Annual Report 2001 - 2002

Societal Programmes

Tribal Sub Plan

Under Tribal Sub Plan Scheme, location specific and need-based projects were supported for socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities. Some details of these projects are given below:

• Integrated rural development in cluster of selected villages in Raisen District.

Three villages in Raisen District have been involved in soil and water conservation, vermicomposting, non-timber forest produce and agroforestry. Tribal people are also being trained in the related technologies and the demonstration are being held. The initial results are encouraging.

• Science & Technology inputs for rural development in a tribal area.

An integrated village development project has been launched in Karjat block of Raigad District of Maharashtra. The villages predominantly inhabitated by tribal population are facing challenges for livelihood. Some of the technological inputs in this project include agriculture/plantation, nursery development, processing of medicinal plant, food processing, grain bank, craft development, etc. In addition, facilities are also being created for safe drinking water & cooling devices specially for women.

• Conservation and sustainable management of natural resources by tribal community for improving alternative living condition.

To conserve natural resources and also to provide alternative living, tribal farmers are being trained in improving agricultural practice and management techniques such as vegetable gardening, etc. Apart from this, poor tribal families are being involved in land and water resources development in the far flung area of Narsipatnam of Andhra Pradesh.

• Technical intervention for empowerment for tribals through Sabai plantation and training -cum-production center.

With a view to improve agriculture production and income generation through development of skill in cultivation and product making, tribal families are being trained in Bhubaneswar District of Orissa. Specific inputs such as improved seeds, organic fertilizer, etc., are being given for sustainable agricultural operation.

• Development of village Karchond, District Valsad.

Emphasising on land, biomass and water resources enhancement and management, Rural Commune has been implementing an integrated village development project at village Karchond District of Valsad, Maharashtra. The essential elements of the project are Drainage Treatment, Soil Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture, Home Gardening, Nursery Raising, Grain Bank, Horticulture, Health & Sanitation, etc. The tribal community have already been organized to create sustainable living through enhancing the natural resources.

Some of the important projects sanctioned during the year are: -

• Empowering tribal people with socio-economic activities in Kanyakumari District.
  
• Training on poultry management for income generating activity in rural area.
  
• Technology upgradation in weaving of woolen handicraft for Bhutia tribe of Garhwal Himalayas.
  
• Scientific land management programme for sustainable livelihood in the tribal village.
  
• Reforms in land use planning on water resources, natural resources & sanitation through farmers eco-club.
  
• Popularisation of integrated fish-cum-duck farming in tribal dominated block Chanho, District, Ranchi (Jharkhand) to generate self-employment among the rural women.
  
• Cultivation & processing of medicinal & aromatic plants used as a tool for socio-economic upliftment of Jaitpur tribals through S& T inputs.

As part of the Science and Society programme, the Department of Science & Technology has been supporting specific projects on science and technology application for the development of scheduled caste population.

Promotion and development of innovative technology as well as improvement in existing technology for the benefit of the poor, underdeveloped landless labour and scheduled caste population are the main objective of the scheme.

During the year, a number of projects have been supported in the areas of functional capability development, skill upgradation of artisans, occupational health, animal health care and livestock promotion, bakery science and fruit and vegetable preservation, carpet weaving and hand-woven technology for SC women empowerment, sustainable biodynamic farming etc. Income and employment generation projects were also supported. A good number of projects were funded for training in computer science and information technology to the scheduled caste boys and girls. Training was also arranged to improve the capability in raw silk recycling, and integrated farming system.

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

• Developing functional capability

Under this project, information was collected from different training institutes and a training module was prepared on screen-printing and coil winding. Short-term training courses were designed for 3 months in both the trades. Training area comprised a cluster of villages Ilhabad, Yagnbpur and Nayagaon in Tehsil Dadri of District Gautam Budh Nagar (U.P.). More than 70% SC families are below poverty line and economically very weak. They are landless labourers and marginal farmers. Most of the trainees were selected based on their socio-economic status, educational qualification and their interests. First batch of 15 trainees have been imparted training in screen-printing and coil winding (Transformer making). Both the trades are economically and technically viable with comparatively low investment, and therefore, can easily be replicated in the other areas.

• Sustainable livelihood through environment friendly handcrafted paper products for scheduled caste women.

The project aimed at improving the earning potential of SC women of urban slums by providing training for converting handcrafted paper into paper products. 20 women belonging to economically backward classes were given training in various techniques like folding and pasting. The training also included block printing and embroidery on paper and paper products. The products are jewelerry boxes, carry bags, diaries, dustbins, lampshades, etc. Some of the items have been received well by the market and export potential also exists.

• Green Technology for Waste Land in Dindigul Distt. (Tamil Nadu).

The project was implemented in Tholipatti, Vedasandur of Dindigul District in Tamil Nadu. Motivation and orientation camps were conducted to build up confidence among the poor farmers and training was organized to equip them in wasteland development techniques such as bunding, gully plugging for soil & water conservation & agro-forestry model. 45 acres of land belonging to 20 Dalit families had been treated and seedlings of Mango, Tamarind and Neem were planted in the area. It has generated mass awareness among the people of the district.

• Sustainable bio-dynamic farming to boost agricultural economy of scheduled caste farmers.

Shri AAM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre, Chennai had identified Sevapur village in Karur District of Tamil Nadu to implement sustainable bio-dynamic farming project. Taking into consideration that 90% of the beneficiaries belonged to scheduled caste, the existing cropping pattern has been changed and crop rotation introduced. Use of bio-fertilizers and green manures has been popularized along with use of traditional seeds. 120 scheduled-caste farmers have participated in the programme.

• Training-Cum-Production Centre of raw Silk by Women with improved reeling machine.

Sri Aurobindo Anushilan Society, Suri, West Bengal has taken up this project with the intention of improving the quality of silk by introducing essential improved cottage basin, which is for the development of post cocoon technology. This project has been launched not only to improve the quality but also to popularize the use of improved cottage basin. 30 women beneficiaries have been trained in the project.

• Development of Functional Capabilities of SC Weavers Community of Jajpur District through training on weaving of Jute Fabric.

Training on Jute and Jute-Cotton fabrics for the SC weaver community was organized. Engaged in old traditional items, now they are taking interest in weaving the jute cotton fabric. The trainees are now aware about weaving, costing, marketing & use of the Jute & Jute cotton fabrics in door and window screen, fancy bags, floor mat, wall hanging, etc. Most of the trained personnel are weaving the jute cotton fabric as per local demand. They have realized that weaving of jute cotton fabric has helped in increasing income. 140 numbers of weavers belonging to Scheduled Caste families have been trained.

• Training in integrated farming system for Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.

Four villages of Pulicat Lake area in Thiruvallur District were identified for training in tree and shrub growing, grass cultivation, calf rearing, sheep and goat husbandry and agro forestry programme and kitchen garden. With limited availability of resources, the participants have initiated activities in small scale. Those who are having a few cattle, sheep and goat have started rearing them scientifically. Health care practices of young and adult animals are being followed through periodic vaccinations. Sixty scheduled caste women beneficiaries were selected with the approval of villagers. Based on the population of the village, number of beneficiaries was fixed for each village.

• Some of the other important projects which have also been supported under this schemes are: -

All India Co-ordinated Programme (AICP) on Waste Re-cycling & Management (WRM) and rehabilitation of Scavengers: Rag-pickers, both in urban and semi-urban areas, have been selected through eight projects launched for collection of house hold waste, vegetable /fruit waste, mandi waste, agro & forestry waste, etc. This waste is usually dumped by the side of nullah, river, open place, which poses serious environmental & ecological problems.

Empowerment of SC through Functional Capability Development by training in fruit & vegetable preservation, bakery science, information & computer technology for competitive assignment & income. 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 them 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 with an upper age limit of 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 (a) attempt a field implementation of an idea, which is already known, or (b) develop techniques for solving problems which do not have any suggested solutions at present.

During the year, 9 projects were sanctioned under this scheme. Highlights of some of the projects are given below:

• In a project being implemented by PROGRESS, Hyderabad a new method is being experimented to propagate tree species by using tissue culture technology with the help of organic substances d - biotin and capanthothenate. The two biotins are found to be useful in shoot multiplication and for enhancement of the growth of shoots. Earlier this method was reported to be used only in horticulture plants. In this project it has been proved that by applying these two biotins the forest trees like Acacia mangium are also showing good growth both in shoot initiation and multiplication.
• In another project at Nagpur, compilation and verification of indigenous and ancient knowledge on ground water exploration, optimization of suitable techniques with the help of Bio - indicators for water exploration, identification and documentation of various types of bio - geo and geo - physical surface indicators and exploration of these techniques are being carried out.
• In one of the projects supported in Wardha, appropriate nursery techniques for vegetative propagation of some highly valued ornamental and cash crops are being developed. In this project, trails of synthetic growth promoters like IAA, IBA, and NAA have been conducted in glass bottles for Mogra, Rose, Mussaenda, Coleus, Philodendron, Diffenbeckia and Gladiolus. The rooting range is further treated with organic growth promoters like Sanjeevak, biogas slurry, vermiwash, etc. The comparative data of synthetic hormone verses organic hormones has been recorded.
• Under another project, a low cost technology for the analysis of fecal coliform bacterial contamination in drinking water has been established.

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 2001-2002, 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, 50 EACs have been organised thereby exposing about 3000 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 are 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 2001-2002, 30 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 research and development laboratories having commercial viability. Entrepreneurs selected for a 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 25 TEDPs during the year 2001-2002 in the area of micro processor based industrial products, value added coir and coconut products, medicinal plants processing, bio-medical instruments repair and maintenance, IT and IT enabled services, value added fisheries products, plastics extruded products, 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 subject such as entrepreneurship development process and practice, interpersonal skills, creativity, problem solving, counselling skills, behavioural inputs, achievement motivation training, resource and knowledge input. The training methodology adopted includes case studies, audio-visual aids, group discussions, games and simulation exercises, field and institutional visits, and classroom lectures.

During the year 2001-2002, 15 FDPs were sponsored and about 250 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 NG0s. During the year under report, skill development training programmes have been sponsored to organisations spread over various States in the country for imparting training to approximately 3000 youth.

UNDP Project - Vocational Training for Employment Generation

A UNDP project titled vocational training for employment generation is being implemented by the NSTEDB.This project aims to promote human resource development through development of skills in new and innovative technology areas in the manufacturing and service sectors. It also seeks to develop institutional mechanisms to encourage the growth of skill and knowledge-based jobs through the creation of strong linkages between academia, industry and vocational training institutions. The following skill areas have bee identified under the project:-

• Modern Appliances Maintenance
  
• Computer Hardware & Office Equipment Maintenance
  
• Multiskilling for rural and semi-urban areas
  
• Bio-technology (Tissue culture, floriculture, bio-fertilizer etc.)

Four institutions have been identified to implement one of the skill area identified under the project. During the year under report all the implementing institutions have been engaged in conduct of potential survey, designing of curriculum, preparation of course material and procurement of equipment etc..

Open Learning Programme in Entrepreneurship (OLPE)

OLPE uses distance education mode for training S&T persons to take to entrepreneurship. This programme is organised by the EDII, Ahmedabad. During the year under report, the Board has sponsored training of 550 S&T candidates including training of 50 S&T candidates from the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

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:

• 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.

• Commercialising products/processes of R&,D Laboratories.

International Business Centre

A National Project on International Business Information and Research has been established at Maharashtra Industrial and 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. In addition to this, the centre has been responsible for establishment of joint ventures with capital investment from other countries.

Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development (STED) Project

STED Project envisages matching of the material as well as human resources of the target region to create new enterprises and hence jobs. The data on available resources is collected and compiled. Opportunity profiles are prepared which, in turn, are used by potential entrepreneurs. STED Project also undertakes training to upgrade technical skills of the local youth to enable them to become self employed.
The project is now functional at 33 locations covering North Eastern locations of Agartala, Aizwal, Kamrup and Sikkim. The project has also been implemented in areas of Andaman & Nicobar Island, and Lakshadweep. Each project has been given a minimum target of 200 micro-enterprises to be setup during the project duration of four years.

The project is monitored and reviewed by a national level Advisory Committee comprising of professionals, eminent scientists and technologists drawn from various reputed institutions of entrepreneurship development, financial institutions and R&D institutions.

During the year under report, about 2000 micro enterprises have been set up resulting in generation of approximately 4500 jobs.

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 ISO 9000 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 750 units generating annual turnover of around Rs. 90 crores and employment for 15,000 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:-

• TREC-STEP, Trichy has successfully completed 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 have been retained.
  
• A project on 'Demonstration and Field testing of an innovative product 'Bio fertilizer from coconut pith' has been completed by KREC-STEP, Surathkal in collaboration with KREC. The bio fertilizer is eco-friendly with better carbon to nitrogen ratio and moisture retaining capacity. It also acts as a good soil conditioner.
  
• Two new STEPs have been approved by the department, one STEP is being set up at International Advanced Research Centre(ARC-I) , Hyderabad, a premier R&D institution of the country in the area of powder metallurgy and ceramics, while the other one is being established at Basaveshwar Engineering College (BEC), Bagalkot, Karnataka.
• A demonstration project for Generation of group employment by standardizing the agro cultivation techniques using tissue culture for selected medicinal and aromatic plants having commercial applications is being taken up by STEP-IIT, Kharagpur .
  
• Based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on STEPs, the proposals for setting up of a Technology Business Incubator by RV-TIFAC, Composite Design Centre, Bangalore in the area of Composites and by MITCON, Foundation, Pune in the area of Agri-business are being actively pursued.

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

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

• A central facility has been established at Asian & Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology(APCTT), New Delhi. STEPs have been linked with this facility which contains databases on various products, technologies and other relevant information useful for the entrepreneurs.
  
• Training Manual on Technology & Small Business Management has been brought out to serve as a guide book for start-ups as well as trainers on the various aspects of Technology & Small Business Management. It is also available in CD-ROM.
  
• A Technology Business Incubator in the area of Biotechnology is being set up at Centre for Bio-technology, Anna University.
  
• Regional Workshop on Technology Business Incubator( TBI ) for the western and the central region was held during 28-29 September, 2001 in IIT, Mumbai for creating awareness of the concept of TBI among Academia, R& D and industry. Over 30 participants of the region attended the workshop. Proposals have also been received for conducting similar workshop for the southern and the eastern region.
  
• 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 launched in 1985-86 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 19 locations throughout the country.

These EDCs are engaged in undertaking a wide gamut of activities which include arousing of entrepreneurial awareness amongst S&T students through conduct of short duration Camps, developing faculty resources in the field of entrepreneurship by conducting Teachers Training Programmes and holding Entrepreneurship Development & Skill Development Training Programmes for creating new enterprises thus generating wealth as well as employment. The EDCs also conduct training of beneficiaries of the Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana (PMRY), impart training under Small Industry management Assistants Programme (SIMAP) and Skill-cum-Technology Upgradation Programme (STUP) of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) besides arranging Entrepreneurship Development Programmes for other agencies of the support system like Financial Institutions, Banks, State Departments of Industries, Industrial Associations, etc.

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. Further, EDC faculty delivers guest lectures in other academic institutions located in the vicinity besides participating in discussions on Radio & TV channels and also in workshops and seminars on various aspects of entrepreneurship to inculcate awareness and popularise entrepreneurship as an alternative career in the respective regions. In addition, 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.

Technology Innovation Management Entrepreneurship and Information Service (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 information 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. The web-based information service launched a year and half ago has become quite popular among the prospective and existing entrepreneurs and now receives an average 50,000 hits per month.

Science Tech Entrepreneur

The popular magazine "Science Tech Entrepreneur" is being regularly published since its re-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 periodicity of the magazine has been increased to monthly from January 2001. Each issue of this priced magazine now contains regular columns on Technology Events, Trade Fairs, Trade Enquiries and features on Technology, Management, and Business Opportunities besides focussing on at least one segment of industry such as Agriculture, Bio-Technology, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, Energy, Environment, Food Processing, Information Technology, Leather, Printing & Packaging, Service Industry, etc. Interviews of successful first generation Science & Technology entrepreneurs are also published in order to motivate the young budding entrepreneurs. The print order of this bi-lingual publication is around 5000 copies.