Annual Report 2005-2006

Societal Programmes

The Science and Society Division plays a vital role in development of strategy for technology development and its adaptation through programmes which provides opportunities to motivated scientists, engineers and field-level activists to take up time-bound research-oriented projects for the benefit of disadvantaged sections of society. The programmes are being implemented through S&T institutions, universities and S&T based voluntary organizations under various schemes viz. STARD, STAWS, SYSP, SCP, TSP and S&T for Women. Science & Technology Application for Rural Developnment (STARD)

This scheme is aimed at development and adaptation of relevant and appropriate technologies in rural and remote areas for empowering rural population and improving quality of life in rural areas including higher income through action research. The efforts also entail demonstration of replicable models for rural application.

Core support: As an ongoing activity, core support was continued to eleven science based organizations to nurture S & T personnel to take up challenges for evolving innovative S & T based solutions. These groups spread in different geographical locations, are working on location specific problems with proper interface and support from relevant S & T institutions/laboratories. One new group Himalayan Research Group based in Shimla, has been included in the list of voluntary organization supported for core support.

Technology Informatics Design Endeavour, a core group based in Bangalore, has developed a low capacity brick kiln for better quality products; jaggery making pan with better fuel efficiency. Another group Tamulpur Anchalik Gramdhan Sangh (TAGS) from Assam, was able to appropriate the mechanism of six spindle frame used for cotton spinning for Eri silk yarn spinning (Figure 5.1), thus benefiting the local spinners by not only increasing their income five times, but also by reducing the drudgery involved in traditional spinning (dropping spindle). This group is also involved for improvement, proper scaling and field-testing of the carding machine of Eri silk for cottage level usage at Kumarikata, Assam and Dimapur, Nagaland.

Figure 5.1: Use of fine filleted drum & Six Spindle Eri Spinning Charkha (frame)
appropriated by TAGS in collaboration with Khaki Gramodyog Prayog Samiti,
Ahmedabad, for quality Eri silk yarn spinning.

Individual projects: During the year, 22 individual projects were supported covering development, modulation and transfer of appropriate technologies in farm as well as non-farm sectors. Efforts have been made to involve S & T based field groups and S & T institutions to implement need based projects to benefit and empower rural community in different parts of the country. Some specific projects supported under this scheme are:

• Finalization of a briquetting technology package-emphasizing the large-scale utilization of invasive biomass for energy needs of rural households.
• Waste paper recycling technology for schools and communities development of a safe and reliable system.
• Field demonstration and training of farmers in the use of bio-pesticides for sustainable agriculture.
• System of Rice Intensification (SRI) - standardization of a technology package as an alternative approach for small and marginal farmers to have increased and sustainable rice productivity.
• Development and demonstration of multipurpose Solar PV pumping unit.
• Development of a replicable model of Papaya latex extraction for value addition in Papaya cultivation.
• Development of storage forms of bio-pesticides prepared by low cost eco-friendly methods: testing and standardization through insect rearing laboratory and field trials.
• Bio-integration of farming activities and resource management for small and marginal farmers in Ri Bhoi District of Meghalaya.
• Upliftment of socio-economic condition of poor and marginal farmers through popularization of scientific techniques for producing the quality seeds from farmers saved seeds.

Progress of On-going Projects

• A small capacity simple and cost effective rubber sheet drier using the concept of reverse flow of hot air by natural convection, has been developed jointly by Regional Research Laboratory & Mitraniketan based in Trivandrum which would benefit small farmers involved in rubber plantation.
• At IISc, Bangalore, a project "Environmentally safe use of arsenic and fluoride bearing sludge" is being implemented for re-cycling methodologies suited for Indian conditions based on immobilization of arsenic and fluoride bearing sludge in various building construction materials, such as cement stabilized blocks/concrete blocks that could be used in local construction activities.
• Established 8 bio-mart villages by Development Research Communication & Services Centre, Kolkata in Medinipur East and Birbhum Districts of West Bengal for production and distribution of efficient biological inputs such as bio-fertilizer with indigenous inoculums produced with a network of trained small and marginal farmers for improved farm productivity and income generation.

Development of Solar dryer Technology based package on Integration of Solar Thermal & Photovoltaic Technologies for safe, hygienic quality processing & dehydration of fruits & fruit Products, leafy vegetables, medicinal & herbal products (Figure 5.2) by SEED, Hyderabad.

• Micro watershed project implemented by Brajaraj Seva Samiti, Nuapada, Orissa, in droughtprone belt has benefited 300 families in four villages of Khairar block through small watershed technologies such as small moisture pit model (5 % area of land) and gully plugging at the slope of the hillocks. This has helped not only in retaining rainwater but also in containing siltation. Villagers can now go for triple cropping pattern with wheat and onion after paddy.

Figure 5.2: Products made using solar dryer technology

• Sixty farmers were trained in Bidhunu block of Kanpur Dist. Uttar Pradesh by Society for Integrated Sustainable development on improved sustainable agri-technology package on use of organic fertilizer, optimum crop geometry and balanced nutrient management practices - showing improvement in soil texture and water holding capacity; 15-18% increase in biomass productivity as well as enhanced crop yield with reduced incidence of pest or diseases.

Technology Intervention in Mountain Ecosystem (TIME)

Under this innovative programme, efforts have been made to support specific projects in remote mountain areas to enhance rural livelihoods with networking approach.

Specific Achievements

- A Rural Technology Park has been set up in Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya for promoting rural entrepreneurships amongst rural community in and around project areas.

- Two carp hatcheries installed to ease the fish fry availability in the area of strategic locations in Garhwal Himalayas with technical back up support from Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneshwar. 180 trained fish farmers are now involved in fish breeding and cultivation under a network programme by making use of hatcheries implemented at 8 locations in Uttaranchal.

- Introduced improved agri-horticultural implements for bridging mechanization gaps in the cultivation of paddy and other crops in 3 villages of Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh resulting in saving of labour, time and cost of operation, with better grain recovery and market value.

- Established viable food processing units in Haldwani, Kotabagh and Ramnagar Blocks of Nainital District of Uttaranchal for value addition at source itself involving farming community.

Projects supported

• Technology intervention for organic vegetable seed production in Bhilangana valley of Tehri Garhwal district.
• Standardization of drying technology for Chilgoza grown in dry temperate area for the sustainable livelihood of tribals of Himachal.
• Commercial Cultivation of Carnation, Marigold, Lilium, Chrysanthemum and Narcissus in water deficient areas of Solan and Sirmour districts of Himachal Pradesh.
• Project for modern bee keeping, training and honey production in Bhimtal, Nainital, Uttaranchal.

Coordinated Research Programme on Biological Integration Of Farming Activities & Resource Management (BIOFARM) for Resource Poor Small Farmers.

The program is being implemented at the farm level involving a total of 258 farmers with 17 organizations in 15 states spread across different agro-ecological regions of the country to develop biological resource integrated model farms and/or farm clusters for improving nutritional and livelihood security of the small farmers. Research protocol and monitoring parameters to study the feasibility of integrated farm models have been standardized. Further, work is in progress to study the efficacy of the resource integrated mixed farms for improvement in whole farm productivity at the system level in respective locations. Science & Technology Application For The Weaker Sections (STAWS)

The main aim of this programme is to derive benefits from S&T experience and skills vis-à-vis needs of the people, particularly weaker sections of the population in order to develop sustainable replicative models. During the year, five new projects were sanctioned and five projects were completed successfully under this scheme. A brief summary of the few projects undertaken during the year is given below:-

Figure 5.3: Farmers engaged in discussion and making use of bio-resource inputs for improved farm productivity under CP-BIOFARM.

To design a suitable briquetttor machine to manufacture the coir pith fuel cakes (pellets) as an alternate fuel and demonstrating the effects to Munchirai Area People

Under this project, coir pith manufacturing briquetter machine was designed for simplicity in operation and ease of fabrication and the cost involving women SHG members in the entire process of the fabrication and installation.

Modernization of Agriculture through Science and Technology for small and Marginal farmers in rural and urban villages of Berhampur, Ganjam, Orissa

This project includes development of Technology package for profitable rice cultivation in Kharrif, Medium, HYV rainfed/irrigated land under agro-climatic zone.

To encourage environmentally sound and economically viable sustainable cotton cultivation practices among small and marginal farmers in rain-fed regions of Nanjangud Taluk, Mysore District, Karnataka State

The project involves encouraging the community to diversify the cotton eco system with mixed cropping system, preparation of botanicals and Panchagavya for seed treatment and field sprays. The successful management of black-arm disease with panchagavya was one of the important highlights of the S&T intervention.

Developing Emitter of Different Shapes and Sizes for Irrigating Horticultural Crops Using Potable and Even Brackish Water and Employing Them in the Fields of Small and Marginal Farmers

Project activities focus on specific technologies with relevant S&T intervention related to establishment of emitter having various shapes (like gully, balloon, block, glass etc) and size, which performs equally well in experiments as well as field condition. Emitters can make use of even saline water to irrigate perennial crops. In some selected condition (on sand bed or sand dunes) even seasonal crops can be irrigated by saline water with the help of emitters. This system makes use of natural forces like capillarity, osmotic potential, tensile strength, diffusion pressure deficit & humidity in an integrated fashion by virtue of which the moisture is delivered into the root zone as per the demand of the crop in each and every season.

Coordinated programme on Non-Edible Oils (NEO) a generic technology package evolved in prototype form during the implementation of one of the R&D project has been initiated and is proposed to be adapted, tested and optimized under diverse field conditions in different parts of the country through system approach for gainful utilization of NEO bearing plants by weaker sections of the society. The programme is being implemented involving selected groups of science-based NGOs with possible linkages from S&T institutions in selected locations viz.-Mandi (H.P.), Medinipur (W.B.), Chhindwara (M.P.), Aizwal (Mizoram), Kharagpur (W.B.), Dehradun (Uttaranchal), and Kanyakumari (T.N.) under the co-ordination of CTD, New Delhi.

Besides, salient activities under this scheme included:-

• A recent initiative on spreading scientific literacy and awareness and educating scheduled tribes and backward communities to understand their legal rights on bioresources has been taken up in Jharkhand.
• 85 water filters manufactured by a Membrane Filters (India) Pvt. Ltd, Pune were installed in the rural locations as demonstration units for providing clean drinking water free of virus and bacteria. The basic membrane development was done at NCL, Pune a few years back under a DST supported project.

The Scheme "Tribal Sub Plan" aims at improving living conditions of Scheduled tribes based on sustainable science and technology activities. The focus is on creating sustainable livelihood base through use of locally available resources and materials by introduction of technology in traditional skills as well as new vocations. Financial support is provided to S&T based institutions and creditable voluntary organization working in tribal areas to implement time bound, field based innovative projects with S&T component.

A large number of inter-disciplinary projects of multi-sectoral nature having innovative S&T components have been taken up in the areas of farm & non-farm sectors, horticulture and processing techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, health and sanitation, NTFP, medicinal plants, animal husbandry etc. These projects have been implemented in different parts of the country focusing on appropriate and cost effective technology modulation and transfer, based on location specific needs/ conditions

The important achievements of some ongoing projects are

• Dairy cattle improvement through scientific breeding plan and artificial insemination

The project focuses on improvement of breed of mountain cattle through a scientific breeding policy. The main thrust is on maintaining the exotic blood level of the local animal breeds only between 50 - 62.5% resulting in higher yield without additional nutritional inputs. Capacity building in area of livestock management, feed and supplements has been done to over 100 beneficiaries. Since the project area is remote and mountainous, artificial insemination in cows and buffalo with high quality semen is done at farmer's doorstep. During the project, five cattle breeding centers have been established namely Pulhindola, Banbasa, Amodi, Khetikhan and Lohaghat in the Champawat district.

• Introduction and testing of post harvest technologies for value addition of organic wild products in trade

The aim of the project is to enhance livelihood options for poor rural tribal women through introduction of post harvest energy saving technologies in processing of local semi-wild fruit. The product range includes value added products from wild apricot, walnut, peach nuts and kernels. Training has been provided to the tribal women on good practices for deshelling, sorting and grading apricot kernels. Use of decorticator, oil pressing machine and solar drier has been optimized. Some of the products like apricot oil have shown good promise in the market.

• Cost effective design & development of a manually driven washer pump to lift water from open water sources.

Under the project a prototype of a cost effective, light & compact, easy to install, operate and maintain 'Washer Pump' to lift water from a very large depth of water level (40-50 feet) of the open water source (Deep wells) was developed in collaboration with the user group (Figure 5.4).

Figure 5.4: Light and compact washer pump developed
by SRI Ranchi to lift the water from deep well

• Up-gradation of technological know-how among tribal women for improvement of cocoon productivity and crop sustainability in sericulture

The project aims at skill up-gradation among tribal women through state-of-art technologies in sericulture to increase the yield, in rural Bangalore, Kolar and Tumkur districts of Karnataka.

• Sustainable income generation for rural tribal people in honey, Nuapada district of Orissa. A honey processing unit has been set up at Talakot village Sinhali Block, Nuapada District (Figure 5.5). Rural tribals of the area are being trained in improved method of honey collection, processing and packaging. A cooperative of beneficiaries has been registered for equitable benefit sharing.

Figure 5.5: Training in improved method of honey collection,
processing and packaging using honey processing unit at Nuapada (Orissa)

• Demonstration cum capacity building in technology areas such as improved agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, upgradation of local looms is being provided to tribal women in remote tribal villages in Joshimath District (Niti Valley) on the Indo-China border. These villages had been cut off from the technological inputs due to their remoteness.
• Appropriate skills & technologies for tribals of Raigad District

The objectives of the project is to empower tribal women through S&T to provide enhanced options for livelihood generation, clean safe water and clean work environment. The work elements, which have been taken up, are demonstration of organic farming, off-seasonal vegetable cultivation, aquaculture and duck breeding for livelihood augmentation. The other activities include demonstration and training in briquettes making, improvement of traditional chulhas, paddle-pump, and solar drier. The objectives also include setting up a small processing unit for medicinal plants, minor millets, foods and vegetables.

A low cost pedal/hand powered rice de-husking mill is being developed to ensure good quality and nutritious rice to the local people of the area. Special Component Plan for the Development of Scheduled Caste Population (SCP)

Department of Science & Technology has been implementing a scheme for Scheduled Castes (SCP) since 1992-93. This scheme aims at improving the lot of the poor sections of SC community through intervention of science & technology. The main objectives of the Scheme are (i) to promote research, development and adaptation of technology for improving the quality of life of the economically weaker sections of scheduled castes in urban/rural areas, (ii) to encourage scientists & technologists to apply their knowledge and expertise to the needs of economically weaker scheduled caste communities, especially in rural areas, and (iii) to promote activities such as workshops, seminars, publications, jathas, etc. which would help in achieving the objectives listed above.

Thirty five projects were sanctioned during the year in the following areas: sericulture - from mulberry cultivation to silk weaving, alternative vocation for income generation, small-scale (household level) scientific rearing of small animals such as goat, poultry and pig, sustainable utilization of natural resources and value addition, mechanized processing of bamboo furniture and product applications, diversified cropping systems, agro- technology for improving the land use, fisheries, cultivation of horticultural produce by using organic/bio-fertilizers, value addition in banana fibers, etc.

A few projects which have made visible impact on the well being of the poor scheduled caste population are:-

• In a project entitled, "Skill up-gradation for Silk Reelers in Karnataka and other sericulture States of India" being implemented jointly by Karnataka State Sericulture Research and Development Institute (KSSRDI), Bangalore and Asian Institute for Development (AIRD), Bangalore, skill up-gradation and improvement in training is imparted in manufacture of high quality raw silk, silk reeling, etc. 20 persons have been trained in modern Sericulture technologies in each State.

In another project training is imparted in hydra form brick manufacturing by utilizing raw materials such as mud, fly- ash, gypsum, cement and industrial wastes (Figure 5.6). The unit produces no air/ water pollutants as it applies only simple mechanical process of mixing, grinding and compressing.

Fly ash brick (Hydra form bricks) technology provides wider scope for cost reduction in construction and protecting environment by reducing industrial waste. The technology has tremendous advantages to produce blocks in various shapes and sizes viz. paving blocks, reinforcement blocks, conduit blocks and plain blocks by using simple customized tools.

Figure 5.6: Hydra form bricks manufacturing unit

• Under Functional Capability Development, Special Component Plan for Scheduled Caste" (SCP) has supported innovative income generation programmes in four states of the North East. The main aim of the programme is to expose the younger generation to possibilities of technology based production units. In these projects only those technologies have been taken up which have acceptability and market. The following activities were taken up:

1. Manipur - Spinning and weaving of cotton, silk and woolen textiles, Kauna Grass mat manufacturing and development and dissemination of developed technology of Lion Looms and shuttle frame looms.
2. Tripura - Lion looms for weaving and also improved frame looms, Bamboo related and Bee Keeping based income generation.
3. Arunachal Pradesh - Lion looms, improved frame looms, spinning of cotton and silk yarn.
4. Assam - Improved technologies for Eri and Muga silk yarn. This programme is coordinated by Tamalpur Anchalik Gramdan Sangh.

• Fishery development project for the turned-off-fishermen in the fifty hamlets of Mulavukad and Vallarpadom Islands in Kerala State has been taken up by an organization called FORD, Cochin. Under this project 100 existing wells were cleaned in association with local gram panchayat and SS Engineering College students. Technology for cage for fish and pen culture ponds are also developed using local resources.
• Water harvesting kit has been developed in consultation with SS Engineering College of Science and Technology (Figure 5.7). The kit has a capacity to collect 35 to 40 thousand litres of drinking water in a year that is sufficient to meet the drinking needs of an average family for a year without any roof harvesting devices.

Figure 5.7: Water harvesting kit

Youth are being trained in repair and modification of hand-driven pump developed by Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Kozhikode to suit the project area. In this project artificial reefs are also built with locally available materials by adopting traditional methods. The other important area of intervention is mangrove plantation. Seedlings are first grown in bamboo sticks and then transplanted to marshy land. This method has a much more survival rate of mangrove. S&T Entrepreneurship Development

National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) aims to foster entrepreneurship among S&T persons through its programmes and activities. Major aim of the projects implemented by the Board is creation of techno-entrepreneurs among the S&T persons through structured training programmes and other facilitating mechanisms. The programmes aim to create additional employment through technology-based entrepreneurship and application of S&T tools and methods. During the year 2005-2006, the NSTEDB continued to pursue and strengthen its existing activities/programmes, in addition to conceptualizing and initiating a few new projects.

Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps (EAC)

Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps are organized at science and engineering colleges to create awareness amongst the students of the college towards entrepreneurship as an alternate career. It also provides an opportunity to the students to interact with various experts in industry and banking. During the year under report, over 350 EACs have been organized thereby exposing about 20,000 students to the concept of entrepreneurship as an alternative vocation.

Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP)

The EDP is a training process in which persons possessing certain identifiable qualities of entrepreneurship are counselled, motivated and trained to strengthen their self confidence, seize a business opportunity, initiate an enterprise and be the masters of their own i.e. to become 'entrepreneurs' instead passively waiting for a suitable employment. EDP brings about a sound combination of techniques of behavioral psychology, tools of management science and available information on technology with a view to identify entrepreneurs, particularly 'first generation' entrepreneurs, strengthen their achievement motivation (n-Ach) and train them in enterprise management so that they can confidently start and successfully run their own business ventures. Further, an EDP also ensures that on completion of the training, the potential entrepreneurs are helped in making loan application, securing available incentives, seeking approvals, choice of location, etc. During 2004-2005, 40 EDPs were organized with the support of NSTEDB.

Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Programme (TEDP)

Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Programme (TEDP) focusses on training on specific products/technologies/processes, which have commercial viability and have been developed by R&D labs or other academic institutions. Besides the hands on training, the potential entrepreneurs are given entrepreneurial, motivational and managerial inputs. The duration of this programme is 6-8 weeks depending upon the nature of technology and training needed. This programme provides stateof- the-art inputs to the entrepreneurs about the technology to be employed and they can also develop their skills in application of the technology. The EDP conducting organisation can concentrate in a specific discipline of technology and thus can have a more effective control over the programme. The R&D institutions having commercially viable technologies get potential entrepreneurs as its takers and thus ideas/technologies get converted into wealth generating products and services. During 2005-2006, 70 TEDPs were organised with the support from NSTEDB. Some of the technology areas chosen for transfer to the potential entrepreneurs include CAD/CAM technology, Advanced Welding Technology, Electronics Instrumentation, Bio-Technology, Computer Hardware and Peripherals repair & maintenance, Rubber Plantations, plastics engineering & Technology etc.

Faculty Development Programme (FDP)

Faculty Development Programme (FDPs) were designed to train and develop professionals in entrepreneurship development so that they can further guide and motivate young S&T persons to take up entrepreneurship as a career. FDP has duration of 2 weeks and the programme inputs include process and practice of entrepreneurship development, personal and interpersonal skills, creativity, problem solving, achievement motivation training, resource and knowledge based inputs. The professionals trained under FDPs are teachers of science/engineering colleges and polytechnics, and faculty from entrepreneurship development organisations. A FDP trains 15-20 participants. During 2005-06, about 40 FDPs were organized with the support of NSTEDB.

Skill Development Training through Science and Technology (STST)

Enhancing skills and knowledge is the key for generating productive employment. Skill Development Training through S&T (STST) scheme aims at demonstrating the effectiveness of short term market oriented technical skill training in empowering unemployed youth to earn a sustainable livelihood. The programme is implemented through a network of agencies comprising of educational or research institutions, professional bodies or reported NGOs. More than 7000 persons are trained during the year 2005-06 in various skill areas at different locations in the country by over 70 organisations.

GOI-UNDP Project: Skills and Knowledge for Improved Livelihoods and Living Standards (SKILLS)

National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) is executing SKILLS project supported by UNDP. The key elements in the project strategy are to harness the power of ICT for mass outreach of capacity building efforts at a low cost and draw on Public Private Partnership (PPP) modality so that an extensive network of institutions is established to provide onthe- ground support for the skill building initiatives.

A business model including infrastructure requirements has been drawn up for conducting Modern Appliances Maintenance programmes viz. Electronics Servicing/Maintenance; and Refrigeration/Airconditioning under PPP mode. Two centres under Public Private Partnership named as SKILLS Academy have been launched in October 2005 at Chennai. Each centre is expected to train about 1000 candidates in year.

A basic framework of the e-portal has been designed. An interaction workshop with selected NGOs was organised to have their views on the e-portal format. Preliminary technical requirement analysis has been completed. The e-portal is expected to be launched formally during the current financial year itself.

Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development (STED) Project

STED Project aims to bring about a socio-economic development of an area through the intervention of Science & Technology. The project envisages matching of the material and the human resources of the district to create new enterprises and employment by usage of Sciences & Technology processes. It involves identification of opportunities through a detailed scientific survey and exploitation of the opportunities thus identified by the entrepreneurs. During the year 2005-06, support was provided to 35 STED Projects all over the country. 10 new projects were established at Belgaum (Karnataka), Bharuch (Gujarat), Dungarpur & Sikar (Rajasthan), Firozabad (U.P.), Moregaon (Assam), Sandeshkhali (West Bengal), Sehore (M.P.), Udhamsingh Nagar (Uttaranchal) and Una (Himachal Pradesh).

Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Park (STEP)

STEP is an ongoing scheme promoted by NSTEDB to provide re-orientation in approach to innovation and entrepreneurship involving education, training, research, finance, management, etc. It creates a 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. So 17 STEPs in different parts of the country have been supported which have catalysed setting up of about 100 industrial technology intensive ventures generating annual turnover of over Rs 125 crores. 2 new STEPs have been promoted during the year 2005-06.

Technology Business Incubators (TBI)

In the knowledge economy, mechanisms such as Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) have assumed greater significance and relevance as they nurtures and support knowledge driven start-ups into successful enterprises, in additional to catering to the technological needs of the SME sector of the industry. TBIs, initiated by the Department in the year 2000-2001, are being given major thrust in the Tenth five year Plan and 14 TBIs have been established. Three new TBIs are being established during the year 2005-06.

Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC)

EDCs have been promoted by NSTEDB in educational institutions to create entrepreneurial culture in the Parent Institution and other institutions in the region and to act as an institutional mechanism for providing information and assistance to budding S&T entrepreneurs. About 35 EDCs are currently operational.

Technology Innovation Management Entrepreneurship and Information Service (TIME IS)

The website www.techno-preneur.net, was revamped during the year with regular data updation and site enrichment through infusion of information on technologies from various sources. As a part of site enrichment, consultancy services have been enabled to provide the site users to get their queries satisfied. New technology profiles were added and a quiz to check entrepreneurial skill level was also added. The Science-Tech Entrepreneur magazine is now being offered to the public as e-Zine on this website.

International Co-operation

After establishing active linkages, joint programmes have been taken up with infoDev Programme of the World Bank, European Union, UNDP, UNIDO, Indo-US S&T Forum and other international organisations. Science Communication & Poularisation

There has been an increasing understanding that S&T communication can pave the way to overall progress and prosperity of the nation. Thus role of the science communicator becomes critical to build and maintain bridges between science and the masses, while devising ways & means for taking science to the people through development, adaptation, promotion and use of different communication methodologies to achieve better public understanding of science and stimulating scientific and technological temper in them. The National Council S&T communication (NCSTC) has been at the forefront of creating strong bondages between science and the people through well-orchestrated initiatives which have shown significant progress and accomplishments over the period.

Highlights of Activities

Year of Physics 2005

The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) declared the year 2005 as the
International Year of Physics in recognition of Einstein's monumental contributions to physics in the year 1905 in which he published three important papers describing ideas that have influenced all the modern physics, viz. Special Theory of Relativity, Photoelectric Effect and Brownian Motion. RVPSP planned a variety of programmes during the year for appreciating Physics in everyday life. The activities were at four levels viz., (a) science communicators/resource persons, (b) senior school students, (c) college students, and (d) general public. Five zonal level training programmes were organized and over 200 lectures, science teachers and science activists were trained. Resource material prepared and developed by Vigyan Prasar, NOIDA, UP, including compilation of articles on life and contribution of eminent scientists, power point presentations, astronomy kit, booklets on Einstein and relativity, etc. were distributed during the workshops.

Competitions for school children and college students viz. essays, quiz, poster designing, paper presentations were organized in all the states. Lectures/demonstrations on appreciating Physics for common people were organized by State S&T Councils/Departments. NCSTC-Network- a group of 65 science based agencies, organized science exhibitions demonstrations by college students of interesting experiments in schools, printing of booklets on Physics in day-to-day life, 50 low cost teaching/learning camps, family science events etc. Science festivals were organized by different universities on the contributions of Einstein during this year. A 32 part serial of half hour each "Rahi Ye Matwale" in collaboration with All India Radio (A.I.R.) was aired from 35 stations. To dramatise the contributions of Physicists in the last century, a 13 part TV serial "Zara Si Baat" for housewives was also telecast on DD-I during the year.

Vigyan Mail

Vigyan Mail, an attractive science exhibition on wheels was flagged on 26 April 2005 by MOS (S&T and OD) from Delhi and covered 26 destinations in about 75 days. About 20 scientific ministries, departments and agencies participated in this exhibition on India's capabilities & achievements in various scientific fields which attracted over 15 lakh people, mostly school students (Figure 5.8). Indian Railways provided a special rake and the exhibition was spread in 12 specially fitted coaches. For the first time corporate sponsorship has been extended to a science communication programme which included inter-school painting competition in each city prior to the arrival of the exhibition and other activities to create anticipation for the same.

Water Resources & Eco-Systems Management

One of the six thrust areas identified during the Year of Scientific Awareness for specific interventions was the need for 'water literacy' and hence a series of projects and activities have been launched during the year under an eco-water resources management programme. This also has synergy with the efforts being made under the International Decade for Action by the United Nations with the theme "Water for Life". The focus is on efforts to build a eco-water-literate society that values water. Scarcity, pollution and mismanagement of water resources are being addressed by means of a national movement with specific local actions. Twenty time bound projects have been supported to address identified needs and catalyse a range of activities towards this objective including research, field projects of communications methodologies, training of communicators, development of software, recognizing excellence, etc.

Year of Scientific Awareness

Year 2004 was designated as the Year of Scientific Awareness (YSA) and several programmes were launched to spread scientific awareness and scientific thinking throughout the country. Numerous activities were organized in 569 districts including 6,032 Jatha performances held in 373 districts of 28 states which were attended by 27.9 lakh people. Over 108 publications consisting of books, booklets, folders, leaflets and posters were brought out in Hindi and English at the national level and 859 publications at the state level were developed, modified/adapted and reprinted and distributed widely across the country. Many competitions like essay writing, debates, quizzes, science talent tests, slogan writing, etc. for school children of 15,128 schools were also held.

Figure 5.8 : Vigyan Mail - A Science & Technology Exhibition on Wheels

13th Children's Science Congress (CSC)

During the period, district level CSC was held in 580 places while State level at 32 locations culminating in the 13th National Children's Science Congress at Bhubaneswar during 27-31 December 2005. About 10 lakhs child scientists participated in CSC across the country. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Hon'ble President of India, felicitated young scientists and interacted with them during the inaugural function. He urged them to dream and give shape to their ideas.

Promoting Innovations: Steer the Big Idea

The participation of Indian Young Inventors in the exhibition was facilitated by a joint initiative of the RVPSP and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) called 'Steer the Big Idea', with objectives to: i) promote and nurture inventions and innovations among students/youths; ii) encourage students/ youth to embody their inventions in physical forms; iii) recognize and reward outstanding works (inventions) created; and iv) institutionalize the invention promotion initiative in the country. Entries from National Children's Science Congress, Jawaharlal Nehru National Science Exhibition, INTEL Science & Engineering Fair and CSIR Young Leadership Scheme were screened. A panel of judges selected four projects for participation in the exhibition held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in May 2005. The project of Ms. Vindhya Revati Vijayanthi from Secunderabad was decorated by Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation, Tokyo, at the international exhibition where over thirty nations had put up over 300 entries. Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon'ble MOS (S&T and OD) Independent Charge, felicitated these young innovators on their return from Malaysia.

National Science Communication Congress

The 5th National Science Communication Congress (NSCC) was organized during 12-16 December 2005 at Varanasi. The theme for NSCC-2005 was 'Science Communication Strategies for a Developed India: Vision 2020'. The participants included scientists, journalists, science communicators, teachers and students of science communication and mass communication courses. The deliberations were divided into 5 technical sessions. A special workshop for encouraging interaction between young researchers and science communication experts was also held. Over 200 delegates participated in the Congress and presented their papers. An exhibition of science periodicals in Indian languages was also arranged at the venue.

3rd National Teacher's Science Conference (NTSC)

3rd National Teacher's Science Conference (NTSC) was organized during 27-31 January 2006 at Regional Institute of Education, Mysore. Over 300 teachers from institutions located across the length & breadth of the country presented papers and posters on the theme 'Innovative Methods in Teaching Physical Sciences'. The Conference also had plenary sessions on national curriculum for school science.

Seminar on Innovations in Science Communication

A national seminar on 'Innovations in Science Communication' was catalysed by RVPSP in Chitrakoot during 18-21 November 2005. The seminar was divided into 5 sub themes related to innovations in i) print media; ii) electronic media; iii) web media; iv) traditional & folk media and v) interactive media. The seminar attracted active participation by science communicators, science writers, journalists, editors, researchers, faculty members of academic institutes offering courses in journalism, media houses and voluntary organizations.

Training of Science Communicators

The shortage of skilled science communicators is a limitation faced by various agencies. A multipronged effort has been developed by the Parishad including:

o Skill enhancement training of promising science writers (One week)

o Communicating science using folk media (One week)

o Use of mass media for science popularization (Three months)

o Post Graduate courses in universities in mass communication and science journalism (18 to 24 months) as regular courses in Lucknow and Indore.

o RVPSP is also supporting a distance education course by ISCOS, Lucknow.

During the year over 20 training programmes were also organized to develop potential science writers in various regional languages to encourage science coverage in mass media.

Skill Building Programmes

These progarmmes, organized for science teachers and activists of science based voluntary organizations, included the following modules:

o Develop and use low cost science teaching/learning aids;

o Learn to demonstrate science behind so-called miracles;

o Use origami for teaching concepts in middle school Maths;

o Fun with high school physics through aeromodelling;

o Demonstrate principles of flight-use multi stage rockets;

o Detect food adulterants through high school level chemistry; and

o Popularizing construction and maintenance skills for high school students

Many more modules are being designed based on assessment of the needs of school science teachers and the use of the skills being imparted.

Field Programmes

National Science Day: 2005

The National Science Day 2005 was celebrated by most States and Union Territories, including scientific departments, agencies and laboratories throughout the country. "Open day" lectures by eminent scientists, seminars, quizzes and competitions, etc., formed part of the celebrations.

Motivational Programme

Eminent scientists are encouraged to spend quality time with brilliant students of Class XI. This week-long interaction is to motivate the students and develop strong bonds with the scientist. This programme is aimed to attract, encourage and create interest among bright students towards careers in S&T. The students closely interact with the scientist in an informal and unstructured mode at a national laboratory or a leading university. During the year, Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat, conducted a programme for about 40 students, mostly from government schools located in backward areas of Assam which was piloted by Dr. B.C. Goswami, a well known senior scientist. In addition, 6 such programmes were organized in various parts of the country. Further, visit of talented children to S&T establishment was organised at Jhansi, and Tiruvarur.

Disaster Preparedness

The activity involves training volunteers in skills useful during natural disasters or calamities like accidents, fire, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc. The module includes safe construction from engineering aspects, techniques of giving first aid to disaster victims, reviving victims of drowning, handling of fires, development of search and rescue skills, skills for team formation under stress, psychological support to disaster victims and other related topics. Practical demonstrations and exercises follow theory sessions. During the year, state level awareness programme for Himachal Pradesh was held in Shimla followed by zonal and local level training camps for volunteers at 5 and 13 locations respectively. State level workshop was also held at Chandigarh by Punjab State Council for Science & Technology. Another State level programme was organized in Orissa.

Detection of Food Adulteration

Under this programme, school teachers and activists of science based voluntary organizations are trained on various aspects of quality consciousness of food and other consumables, adulterants, toxicity, detection of adulteration through simple chemical tests, laws pertaining to adulteration of food and spices, health hazards, etc. During the year, training programme for the state of Uttranchal was held at Dehradun besides 5 programmes at others locations.

Sensitization of Students to Applications of S&T

Concepts and principles of high school science find various applications in industry. These serve to trigger curiosity amongst brilliant students. Students from class X to XII and ITI & Polytechnics are taken to various industries/ establishments in their neighbourhoods to observe the applications of concepts of measurement, magnetism, electricity, etc., in the process of the selected units. About 10 such programmes were organized during the year benefiting over 500 students.

Perfect Health Mela & People's Education Congress

The Parishad participated in the Perfect Health Mela organised by Heart Care Foundation of India in last week of October 2005 in New Delhi. The Parishad put up its activity corners that attracted thousands of visitors besides an exhibition of its various schemes and programmes. First People's Education Congress was organized at Allahabad during 15-17 September 2005 covering a wide gamut of issues related to S&T communication.

Explaining so-called Miracles

The basic objective of this programme is to make people aware of these tricks and save them from cheating and misbeliefs. During the workshops the participants are trained in demonstrations of so called miracles followed by their explanations including over 100 tricks, generally shown by self styled god-men.

Environmental Programmes

Project Root & Shoot

Root & Shoot, an action oriented field-based programme has been developed for school and local science clubs. Under the programme, saplings are planted and nurtured for a minimum period of three years and students maintain the life history of their respective plant/ tree and perform activities like conservation of soil, rational use of water, insect, bird and animal life supported by each tree, growth phases including measuring height, diameter, etc. using trigonometry. that would give them an understanding of various components of environment and their relationship with each other. This year about 40 schools each from 4 districts of Punjab participated in the projects.

Fun with Plants in Soil-less Condition

The programme is an activity based module on hydroponics with the objective to improve knowledge through the skills of observation, hands-on-experiments, data collection, report writing and other important elements of the 'method of science'. The contents of the workshop include information on different techniques of hydroponics and enabling participants in preparing their own information base and developing new experiments by group discussion. During the year under report, activities were organized in Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Karnataka and about 40 children participated in each programme.

Nature Science Activity Camps

The basic purpose of this training is to orient resource persons in organization of nature science activities for middle school students so as to enhance the curiosity among them about various natural phenomena taking place around them and understand the dynamics of nature. Sample collection, morphological sorting & display, observation of aquatic life, open-ended experiments involving local communities and other interesting activities were introduced. 70-80 participants each benefited from the Camps organized at various locations in Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Manipur and Uttranchal during the year. Camps were also organized by the trained resource persons for students in these states.

Awareness Programme on Vermi-composting

A training module on open-ended experiments around vermi-composting for school science teachers and coordinators of science clubs has been developed with the help of various experts including educationists, illustrators, etc. The technology package on vermi culturing/vermi-composting was introduced with a wide range of activities using posters, slide sets, transparencies, etc. This year awareness programmes were organized at Manipur, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra and Orissa in which over 200 resource persons participated. The activities are being taken up by school science and eco-clubs for their members by the trained resource persons.

Social Insects

A Module on Social Insects was developed for introducing the spirit of scientific enquiry among children. Highly evolved social insects are taken in this module that would create an interest in children about architecture and building of the habitat by these insects, communication among inmates, division of labour, defence mechanism, reproduction forming new colonies, etc. The module encompasses training of resource persons who volunteer to disseminate information to children. Field testing of the module was done in two different locations in the year. The full package includes a manual, activity guide, posters, demo kits and CD-ROM.

Publications

NCSTC Resource-letter Srote

Support continued to Eklavya, Bhopal for Srote, a science and technology news and feature service started in 1988 with a view to enhance the quantity and quality of S&T coverage in Hindi newspapers, stations of radio, TV and periodicals. This also aimed at making available reference materials for teachers, students and others engaged in S&T communication. The monthly compilation of popular articles in a magazine format is also gaining popularity. Srote is also available on the internet at www.srote.com

RVPSP Sandesh

A four colour, attractive NCSTC Communications, a bilingual (Hindi and English) monthly newsletter is being brought out and is being circulated to over 11,500 subscribers. These include academic institutions, research laboratories, members of parliament, science based organizations/institutions and individual science communicators across the country connecting all of them through various columns of the newsletter.

Indian Journal of Science Communication

RVPSP supported publication of a half yearly international research journal on science communication titled "Indian Journal of Science Communication", in association with Indian Science Communication Society (ISCOS), Lucknow. The objective of the journal is to provide a forum for researchers and practitioners of science communication for exchanging their research findings and views on various aspects of science and technology communication. First of its kind in this sub continent, the 'Indian Journal of Science Communication' is receiving subscription requests from different organizations and individual science communicators across the world. Back issues of the journal are now accessible at www.iscos.org

Popular Science Periodicals in Indian Languages

Support for publication continued to popular science magazines including Nirantar Soch (Punjabi), Vaigyanik Drishtikon (Hindi), Arivukkan (Tamil) and Vigyan Aapke Liye (Hindi). Looking into the need of good magazines and increase in demand for such magazines, the support may continue from 3- 5 years on case to case basis. Vaigyanik Drishtikon has been supported as a fortnightly science newspaper in Hindi. The GRD Trust, Coimbatore was supported for bringing out a popular science monthly in English Wide Spectrum. The magazine reproduces articles of lasting value from newspapers and also carries a wide range of popular science articles, features and columns.

Wall Calendars 2005 and 2006

The Parishad brought out a 12 page wall calendar of the year 2005 depicting various medicinal and aromatic plants in association with Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow. A year planner for 2006 has been brought out in association with Vikram Sarabhai Science Application Centre, Ahmedabad and distributed to 12,000 activists and interested organizations.

Science Wallpaper

Fortnightly popular science wallpaper titled Kyon Aur Kaise has been catalysed by RVPSP through Eklavya, Bhopal. This wallpaper, available in Hindi and English, plays a catalytic role in stimulating interest on issues of S&T amongst high school students. First of its kind in the country, this four colour two broadsheet size publication has already received over 1000 subscriptions.

Audio-Visual Programmes

Radio Serial on Bio-Diversity

The Parishad in collaboration with All India Radio, Delhi, produced a radio serial in Hindi on "Environment & Bio-diversity" - "Jeevan Ek-Roop Anek". Spread over 33 episodes, the serial had 26 scripted and 7 interactive programmes, based on feedback from listeners. This was carried by over 30 stations of A.I.R. in Hindi speaking region. Registered listeners were provided with additional information in the form of posters and activity kits for hands-on activities and better understanding of the subject. The A.I.R. has decided to broadcast some of the episodes again.

Ignited Minds

A 13-part TV film based on selected projects of National Children's Science Congress was produced with an objective to recognize the work of young scientists and popularize the CSC, improve its quality and enhance spread of message. The 13 episodes series titled 'Ignited Minds' is being telecast on Doordarshan to enthuse children about brilliant scientific ideas.

Radio Magazine

A 365 episode radio magazine titled 'Science for Women' in Tamil is being produced by Audio Visual Research Centre, Anna University, Chennai. This highly interactive programme is being broadcast over the community radio from the university. Each episode of 30 minutes is produced by the students and faculty of the Department of Women Studies of the University.

Science Writing/Journalism/ Illustrations

Training workshops on popular science writing/ journalism/ illustrations were organized in regional languages in order to encourage science coverage in print and electronic media in various parts of the country. Budding science writers/journalists, scientists and teachers participated in each workshop. They learnt various techniques of presenting scientific contents in a simple and interesting manner to the masses using various media.

Academic Courses in Science Communication

Long term academic courses/ programmes in S&T Communication/ Journalism at Devi Ahilya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Indore, Lucknow University, Lucknow were continued. Many students completed the course this year. Lucknow University has recently started research programme in this faculty leading to Ph.D. in science communication. The Indian Science Communication Society (ISCOS), Lucknow continued a one-year training course in science journalism through distance education, which has been catalyzed and supported by RVPSP. A number of students from overseas are joining the course. VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur continued running a special paper on science journalism as part of a postgraduate course in mass communication. Efforts were made to introduce such papers at selected universities, which already have Journalism & Mass Communication Courses.

Orientation Course for effective use of Media in S&T Communication

The objective of programme is to provide training and orientation to the teachers, students and media persons for developing media worthy scripts and programmes for enhancing public awareness of science and technology. The programme is organized under the Parishad's scheme of medium term training programmes in science communication.

National Awards for S&T Communication

The Parishad had instituted awards to stimulate, encourage and recognize outstanding efforts in the area of science and technology communication in 1987. The number of NCSTC awards have been increased to six recently and two new awards for popularizing science through mass media have been introduced. In addition, there is a proposal to institute some Chairs in academic institutions besides a few fellowships on S&T communication. Associateships for 20 young science communicators were supported and 20 more Associates will be selected and supported.

International Cooperation

RVPSP has taken steps to identify avenues for international collaboration in science communication to have bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other countries on S&T communication. The Parishad was represented at several international events over the period and some initiatives were taken.

Kalinga Chair

Dr. Jean Audouze, UNESCO-Kalinga Prize Awardee for the year 2004, was presented with the Award during Sept. 2005 at Delhi. He was also conferred the Kalinga Chair for Science Popularisation and for three weeks, Dr. Audoze visited different places within the country including Jaipur, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune, Goa to interact with the scientific community, science communicators and university students. Dr. Parvez Hoodbuoy, UNESCO Kalinga Prize Awardee for 2003 was also presented with the Award during May 2005 at Delhi. State Science And Technology Programme (SSTP)

State Science & Technology Programme (SSTP) formerly known as Scheme for "Assistance for development of State Councils for Science & Technology" is the only scheme of the Central Government focussed on the specific objective of promotion of Science & Technology at State level. The scheme, formulated at the instance of Planning Commission, is being implemented by Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India since sixth five year plan i.e. 1980-81. The core and programme support of DST played an important catalytic role and has encouraged and facilitated State Science & Technology Councils to act as nodal organization for planning, formulating, evaluating and implementing Science & Technology activities at State level. The core support provided by the department has enabled State S & T Councils to equip themselves with requisite S & T manpower and office infrastructure which has contributed to their effective functioning. The programmatic support, on the other hand, aims to demonstrate, through carefully chosen projects, the contributions science & technology interventions can make in development process of the State.

As a result of catalytic role played by DST in close cooperation with the Planning Commission and States/Union Territories (UTs), State S&T structures have been set-up in all the States. The most significant areas promoted by State S&T Councils are in the areas of Popularization of Science, S&T Entrepreneurship Development, S&T for Weaker Sections and Women, Programmes for Young Scientists, Biotechnology Programmes, Application of Remote Sensing Technology, Environment Programmes, Non-Conventional Energy Programmes and sponsored location specific need based R&D Projects.

Support to State specific S&T Studies and surveys, location specific R&D, training etc were also continued. During the year, two meetings of the constituted Project Evaluation Group were held in which 32 proposals were considered out of which 10 projects were recommended. DST also organized two Group Monitoring Meetings to monitor various ongoing projects as well as to assess the results of completed projects in which 45 projects were monitored. In order to give focused attention to identification and demonstration of S&T projects including field trials, a special mechanism in the form of Core Group on State S&T Demonstration projects was constituted. The mandate of this Core Group was to facilitate identification of technologies developed in the S&T institutions and to facilitate their field trials and demonstration at a sizeable scale so that benefit of intervention are quite visible in various Status. This group, in its first meeting considered 15 projects in diverse areas of Socio-economic importance. The group recommended demonstration of specific indigenous technologies in the fields of bio-fuel, plasma pyrolysis and water purification at appropriate locations.

Some of the important achievements during the year under various activity heads of the programme are enumerated below:

Core Support to State S&T Councils

• Core support was continued to the State S&T Councils of 26 states. The support was oriented to S&T manpower to strengthen S&T capabilities of the State S&T Councils to undertake programmes in newer and emerging areas.
• Professional S&T secretariat was set up in Uttaranchal State S&T Council with core support from DST.

Joint Programmes

• DST launched a special initiative on "S&T interventions for drinking water related problems". A holistic approach to the problem is being evolved including all components namely, technology, awareness, management, etc. involving various stake holders to ensure sustainability of the solution. An All India Meeting has been held on this issue.
• Coordinated programme on "Identification of strategy for mapping of S&T needs in a state", continued to cover the entire country. Support was extended to two new states.

Demonstration Projects including Replication of Success Models

• Based on novel technology developed by Institute of Plasma Research, Demonstration Plasma Pyrolysis plants were set up in Himachal Pradesh & Sikkim to treat plastic and hospital waste in environment friendly manner. New projects initiated at Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Haryana.
• Development & Demonstration of rainwater harvesting model to solve water scarcity problem in a village of Rajasthan was completed.
• Project on Iron Removal Plant based on ceramic membrane continued in NE states and one plant installed at Tripura (Figure 5.9).

Figure 5.9 : Iron Removal Plant based on ceramic membrane

• Pilot project on decentralized renewable energy development in tribal areas of Rajasthan continued at Udaipur, Rajasthan
• Project initiated on production and utilization of bio-diesel from non-edible oil seeds and its application in agriculture through farmer's participation in the state of Orissa
• Project on demonstration units of Hand Pump attachable defluoridation plants developed by Rajasthan State S&T Council (Figure 5.10) initiated in the fluorosis endemic states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

Figure 5.10: Hand Pump attachable defluoridation plants

• Community managed Reverse Osmosis Pilot Plant for treatment of brackish/saline/hard water to provide safe drinking water initiated in Rajasthan based on technology developed by (SMCRI, Bhavnagar) (Figure 5.11).

Figure 5.11: Community managed Reverse Osmosis Pilot Plant

S&T Studies and Surveys

• Studies were initiated on impact of environmental pollution on the eye; prevalence, therapeutic options and outcome measures of amblyopia (lazy eye); physico-chemical properties of Muga silk fibre produced in the north eastern region; investigation and characterization of solid waste disposal sites and its impact on soil and water for the state of Karnataka; development of consortium of biocontrol agents and mycorrhizae for potting mixture to manage nursery diseases of some commercial tree species in Karnataka; influence of eco-technological factors on nutritional practices and health disorders among tribals of Visakha agency area Andhra Pradesh; integrated technology utilisation for Rahata block, Ahmed Nagar, Maharashtra,
• Studies were completed on estimation of radon and its progeny using solid state nuclear track detectors in and around oil and coal deposits of Upper Assam; herbal folk medicines of Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan; development of efficient rice shelling technologies; traditional ethno-medicinal plants in the Indian Thar; leaching characteristics of fly ash of identified thermal power stations and its effect on soil and ground water contamination in Uttaranchal.

Location Specific R&D and Technology Development

• New projects were initiated on performance evaluation of rainwater harvesting and salinity prevention structures in Gujarat; field trial of leaf and flower extract of Moringa oleifera (Sajjina or drumstick ) for their insecticidal and repellant activity against Anopheline mosquito fauna in and around Udaipur; Clinical and laboratory evaluation of some essential oils against fungi causing superficial mycoses and onychomycosis in rural areas of Jaipur; assessment of certain edible wild leafy vegetable plants of Tripura with special reference to their nutritional constituents and medicinal value; collection, cataloguing, conservation and sustainable commercial exploitation of indigenous orchids of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Projects on "Management of root rot diseases of Castor in Gujarat, Design and development of prototype Machine (Fibre Extractor) for waste area nut shell in Assam" and Management of Congress Grass through vermi-culture Bio-Technology" in Punjab are nearing completion.

Information Exchange

• Two regional meetings were held for southern and northern region at Bangalore and Jammu respectively. These meetings resulted in specific recommendation on approach for project formulation, area for coordinating S&T project and enhancing effectiveness of S&T secretariats supported by DST.
• An All India Meeting was held on the topic of "S&T interventions in addressing problems of contamination of drinking water and water scarcity" at Hyderabad. The participants in the meeting included Heads of State S&T Departments and Councils, scientists from Central S&T agencies including DST, representatives of development departments and experts on the theme etc. The objective of the meeting was to launch a nationwide programme involving demonstration of indigenous technologies so that the problem of contaminated drinking water could be approached scientifically. It also involved generation of specific demonstration projects from State S&T Councils and Departments related to addressing problems of contamination of drinking water and water scarcity.
• Documentation effort on developmental projects being implemented by State Councils has been initiated. An agreement has been signed and three producers have been assigned the task of shooting 60 minutes film on achievements of State S&T Councils

Training

• Workshops were organized on recent advances in Tasar culture in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, Science and Technology for the development of Uttaranchal, Tsunami's mitigation for Tamilnadu coast etc.
• Workshop were organized in collaboration with CGCRI, Kolkata on 'Membranes and Membrane reactors for drinking water purification including field visit and demonstration on ceramic membrane based arsenic & iron removal plants'.
  
• Training programme was conducted on pollution control in cupola furnace at Belgaum, Karnataka to make the foundry owners aware of the improved cupola furnaces developed by Punjab State Council for Science & Technology.

USERS scheme aims to utilize the expertise and potential of large number of Eminent Scientists in the country who remain active and deeply motivated to participate in S&T development even after their retirement. The main activity under this programme is preparation of books/monographs and state of art-reports. Several retired scientists have been supported.