medical care was also provided. The project is operating in five village of Narharpur block of Kanker District . Under appropriate housing, it has been suggested to have proper size of Bada (living enclosures), adequate ventilation, proper drainage for all the waste to soak pits, partition wall for weak creepers, growing and pregnant sow. Extensive vet measures for external and internal parasites, massive vaccination campaign were arranged. Low cost feed were prepared using rice husk, broken rice, oil cake, jaggery, meat meal and bone meal. The intervention has led to substantial reduction in the mortality rate and is becoming increasingly popular as an income generating activity.

• S&T management intervention and value addition to selected NTFPs for income generation

Detailed and in-depth study of the Non-Timber Forest Produce has been undertaken in Sheopur Forest Division of Madhya Pradesh, which is about 150 Km. From Gwalior town specially to assess the resource inventory, local dependence and livelihood on NTFPs. Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal conducted number of exercises for all the stakeholders for generating awareness and sensitizing them on various issues pertaining to sustainable NTFP management. NTFPs, such as gum, honey, Mahua, Aonla, Bel, Chirgam have been taken for sustainable harvesting. The institute has brought in specific S&T package for processing the raw products for value addition.

• Training the tribal in self help housing using appropriate low cost technology in Western Ghats of Kanyakumari District
  

To upgrade the human skill in masonry, 15 tribal youths were trained in manufacture of stabilized mud blocks, rat trap bond, filler slab and ferrocement slabs. The tribal community ( Kani ) in Dharvaram village of Kaniyakumari District has been able to construct a community shed. As the soil was highly degraded, compressed earth block making machine was procured from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and stabilised mud blocks ( 5% cement ) were produced. It has been possible to bring down the cost by 25% using rat trap bond wall. Galvanised iron and asbestos cement sheets were replaced by using filler slabs. Similarly, ferrocement roof, appropriate lintels and low cost flooring by mixing brick bats, sand and lime were undertaken.

• Establishment of training cum production centre for cultivation of eco-friendly aromatic plants and its utilisation by tribal farmers

A full-fledged training and production centre with 10 acres of nursery and distillation units has come up in a nodal village Sowalmendha, Madhya Pradesh. More than 135 tribal farmers have been the direct beneficiaries. The project will cater to the adjoining 15 villages in Melghat region. Local Motia was found to be highly suitable as it contains 90% oil compared to 80-85% in Jamarosa and CN5 varieties. It was also assessed that the local Motia is hardy variety, which withstands drought etc. Similarly, the locally available and naturally occurring Gaoti- local lemon grass was found to be having better percentage of citral contents as compared to other varieties. The traditional distillation has been upgraded to steam distillation to reduce wastage and maintain regular production all through the year.

• Socio economic development through scientific knowledge and Appropriate technology of primitive tribal group Bharias in Patalkot Region of Madhya Pradesh

This IInd phase project in Chhindwada District is the logical culmination of its Ist phase activities. The activities include soil and water conservation, cattle improvement, and introduction of nursery techniques, organic farming, collection and processing of NTFP. The target area is a sloppy land, which is as deep as a Kilometer at places from the surface. It has its own ecological and environmental features. Primitive tribal group called Bharia inhabits the area and local economy is dependent on agriculture, NTFPs etc. A large-scale capacity building exercise has been undertaken which has resulted in increased agricultural production as well as returns from NTFPs.

• Integrated village development project in Lotna and Singhpura village in Tikamgarh Wild Life Sanctuary.

As part of integrated 50 village development programme, an action project has been undertaken which essentially aims at improved agro-forestry, green manure production through Dhaincha, charcoal and briquetting technology, income generation activities, introduction of energy saving devices, group dynamics and motivation & empowerment of women for improved living. Development Alternatives, Jhansi has been able to organise self-help Groups (SHG) especially among the women. The project completed the initial spadework and is ready to launch field level operation.

• Model Juang village GUPTAGANGA in Orissa

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar has undertaken integrated village development project in village Guptaganga in Keonjhar District. During last one year of operation, 8 awareness camps were organised. A ten acres nursery has been created for horticulture and 1000-cashew seedling have been planted with community participation. 27 families have undertaken kitchen garden and plants of Colocasia, Elephant foot, Drumstick, Papaya have started growing. 95 farmers have been brought under intensive and improved agriculture practices. A percolation taken of 30 ft. diameter and 20 ft depth has been constructed and a water pump installed for irrigation purpose with sprinkler and canal system. As part of income generating activities, bee keeping, and goatary have been propagated in 12 families. Half a kilometer of village road has been constructed in addition to a community hall. Two self help groups consisting of 38 members have come up.

• Sustainable socio-economic development of Chawang-Phamtam, North Sikkim with application of Science and Technology

This project envisages demonstration and training in agriculture and horticulture, composite fish culture, Cardamon curing, Bamboo shoot canning, installation of water mills and mobilising the village community. Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology, Gangtok has already completed benchmark investigation on agricultural, horticultural, livestock production and other natural resources. Experts from HESCO, Dehradun has visited sites for installation of water mills and very soon three water mills will be fully operational. Three self help groups have come into being. As part of Cadamom curing operation, two dryers have been installed and are working satifactorily. Traditional uses of Bamboo are being explored and improved processing and value added product making is being taken up.

As part of the program, projects on low cost biomass based housing in Maharashtra, pig rearing in Kamroop District of Assam, indigenous oil extraction technique in Orissa, skill upgradation of diploma pass outs in High-Tech areas in Madhya Pradesh, Mushroom cultivation and economic upliftment in Madhya Pradesh, cultivation of orchids in Jhumlands in Arunachal Pradesh, situational analysis of Scheduled Tribes in reserve forest in Kerala, sustainable technologies for forest conservation in Andhra Pradesh have also been undertaken. Special Component plan for scheduled caste

Special component plan scheme aims at improving the lot of scheduled caste communities through science and technology. The broad objectives of the scheme are to promote research, development and adaptation of technology for improving the quality of life of SCs in rural/urban areas, to encourage scientists and technologists to apply their expertise to the needs of SCs. These objectives have led in identifying priority areas such as improving skills and efficiency of traditional occupations, development of functional capability, waste management, sanitation and rehabilitation of scavengers, animal husbandry particularly relating to smaller animals such as piggery, goatary, poultry, etc.

A total of 32 new projects have been sanctioned apart from 35 on-going projects under the scheme. Salient features of a few projects are given below.

• Technology Transfer, local skill development for habitat upgrading for scheduled caste community.

Low -cost pour flush toilets have been constructed in the houses of scheduled caste community at village Dwarika Narherpur in Partapgarh District. In addition, 10 soak pits were also constructed in public places to arrest water logging in the village. Training programme for one week was organized for demonstrating the technology. Another set of five soak pits has been constructed in front of selected houses. The mud houses of most backward of SC families were repaired and large-scale cleanliness drive was undertaken in the village. Thus a package of habitat improvement has led to creation of hygienic living in and around the village.

• Development of technical and managerial support system for improved piggery practices among SC population (Balmiki) in 10 villages of Firozabad District.

After undertaking a detailed confidence building exercise and consultation with the Balmiki community, 10 villages were identified and five self help groups having 8 - 12 members each were formed. A capsuled training and awareness programmme was undertaken on hygienic habitat and clean environment, appropriate feed, prevention and control of common diseases/ailment, need of timely vaccination, deworming, improving the traditional Badi (enclosures). It has been possible to create a demonstration unit for white Yorkshire mixed breeds. 100% pure breed of white Yorkshire does not possess resistance power but a mixed breed ( 70-80% of Yorkshire character) was found suitable for rearing. So far ten families have been given the piglets of two to three months age. This breed has been selected for rearing as it has overriding benefit of quick growth, increased number of breasts, calm and quiet nature, capacity to convert normal food into flesh and its immunity. The remaining families would be given the animals once the piglets of two to three month's age are available in the demonstration unit. The scope of project has been enlarged to cover not less then hundred families by cross breeding the local breed with 70 to 80 % Yorkshire.

• Pre and post harvesting technology studies, training extension to women of SC farmers

The SC population of ten villages in Madurai district has been trained in storage, processing and preservation of fruits and vegetables. A total of 200 beneficiaries have already been trained and the remaining 300 will be brought under project operation by the end of April 2001. Wood ash, dried neem leaves, Malathion were used for storage of seeds and grains. It has been observed that with the treatment of wood as, dried neem leaves incidence of bettle attack was reducing to 1%. The group is working under Meenakshi Illam Pothunala Kalvi Sangam and is also producing jam, squash and pickles from Mango, Banana and Pineapple.

• Conservation and Management of surface and ground water for the development of poor and marginal farmer and ecological regeneration in hard rock terrains of Nalgonda District Andhra Pradesh.

Under this project, a bench mark survey of available bio-mass, nature of soil erosion, run off, soil fertility and crop productivity was undertaken and the recharged zone where identified using remote sensing. After carrying out inventory of wells in the micro watershed and in the down stream, typical models of physical structure were established in 120 acres of land to contain velocity of runoff, induce recharge and finally treating the catchment with adequate grass cover. A total of thirteen gully control structures were constructed. 22 acres of land was brought under contour bunding. Vegetative barriers have been put at 32 locations with brush wood and other locally available materials. A sunken pond with dimensions 15 x7 metres has been constructed to recharge and improve the well potential. All 11 wells in the area and around have been put to observation to monitor water level and water usage regularly at an interval of 15 days. A large-scale awareness has already been generated and the SC formers are showing keen interest in the technical task of the project.

• Training to improve the capacity for income generation of SC population of paper mill colony in slums of Lucknow.

With a view to developing new skills such as producing visiting card on different materials (paper and plastic sheets), letter pad making (multiple or single colour printing), sticker making on paper and plastic sheet, writing on pen and boxes, a group of 31 boys and girls were trained in two batches. Out of these, 16 have already started their own screen printing work and rest of them are engaged with screen printing shop. The trained boys and girls are now looking for common centre for composing and designing of material through computer which would immensely increase the production as well as its quality and thereby generating additional income. The project work has shown tremendous potential for replication.

• Mixed cropping and diversified farming practices for sustainable rainfed lowland agriculture for costal Sunderban,West Bengal.

Dug out ponds in Coastal Sundarbans were excavated for rainwater harvesting and land perimeter dyke constructed for rice and fish culture during monsoon season. Improved crop genotype, suitable cropping practices, proper use of harvested rainwater, vegetable cultivation on perimeter dykes round the year, fruit trees on pond boundary, bio-pest management, organic farming measures led to increase in production of paddy by 75%. In mono-cropped lowland rice fields farmers are now able to grow vegetables almost round the year on field perimeter dyke, cultivating a suitable summer crop using stored rainwater in dug out pond.

• Integrated development through technology intervention at Sirupazverkadu village, Minjur Block,Thiruvallur District,Tamil Nadu.

Centre for Research in new International Economic Order, Chennai had identified Siseazhaveradu village in Tiruvallur District for integrated village development activities. It has 100% SC population. The implementing agency has been able to carry out deepening and bunding of the village pond with the participation of the village people. The tank deepening was undertaken with people 's contribution in the form of labour . New sluice gate, revetment of water flow channel, bund formation, gravel film was undertaken satisfactorily. It has a capacity of 56,250 sq.ft. Thus, an additional 70 acres of land has been brought under cultivation with two additional crops. Frequent and regular village meetings have led to the formation of 4 women groups with a credit of Rs.1.00 Lakh. Social forestry, kitchen garden, skill development programmes such as tailoring, book binding, Poultry farming have also been taken up. Scheme for Young Scientists

The scheme Young Scientists aims (i) To provide opportunities to young scientists for pursuing innovative research ideas, which have direct bearing on social problems; (ii) To provide opportunities for interaction and exchange of ideas with the scientific community; and (iii) To involve young scientists in national S&T development process through fellowship in selected NGOs. The scheme is open to young scientists, upper age limit being 35 years (40 years for Women) and having a minimum qualification of graduation in Engineering or Medicine or post graduation in Physical, Chemical, Biological, Social or Behavioural Sciences.

The young scientists can either attempt a field implementation of an idea, which is already known, or develop techniques for solving problems which do not have any suggested solutions at present. During the year under reference a project is being implemented by Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in which vegetable and horticultural wastes are being converted into compost by integrating vermiculture and pisiculture. The earthworm produced are being used as fish feed. The low cost model by integrating two production system (vermiculture and pisiculture) could be a commercially and environmentally viable one.

In another project at Rothak, Haryana training is being given to youths in ornamental fish farming. In this project experiments are being conducted to rear some commercially important ornamental fishes viz. Xiphosphorus maculates (Gold Platy), Colisa fasciata (Giant Gourami), Poceilia sphenops (Molly),Xiphosphorous helleri (Green sword tail), Brachydanio rario (Zebra fish), Botia strata (Striped loach), Rasbora daniconius after acclimatization to local conditions.

In a project in Tamil Nadu experiments are being conducted in vermicomposting by using coir pith, wood ash and micro nutrients .

Under a project in Vidharba region aromatic plants viz. Clocimum grassitimum and Symbopogon flexuous are being cultivated for extraction of essential oils.

A low cost chulha was designed and developed for bio - briquettes to reduce the pressure and use of non - conventional energy. This has been taken as a micro enterprise by unemployed youth in Himachal Pradesh. S&T Entrepreneurship Development & Employment Generation

National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), established in January 1982, has been making systematic and continued effort in fostering entrepreneurship among S&T persons through its programmes and activities. The projects implemented by the Board aim at creation of technocrat-entrepreneurs among the S&T persons through structured training programmes and other facilitating mechanisms. The purpose is to create additional employment through entrepreneurship and application of S&T tools and methods . During the year 2000-2001, the NSTEDB continued to pursue ;and strengthen its activities/programmes taken up earlier, in addition to conceptualising and initiating a few new projects.

Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps (EACs)

Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps are organised by science and engineering colleges to create awareness amongst the students of the college towards entrepreneurship. It also provides an opportunity to the students to interact with various experts in industry and banking. During the year under report 100 EACs have been sanctioned thereby exposing about 6000 students to the concept of entrepreneurship as an alternative vocation..

Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs)

Entrepreneurship Development Programme is a structured training programme of six weeks duration. The participants are selected and trained in entrepreneurship and management of small enterprises. During the training programme they were also helped in preparing a bankable project report.

The EDPs are jointly supported by DST and All India Financial Institutions namely IDBI and ICICI and State Governments on a cost sharing basis. During the year 2000-2001, 65 EDPs have been supported.

Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (TEDPs)

In a Technology based EDP, the focus is on specific products/technologies/processes developed by a research and development laboratories having commercial viability. Entrepreneurs selected for an TEDP get both the practical as well as theoretical inputs. The R&D laboratories provide them the technology and the necessary hands on training. The trainees are also provided with necessary entrepreneurship and management inputs to run an industry.

The Board has sponsored 27 TEDPs during the year 2000-2001 in the area of medicinal plants production and processing, information technology, tele-medicine technology, municipal solid waste based projects, plastic technology, instrument designing & development etc.

Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs)

The absence of competent trainers is felt as a major bottleneck in the development of entrepreneurs. To train and develop professionals in entrepreneurship development, who can further guide and motivate young persons to take up entrepreneurship as their career, Faculty Development Programmes were designed. This programme provides necessary knowledge, skill, and aptitude to the trainers for implementing entrepreneurship related programmes and activities.

The duration of FDP is 2-3 weeks and it covers subjects such as entrepreneurship development process and practice, interpersonal skills, creativity, problem solving, counselling skills, behavioural inputs, achievement motivation training, resource and knowledge based input. The training methodology adopted include case studies, audio-visual aids, group discussions, games and simulation exercises, field and institutional visits, and classroom lectures.

During the year 2000-2001, 16 FDPs were sponsored and about 300 trainers are expected to be trained through these FDPs.

Skill Development Training through Science and Technology (STST)

The NSTEDB has been devoting its attention since 1990-91 for up-gradation of skills by using S&T methods and techniques and the expertise available in technical and R&D institutions. A scheme entitled Skill Development Training through S&T (STST) is being implemented by the Board. Each training programme under STST varies depending on the type of skill to be imparted in a particular trade. However, an attempt is made to keep the duration of training between 2-3 months. The programme is implemented through a network of agencies comprising of educational or research institutions, professional bodies or reputed NGOs. Keeping in view the success of the programme the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has agreed to support a model initiative of Technical Human Resource Development through Vocational Training at four locations in the country.

During the year under report, financial support to 47 organisation spread over various States in the country was provided for imparting training to approximately 4000 youth.

Open Learning Programme in Entrepreneurship (OLPE)

OLPE uses distance education mode for training S&T persons to take to ntrepreneurship. This programme is organised by the EDII, Ahmedabad.

During the year under report 274 S&T persons from different parts of the country are registered as learners, out of which 48 are women. This programme is being extended to all States and UTs and attempts are being made to use local language for teaching. This year the programme has been offered in an on-line mode using the website created by NSTEDB.

Innovation Centre

An Innovation Centre has been established at Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad. This Centre will facilitate evolution of technology driven enterprises by providing appropriate information on new technologies, create a National Data Bank and Information Centre on innovative business opportunities. The Centre benefits the new and existing entrepreneurs of the country by disseminating required information through information bulletins on selected projects and technologies. To fulfil the above objectives, the Innovation Centre has devised a two-pronged approach:

(I) Creation of a technology based data bank. The basic thrust of the data will be on technology/innovation based project information in the form of product notes, project profiles and feasibility reports to support potential, existing and growth oriented entrepreneurs.

(ii) Commercialising products/processes of R&D Laboratories.

During the year under report the centre documented 211 new products and processes and conducted series of workshops for different industry groups. One of the major strengths of the Innovation Center is getting developed in the surface engineering and metallurgical industries.

International Business Centre

A National Project on International Business Information and Research has been established at Maharashtra Technical Consultancy Organization Ltd. (MITCON), Pune. The basic objectives are to collect and disseminate data on international trade for the S&T entrepreneurs and identify gap areas for Indian industries as compared with international standards coupled with providing upto date international business information so as to make Indian industries competitive in the world market. The services offered, among others, will include the following:-

• Identification of products which are imported in India in substantial quantities and value in major industry sectors;
  
• Assistance for sourcing of the products and components;
  
• Providing import/export data at micro level in CD ROM diskettes and updating the same regularly;
  
• Providing on demand upto date information on international trade to industries, Importers and Exporters, Chambers of Commerce, government departments, Export -Promotion Councils, Embassies etc.
  
• Providing product/process ideas to entrepreneurs based on the information collected through research.

The centre continued to provide these services during the year. Approximatedly 467 small and medium industries have benefited from the project, in addition to this the centre has been responsible for stablishment of joint ventures with capital investment from other counties.

Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (STEDS)

STEDS project envisages matching of the material as well as human resources of the target region to create new enterprises and hence jobs. Thus, data on various available resources is collected and compiled and opportunity profiles are prepared which are, in turn, used by potential entrepreneurs. STEDS also undertake training to upgrade technical skills of the local youth to enable them to become self employed.

The scheme was initiated in 1985 and STEDS were functional at 8 locations namely: Anantpur, Balasore, Bhagalpur, Bikaner(Jodhpur), Bilaspur(Raipur), Dharmapuri, Kozhikode and PTT (Sivaganga) District. In Bikaner, Bilaspur, Dharmapuri and Kozhikode, the respective State Governments are providing partial financial support.

At the national level, an Advisory Committee comprising of eminent scientists and technologists monitors working of the STEDS projects. The scheme has been now been initiated in 29 districts of the country with clear-cut goals and targets.

Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Park ( STEP)

STEP is an ongoing scheme promoted by NSTEDB jointly with the financial institutions (IDBI, IFCI, ICICI), State Governments and the Academic Institutions of Excellence. STEP provides a re-orientation in approach to innovation and entrepreneurship involving education, training, research, finance, management and government. It creates the conducive climate for innovation, for sharing ideas, experience and facilities and opens up avenues for students, teachers, researchers and industrial managers for starting a successful economic venture. Each STEP operates in the identified thrust area based on the expertise, facilities of the institution and the industrial milieu of the region. Facilities available with the STEPs include Nursery Sheds, Testing and Calibration , training, precision tool room, prototype development , Technology transfer ,computing Library and documentation, facilitation towards ISO900 certification and common facilities such as fax, Internet, Telex, Photocopy and Conference room.

The department has so far catalysed 16 STEPs in different parts of the country which have promoted nearly 700 units generating annual turnover of around Rs. 90 crores and employment for 5000 persons. More than 100 new products and technologies have been developed by the STEPs / STEP promoted entrepreneurs. In addition, over 6000 persons have been trained through various skill development programmes conducted by STEPs. Some of the other significant developments which took place during the year are as follows:-

• The meeting of the Advisory Committee on STEPs was convened on 28th April 2000 in Coimbatore. During the meeting a product display exhibition was also put up by the entrepreneurs promoted by the STEPs.
  
• Based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee , an Annual Award for the Best Performing STEP has been instituted. The first award would be conferred on the Technology Day, May 11, 2001.
  
• The proposals submitted by BEC, Bagalkot and ARCI, Hyderabad have been recommended by the Advisory Committee for establishment of STEPs. Further action on the same is being actively pursued.
  
• A Technology Business Incubator( TBI) at JSSATE, Noida in the area of Information Technology with the objective of nurturing IT based start ups and providing appropriate training, guidance and facilities to prospective S & T entrepreneurs in the IT area was inaugurated by Secretary, DST,. on 20.11.2000.
  
• A scheme for having focused co-operation between STEPs and TDB was approved by TDB in the meeting held on 13.11.2000. The scheme would benefit innovative start-up companies in providing them financial assistance as a soft loan at the right time.
  
• STEP-IIT, Kharagpur has taken up cultivation of tea in the non traditional land of STEP at Gopali with the technology developed by a Faculty in Agriculture and Food Engg.Deptt. of IIT, Kharagpur and involving reputed tea growers of the region. To begin with tea cultivation in a 5 acre of land is being taken up. Along with tea, other crops such as clove, black pepper, ginger, pineapple etc. are also being grown. A technology developed by IIT Kharagpur for manufacturing organic compost was successfully commercialized by a STEP Entrepreneur.
  
• TREC-STEP, Trichy has been awarded a prestigious Nilgiri project worth Rs.25 lakhs by Indian Railways for developing diesel fired engines replacing the steam engines. Since the Nilgiri project has been declared as World heritage, the esthetic looks of the engine are to be retained.
  
• An innovative product 'Bio fertilizer from coconut pith' based on the lab scale technology developed by a faculty in Chemical Engg.Deptt. of KREC, Surathkal has been taken up by KREC-STEP in collaboration with KREC for testing and further development work of the product. The bio fertilizer has good commercial viability in the southern region as the coconut pith is available in plenty as waste material. This will also help in the improvement of the environment.
  
• HBTI-STEP, Kanpur is engaged in developing new products like synthetic liquid detergent and Biological modification of oils with the technical assistance from HBTI. The development and testing work related to the products such as Appropriate Coolants for Granite Tiling Industry by EDC-JNVU, Jodhpur and External Tibial Fixator Devices for orthopaedic use by EDC-REC, Calicut are also in final stages.

UNDP-Assistance to STEPs & TBI under the Technology Management Program Support (TMPS) Project

The UNDP supported project commenced in Sept. 1999. The significant activities undertaken during the year are:

• A Curriculum Development Workshop on Technology & Small Business Management was conducted from 16th-18th August, 2000 in Bangalore which was attended by over 15 experts. The workshop helped in identifying the training areas. The training manual on Technology & Small Business Management is being developed.
  
• Information Centre - A central facility has been established at Asian & Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology(APCTT), New Delhi. STEPs are being linked with this facility which contains databases on various products, technologies and other relevant information useful for the entrepreneurs.
  
• Two Technology Business Incubators are being set up at IIT, Delhi and Centre for Bio-technology, Anna University.
  
• An International Workshop on Technology Business Incubator( ITBI 2001) was held during 29-31 January, 2001 in Bangalore for sharing the world experience in managing TBIs successfully as well as for creating awareness of the concept of TBI among Academia, R& D and industry. The workshop was attended by over 200 participants including 25 International participants.
  
• State of the art Rapid Prototyping Machines has been procured and installed in PSG-STEP, Coimbatore and STEP -IIT, Kharagpur.

Entrepreneurship Development Cell ( EDC)

Entrepreneurship Development Cells (EDCs) scheme was started in 1985 in academic institutions with a view to create an institutional mechanism to promote entrepreneurial culture among S&T persons so as to 'catch them young' and to enable them to become "job-generators" rather than "job-seekers". Currently EDCs are functional at 22 locations throughout the country.

These EDCs are engaged in undertaking a wide gamut of activities which include creation of entrepreneurial awareness amongst S&T students through conduct of short duration Camps, developing faculty resources in the field of entrepreneurship and conducting Entrepreneurship Development & Skill Development Training for generating income as well as employment. The EDCs also conduct training of beneficiaries of the Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana besides imparting training under Small Industry Management Assistants Programmes (SIMAP) and Skill-cum-Technology Upgardation Programme (STUP) of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

Most of the EDCs have also introduced Entrepreneurship as an optional and non-credit course in academic curriculum of the Host Institution. A few Cells have also recently started conducting Post Graduate Diploma Course in Entrepreneurship as a self supporting programme of one year duration. Further, EDC faculty delivers guest lectures in other academic institutions located in the vicinity besides participating in discussions on Radio & TV channels and participating in workshops and seminars on various aspects of entrepreneurship to inculcate awareness and popularising entrepreneurship as an alternative career. Some EDCs have also been engaged in product & process development in addition to conducting programmes on quality control, energy management and environmental issues. EDCs also prepare project profiles in potential areas which the beneficiaries can tap to start their own enterprises.

As per the independent review of the EDC scheme conducted last year by Anna Institute of Management, Chennai, EDCs have been instrumental in launching over 350 new units by its trainees, creating more than 3,500 new jobs. In addition, EDCs have conducted approx. 250 Awareness Camps of 3 days duration benefiting 20,000 students while over 2,000 S&T persons have attended Entrepreneurship Development Programmess of 4-6 weeks duration. Further, more than 200 Skill Development Training Programmes have been conducted while about 600 teachers of S&T stream have been exposed to nuances of entrepreneurship development through 50 Faculty Development Programmes conducted by the Cells.

The EDC scheme is monitored at the national level by an Advisory Committee. A meeting of the Committee was convened at Shillong during June 2000.

Since the scheme has been in existence for over a decade, revised guidelines for implementing the scheme were formulated during the year.

Business Mantra - A TV Serial on Entrepreneurship

A TV serial titled, "Business Mantra" was completed in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on DD-II every Saturday at 7.30 A.M. The serial aimed at providing useful information to new and existing entrepreneurs. The serial had five components viz Business Facilitator, Business Achiever, Business Update, Legal and Managerial Information and Project Ideas. The Programme had gained popularity among the youth wanting to start their own enterprises as well as existing entrepreneurs.

Technology Innovation Management Entrepreneurship and Information Services (TIME IS)

TIME IS, web-site with address www.techno-preneur.net, is a "one-stop solution" for the prospective entrepreneurs search for information on appropriate technology, technology sources financial information including term-loan, venture capital, incentives, Government policies etc. Taking advantage of the Net as a powerful delivery media, TIME IS aims to reach almost all parts of the country through the existing information network.

Realising that the lack of information; be it regarding the technology, raw material or the market is a stumbling block in the way of development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) TIME IS was conceived to fill in the gap areas of information for which a prospective entrepreneur has to run from pillar to post, losing much of his valuable time in the process. Even though these informations are available at different places, there is no single location from where an entrepreneur can access these information. TIME IS also provides hyperlinks to such information sites and to create a portal for requirement of an entrepreneur, especially the knowledge based ones.

Whether it is the sources of raw material or query from a prospective client abroad wanting to know about the product and services the TIME IS offers a perfect delivery medium for an entrepreneur.

TIME IS has been dedicated to the nation by Hon'ble Minister of Science & Technology on May 11, 2000 on the occasion of "Technology Day 2000" celebrations in the august presence of eminent scientists, industrialists and senior bureaucrats of Government of India

Science Tech Entrepreneur

The magazine "Science Tech Entrepreneur" is being regularly published since its launch in October 1995 and there has been a significant increase in number of pages and also circulation and readership of the magazine. In view of this the perodicity of the magazine has been increased to monthly from January 2001. Each issue of this priced magazine now contains regular columns on Technology , Management and Business Opportunities besides focussing on atleast one segment of industry such as Agriculture, Food Processing, Information Technology, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, Bio-Technology. Energy, Environment etc. The current print order is around 5000 copies. The magazine is being brought out as a commissioned project of NSTEDB by Centre of Entrepreneurship Development Madhya Pradesh (CEDMAP), Bhopal which is responsible for Information Sourcing, Composing, Printing, Circulation and Revenue Generation while the Board Secretariat looks after the Contents and Editing of the magazine. During the year under report, about Rs.2.00 lakhs has been earned as revenue.