Annual Report 2004-2005

Societal Programmes

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. The projects implemented by the Board aim at creation of techno-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 2004-2005, the NSTEDB continued to pursue and strengthen its activities/programmes, taken up earlier, in addition to conceptualizing and initiating a few new projects.

Entrepreneurship Awareness Camp (EAC)

Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps are organised by 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 300 EACs have been sanctioned 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.

An EDP brings about a sound combination of techniques of behavioural 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 2004-05, 40 EDPs were organised with the support of NSTEDB.

Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Programme (TEDP)

In a Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Programme (TEDP), the focus of training is on specific products/technologies/processes, which have commercial viability and which have been developed by R&D laboratories or other academic institutions. Besides the hands on training, the potential entrepreneurs are given entrepreneurial, motivational and managerial inputs. 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 2004-05, 60 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, Biotechnology, Computer Hardware and Peripherals repair & maintenance etc.

Faculty Development Programme (FDP)

Faculty Development Programmes (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 2-3 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 2004-05, 40 FDPs were organised 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 shortterm 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 reputed NGOs. More than 5000 persons are expected to be trained during the year under report in various skill areas at different locations in the country.

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 Science & Technology processes. It involves identification of opportunities through a detailed scientific survey and exploitation of the opportunities thus identified by the entrepreneurs. The total project life is four years. During the year 2004-05, support was provided to 29 STED Projects all over the country.

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.

Technology Business Incubators (TBI)

In the knowledge economy, mechanisms such as Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) have assumed greater significance and relevance as they nurture and support knowledge driven startups into successful enterprises, in addition to catering to the technological needs of the SME sector of the industry. The scheme on TBIs initiated by the Department in the year 2000-2001 is being given major thrust in the Tenth five year Plan and 14 TBIs have been established with the financial support from the Department. Three new TBIs were established during the year.

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. Over 50 EDCs have been so far established by NSTEDB. 7 new EDCs were established during the year.

Collaboration with the World Bank under the infoDev programme: Organisation of Global Forum on Business Incubation, 14-19 October 2004, New Delhi

The Information for Development programme (infoDev) of the World Bank Group and the Department of Science and Technology joined hands to hold a “Global Forum on Business Incubation” for the first time in India during 14-19 October 2004 in New Delhi. A website
www.incubatorsnetwork.com has been created exclusively for the event management and also the post event work. The Five day event included a two day conference and a two day capacitybuilding, knowledge-sharing and networking workshop.

Technology Innovation Management Entrepreneurship and Information Service (TIME IS)

The website www.techno-preneur.net, was maintained 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.

Highlights of Major Activities Year of Scientific Awareness (YSA: 2004)

Year 2004 was designated as the Year of Scientific Awareness (YSA) and programmes were launched to spread scientific awareness and scientific thinking all around in the country. The primary objective was to empower people for informed decision-making on issues of science and technology such as health and nutrition, soil conservation, water and sanitation, environment and bio-diversity, disaster preparedness/ management and use of information technology for decision making. Year long campaigns comprising Vigyan Chetna Jathas, science exhibitions, lecture demonstrations, public debates, competitions for children and other science communication activities, covering all districts in the country were organised.

Chetna Vigyan Jathas were organized in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Punjab, Tamilnadu, and coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Orissa, eastern Himalayan states and Rajasthan. 5 regional workshops for Program Officers of All India Radio and Doordarshan were organized in July 2004 using video-conferencing facility at IGNOU, New Delhi. 6 books and 20 booklets authored by well- known popular science writers were brought out in English & Hindi. Low cost water and soil testing kit and food adulteration detection kit were made available to each district. In addition, lecture series, quizzes, exhibitions, and visits to S&T institutions were organized at district level in various states. Regional exhibitions on application of information technology were organized in February 2005. National competitions were organized for designing mascot and for posters, slogans and photography as part of this campaign.

Promoting Innovations: Steer the Big Idea

Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (JIII), Tokyo, Japan invited over 300 youth and their supervisors from 39 countries during August 27-30, 2004 at the International Exhibition for Young Inventors 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. The nine projects selected for this event were Preventing soiling of Railway Tracks at the platform; Herbal pesticides for storage of grain; Low Calorie Biscuits from banana peel ; Herbal formulation for controlling growth of Culex mosquito larvae; Optically controlled Wheel Chair; Advanced Audio-video coding of Data; Science Education Kit using Laser ; A novel device useful for lifting the surface water of the river; and Innovative slope measuring instrument-universal spirit level. These projects were presented by young innovators from schools of Karnataka (1), Madhya Pradesh (1), Maharashtra (2), Punjab (1), Tamilnadu (3) and West Bengal (1).

2nd National Teachers’ Science Conference (NTSC)

The Second National Teachers’ Science Conference was organized by M.P. Science Centre and Varahmihir Institute of Advanced Research, Bhopal during September 9-13, 2004 in which about 300 delegates participated. A science exhibition was put up, wherein organizations like DST, New Delhi, MAPCOST, Ekalvaya, and Vigyan Prasar participated. The focal theme for this year’s conference was ‘School in the Service of Society’.

12th National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC)

The 12th National Children’s Science Congress was organized by Assam Science, Technology & Environment Council, Guwahati during December 27-31, 2004. The focal theme of the Congress was “Harness Water Resources for a Better Future”. Over 1000 children, teachers, scientists, academicians and science communicators participated in the Congress. Over 500 projects selected through district, regional and state level Children’s Science Congresses were presented. Face to face question and answer sessions with renowned scientists, publication of a daily newsletter and a science exhibition were the special activities organised. Two best projects from each state were selected for Children’s Session of the 92nd Annual Session of the Indian Science Congress.

Year of Physics 2005

The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) has declared the year 2005 as the International Year of Physics in recognition of Einstein’s monumental contributions to physics in the year 1905. This programme aims at raising countrywide awareness of physics and physical sciences.

Vigyan Mail

The second phase of science exhibition on wheels – Vigyan Mail was launched in January 2005 by Hon’ble Minister of State for Science & Technology. The Vigyan Mail carries exhibits on India’s scientific and technological developments and shall visit various parts of the country. The first phase under title Vigyan Rail was conducted by Vigyan Prasar during December 2003-August 2004.

National Awards for S&T Communication

To stimulate, encourage and recognize outstanding efforts in the area of science and technology communication, the Parishad had instituted awards in 1987. National Award for Best Efforts in Popularizing Science and Technology was given to the Bangalore Science Forum, Bangalore. The National Award for Best Efforts in Popularizing Science and Technology through Mass Media was shared by Dr. Subodh Mahanti, Scientist, Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi and Shri Nellai S. Muthu, Scientist, SHAR, Shriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The National Award for Best Efforts in Popularizing Science and Technology among Children was given to Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad.

4th National Science Communication Congress (NSCC-2004)

The 4th National Science Communication Congress was organized during December 20-24, 2004 by Yuva Vigyan Parishad, Gwalior and Indian Science Writers’ Association at Gwalior. Over 150 delegates participated in the Congress and presented their papers in 5 technical sessions, viz.. i) Science and Society Interface, ii) Scientific Awareness and Decision Making, iii) Communication of Traditional Knowledge, iv) Scientific Temper and Mass Media, and v) Alternative Modes of Science Communication.

Publications

Indian Journal of Science Communication

The Parishad continued publication of a half yearly research journal on science communication titled “Indian Journal of Science Communication”, in association with Indian Science Communication Society, Lucknow. A website of the Journal was launched on December 21, 2004 on the occasion of 4th National Science Communication Congress and the journal is now accessible at www.iscos.org.

Special Features on Year of Scientific Awareness 2004

Highlighting the activities and programmes of the Year of Scientific Awareness, some special features were published in leading magazines, such as Frontline (February 13, 2004) and Outlook (December 13, 2004).

NCSTC Resource-letter Srote

Support continued to Eklavya, Bhopal for bringing out Srote, a science and technology news and feature service started in 1988. Srote is also available on the internet at www.srote.com

NCSTC Communications

NCSTC Communications, a bilingual (Hindi and English) monthly newsletter was brought out and circulated to over 11,000 academic institutions, research laboratories, members of parliament, science based organizations/institutions and individual science communicators across the country.

Popular Science Periodicals in Indian Languages

Support for publication continued to be provided to popular science magazines such as Nirantar Soch (Punjabi), Vaigyanik Drishtikon (Hindi), Arivukkan (Tamil) and Vigyan Aapke Liye (Hindi). The GRD Trust, Coimbatore was supported for bringing out a popular science monthly in English ‘Wide Spectrum’.

Wall Calendar 2005

The Parishad in association with Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucnow, brought out a wall calendar of the year 2005 depicting various medicinal and aromatic plants.

Science Wallpaper

Fortnightly popular science wallpaper titled Kyon Aur Kaise was launched by the Parishad through Eklavya, Bhopal. This wallpaper is available in Hindi and English. It has already received over 1000 subscriptions.

Books on Science Communication

Parishad brought out several books to spread the message of science among the masses including Vigyan Ke Hastakshar - a compilation of the selected scripts developed during advanced level training programme in science journalism and science writing; Gyan Vigyan Prakash - A collection of Radio and T.V. scripts written by participants of a state level training workshop on enhancing science coverage through electronic media; and Swechhik Raktdan Protsahan.

Some other important publications brought out during the period included : i) Food Adulteration- Increasing Consumer Awareness; ii) Disaster – its community preparedness, training and management; iii) Disaster Preparedness – a training module; iv) Disaster Preparedness for Mitigation; and v) Water - The Elixir of Life (based on questions and answers of an audio quiz on water).

Documentation of Hands on activities

A project was supported to document 300 experiments based on low cost or no cost material
covering various aspects of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. It was developed in 3 volumes with detailed emphasis on concept, phenomena, material and methodology. Around 300 experiments were documented in the form of 3 booklets and 20 CDs.

Low-cost Demonstration Kits

• A low cost LASER kit for senior secondary and undergraduate students was developed in collaboration with Indian Association of Physics Teachers, Yamunanagar, Haryana.
  
• A combined water and soil testing kit named as ‘Parakhi’, including manual, posters, multimedia presentation and activities for children was developed in collaboration with Department of Chemistry, Cotton College, Guwahati and Assam Science, Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC), Guwahati.

Audio-Visual Programmes Radio Serial on Biodiversity- “Jeevan Ek-Roop Anek”

The Parishad in collaboration with All India Radio, Delhi, has produced a radio serial in Hindi on “Environment & Biodiversity”. Spread over 33 episodes, the serial includes 26 scripted and 7 interactive programmes, based on the feedback from the listeners. There were four segments in the serial: i) Defining Biodiversity, ii) Importance of Biodiversity, iii) Biodiversity Hot-spots in India, and iv) Efforts to Conserve and Protect our Biodiversity. The serial commenced broadcast on October 03, 2004 from 33 radio stations and received encouraging response. About 5000 individuals and School Science Clubs were registered with AIR as dedicated listeners.

Audio Quiz on Water

The Audio Visual Research Centre, Anna University, Chennai has produced a competitive audio quiz for class XI students of Tamilnadu. 13 parts were in Tamil and 13 in English. The quiz consisted of 1003 questions and answers on various aspects of water management.

Hum Honge Kamyab : A Film on Children’s Science Congress

A 26-part TV film based on the philosophy and methodology of Children’ Science Congress was produced. The first 13 episodes came under a separate series titled ‘Ignited Minds’ and the rest would form another series under title ‘Hum Honge Kamyab. The series would be telecast on Doordarshan and other TV channels to enthuse children about brilliant scientific ideas.

Programme for Visually Challenged

In order to cater to visually challenged persons, efforts are being made to continue a popular science magazine Vigyan Dhara in Braille including print and audio versions in the form of cassettes. English and Hindi versions of the quarterly magazine are being brought out.

Training

Puppetry Corners

Two permanent puppetry corners were setup at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, and Tamilnadu Science & Technology Centre, Chennai for a duration of one year on an experimental basis. State level workshops on puppetry were also organized in these states and the corners were setup as a follow up.

Training Workshops on Science Writing/ Journalism/ Illustrations

To acquaint the science writers, journalists, students and teachers with the various techniques of presenting scientific contents in simple and interesting manner, the following training workshops were organized:

• 25 training workshops on popular science writing/ journalism/ illustrations organized in regional languages to encourage science coverage in print and electronic media in various parts of the country;
  
• A five day training workshop on science writing and journalism organized during June 21st- 25th, 2004 by MTS Academy, Chennai;
• A four day training workshop on science writing and journalism organized during July 28th- 31st, 2004 by Janpriya Vigyan Manch, Bhubaneswar; and
  
• A five day training workshop on science writing and journalism organized during August 28th– September 01st, 2004 by Anupam Gyan Vikas Parishad, Narela, Delhi.

National Seminar on Scientific Temper & Mass Communication

A national seminar on Scientific Temper & Mass Communication was organized during 29th- 30th November 2004 by Centre for Mass Communication, Rajasthan University at Harish Chandra Mathur Institute (OTS), Jaipur. Over 100 scientists, science communicators, journalists, teachers and students participated in the seminar and presented their papers. The technical sessions covered various topics on the subject of Scientific Temper. The seminar could attract some international delegates from Nepal and South Africa.

Training Workshop on Use of New Media in Science Communication

A training workshop on Use of New Media (Digital Media) in Science Communication was organized during May 25th-29th, 2004 by School of Future Studies and Planning, Devi Ahilya University, Indore. The objective of the workshop was to offer training to participants in the use of media in communicating science to the masses. Some 40 participants attended the programme and developed their own software materials on identified popular science subjects.

State Level Workshop on Science Translation in Regional Language

The Assam Science Writers’ Association organized a state level workshop for science writers on translation of science literature into regional language during November 25-28, 2004 at Chariali, District Sonitpur (Assam). 40 participants received training through hands on translation exercise.

Orientation Course for Effective Use of Media in S&T Communication

An orientation course for effective use of mass media in dissemination of science and technology was organized by Punjab State Council of Science & Technology, Chandigarh at Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana during December 27th, 2004 – January 17th, 2005. The objective was to train the teachers, students and media persons for developing media worthy scripts and programmes for enhancing public awareness of science and technology.

Explaining So-called Miracles

Indian Institute of Youth & Development, Bhubaneswar (Orissa) organized a five days programme to train resource persons for demonstration and scientific explanation of so-called miracles during November-December, 2004 at Bhubaneswar. About 50 science activists from
various districts of Orissa attended the workshop. During the workshop, the participants were trained in demonstrations of so-called miracles followed by their explanations including over 100 tricks. The basic objective of this programme is to make people aware of these tricks and save them from being cheated and misbeliefs.

Academic Courses in Science Communication

Long term academic courses/ programmes in S&T Communication/ Journalism at universities/ institutions were continued to be supported. Some 40 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. 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.

National Science Day: 2004

The National Science Day 2004 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. The National Science Day was celebrated in Technology Bhavan, New Delhi on February 27, 2004. Dr. R. Natrajan, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi delivered the lecture on “Emerging challenges and opportunities for S&T and education in the new millennium”.

Motivational Programme

This programme is aimed to attract, encourage and create interest among bright students towards careers in S&T. 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. The students closely interact with the scientist in an informal and unstructured mode at a national laboratory or a leading university. During the year, some 10 programmes were organized especially in North-Eastern states & Uttaranchal.

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. Some 8 regional and state level activities were organized. The states covered in this programme included Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Manipur, Punjab, Orissa and Gujarat.

Detection of Food Adulteration

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 period, training programmes were organized in different parts of the country.

‘Agrasar’ -Lecture-cum-demonstration (lec-dem) Programme

Eminent scientists, generally Fellows of national science academies are participating in this programme “Agrasar Lec-Dem Series”, for giving lecture-cum-demonstrations on new dimensions of science. These are arranged in schools, colleges or universities. During the period, some 30 lec-dems on various subjects were organized in different parts of the country.

Voluntary Blood Donation Programme

A countrywide quiz on Voluntary Blood Donation was organized covering 22 major cities in the country to encourage awareness among people towards voluntary blood donation and myths and facts associated with it.

Training Camp for Science Clubs

Yuva Vigyan Parishad (Gwalior), organized a seven days training programme for coordinators of science clubs during October 2-7, 2004. As part of the programme, a series of lecture-cumdemonstrations and workshops on some selected activates, like Nature Activities, Sky Watching, Origami, Fun with Plants in Soil-less Condition, Ham Radio, Electronic Kits and Toys, etc., were also organized. A draft manual for coordinators was developed on some activities which can eventually be undertaken by science clubs.

GYANDA- A Science Activity Corner in Gwalior Mela

Yuva Vigyan Parishad, Gwalior (M.P) put up a Science Activity Corner-cum-exhibition at annual Gwalior Mela during January 5-February 5, 2005. A number of activity-cum-demonstration corners, like scientific explanation of so-called Miracles, Fun with Plants in Soil-less condition, Testing of Food Adulteration, Nature Activities, Face to face with scientists, etc., were organized. Several competitions, such as science drama, essay and slogan writing, drawing, posters, and quizzes attarcted a number of visitors. Exhibition on Method of Science, Evolution of Man and various schemes and programmes of NCSTC was also arranged.

Regional Meetings of District/ Sate Coordinators

The CSC activities are organized with active cooperation from District Coordinators at the grassroot level. To strengthen and make CSC more meaningful, a series of regional meetings of district coordinators were organized over the year with following objectives:

1. Understanding constraints in functioning of CSC;
   
2. Improving coordination among district coordinators, education authorities, resource teachers and other state bodies involved in CSC;
   
3. Sharing innovative practices by district coordinators in CSC activities;
   
4. Increasing motivation of children, teachers, parents, etc., in CSC activities; and
   
5. Improving quality of projects and increasing the participation of children at district level. 35 State Coordinators, 630 District coordinators, 120 Evaluators and 90 Resource Teachers from across the country participated in these meetings.

Environmental Programmes
Project Root & Shoot

The programme Root & Shoot was developed as an activity for schools or local science clubs. The programme is being implemented by a number of science based organizations. For a cluster of at least 25 science clubs, saplings are planted and nurtured for a minimum period of three years. Each group of students maintains the life history of their respective plant/ tree in a record book. The students perform many interesting activities viz; conservation of soil, rational use of water, etc. The aim of this programme is to involve groups of students in such hands-on activities, experiments and observations that would give them an understanding of various components of environment and their relationship with each other.

Training Programme for Nature Activity Camps

Gujarat Council of Science City, Ahmedabad organized a State Level Workshop to train Resource Persons for Organisation of Nature Activities for Children during January 27-31, 2004 at Science City, Ahmedabad. About 50 secondary school teachers, science communicators, coordinators of nature clubs from different districts attended the workshop. During the five days workshop, the participants conducted more than hundred experiments to understand the dynamic aspects of nature.

3rd Regional Workshop on Fun with Plants in Soil-less Condition

The programme is aimed to help the participants understand the complex inter-relationship of plants with other living and non-living components of the environment. The content of the workshop included information on different techniques of hydroponics and methods of preparing different nutrient solutions, preparation of different types of pots with the help of old glass bottles, bulbs and tubes, sample collection of plants/trees for hydroponics and planting them by different methods (water, sand and pebbles), collection of data from different experiments and preparing own information base, developing new experiments by group discussion etc.

Awareness programme on Vermicomposting

A training module on open-ended experiments around vermi-composting for school science teachers and coordinators of science clubs was 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 and transparencies, etc. A national workshop was organized in Wardha in order to test the module at field level. The state level training workshops on vermicomposting were conducted in various parts of the country. State Science And Technology Programme (SSTP)

The concept of State level S&T is the basis of a decentralized planning approach for application of S&T for development. The State level machinery plays the role of a major “prime mover” while Centre could play a catalytic but effective role in encouraging this initiative of state governments.

State Science & Technology Programme (SSTP) formerly known as Scheme for ‘Assistance for development of State S & T Councils’ is the only scheme of the Central Government focussed on the specific objective of promotion of Science & Technology in the States. The scheme, formulated at the instance of Planning Commission, is being implemented by DST, Government of India since 1981. The catalytic core and programme support of DST has encouraged and facilitated State Science & Technology Councils to act as nodal organizations.

The most significant sectors promoted by State S&T Councils are 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 and Non-Conventional Energy Programmes, sponsored R&D Projects.

During the year, two meetings of Project Evaluation Group were held in which 50 proposals were considered out of which 22 projects were approved. Core support was also continued to all the State S&T Councils. 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.

A special initiative on “S&T interventions for drinking water related problems” was launched. 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. Also, as a follow up to All India Meeting on “Strategy for identification & mapping of sectoral areas”, a coordinated programme to prepare “Atlas of problems requiring S&T Intervention” was initiated.

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

• Catalytic core support provided to State S&T Councils to ensure requisite S&T capabilities for implementing State S&T programmes.
  
• Training Modules on professional development of S&T manpower in State S&T Councils completed.
• Coordinated programme on “Identification of strategy for mapping of S&T needs in a state”, initiated in fourteen State S&T Councils.

Demonstration Projects

• Based on novel technology developed by Institute of Plasma Research, Demonstration Plasma Pyrolysis plants were set up in Goa and A&N Islands to treat plastic and hospital waste in environment friendly manner (Figure 5.7).

• To address the problem of presence of excessive iron as contaminant in drinking water, a new programme on pilot scale demonstration of ceramic membrane based iron removal plants in severely affected locations of the North Eastern States was initiated.
  
  
• A reverse osmosis plant based on 2-Stage desalination was installed in Nelmadur village
  (Ramnathpuram district), Tamilnadu (Figure 5.8).

• A decentralized energy generation plant of 2 X 100 KW capacity based on indigenous microhydel technology was initiated at Kodak village in Arunachal Pradesh.

S&T Studies and Surveys

Studies were initiated on Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge System of Arunachal Pradesh, Seed production and enhancement of larval survival of indigenous food fishes of Kerala, Radon anomaly in and around the Mashimpur anticlinal structure of South Assam and its implications for hydrocarbon prospecting and related health hazard, GIS in Mapping Technology - Society Interface Information System in Andhra Pradesh, Geohydro-environmental investigations for exploring the possibilities of reactivation of buried reservoir and associated channels of OM valley, Betwa Basin M.P., Bastar ecosystem plan for transformation to a knowledge society based on Data Warehousing of traditional knowledge in Chattisgarh, Documentation and Scientific Validation of Traditional medical knowledge system in the Jodhpur Zone (Arid Region) and Udaipur Zone (Hilly Region) and Shekhwati Region (Figure 5.9) of Rajasthan.

Studies on the drinking water problems & its potential solutions (in Bokaro and Ranchi Districts of Jharkhand), Survey of Leucoderma prevalence and its magnitude for Ayurvedic Treatment of Leucoderma patients in Rajasthan, Estimation of radon and its progeny using solid state nuclear track detectors in and around oil and coal deposits of Upper Assam - Related health hazard and impact on life supporting systems, Management of Congress Grass (Parthenium hysterophorus) through Vermiculture Biotechnology in Punjab were completed.

Location Specific R&D and Technology Development

• New projects were initiated on Antioxidants and free radical scavenging effects in extracts of Zingiberaceae species exclusively found in Manipur; Identification, pathobiology and control of some dreaded protozoan poultry diseases of West Bengal; Tissue culture of Urginea congesta and characterization of glycoside components in Andhra Pradesh; Cultivation of commercially viable pyrethrum (natural insecticide) in the hills of Kumaun.
• Projects on “Management of root rot diseases of Castor” and “Medicinal plants applications in diarrohea” are nearing completion.
• Project on Biodiversity in A&N Islands has resulted in preparation of inventory of rare and endangered medicinal plants in A&N Islands.

Replication of Success models

In order to facilitate other hilly states to replicate success of HP State S&T Council in developing and adopting solar passive housing technology, a Technical Backup Unit for Solar Passive Housing Technologies has been set up in Himachal Pradesh.

Information Exchange

• A workshop for developing joint S&T based developmental programme amongst State S&T Councils and Departments of Eastern mountainous region was held in February 2004 at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh .The workshop resulted in identification of areas viz., decentralized power generation, safe drinking water, low cost food & fruit preservation technologies, plastics & hospital waste, improvement in traditional crafts and natural resources utilization and promotion for promoting accelerated development of region through S&T interventions
• Project on development of technology demonstration & dissemination system in Manipur was completed. A website has been hosted containing information on technologies developed by various CSIR Laboratories that are relevant to the State of Manipur. The website contains other useful information for cottage industries.

Training

• Demonstration, awareness and training programme for Earthquake Resistant Building using prefabricated ferrocement components was held at Uttaranchal.
  
• Training programme was conducted on popularization of nutrition and health improvement technologies among rural adolescent girls of Amravati district, Maharashtra.
  
• Training of farmers in organic farming concepts in Andhra Pradesh through establishment of Vermicompost and Vermi wash units was initiated.
  
• Training of women artisans/tribals in traditional crafts for skill improvement in Andhra Pradesh was initiated.
  
• Training programme aimed at equipping women from hilly region on use of natural dyes for woolen produce completed in the State of Uttaranchal.

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 and which has resulted in some of the following publications:

• Rice: Microscopy of the Plant and Grain;
  
• Monograph on Hospital Waste Management;
  
• Precambrian structural and metamorphic History of the Himalaya;
  
• Basic Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy;
  
• Atlas of Oxide Ores of India and their Texture;
  
• Infrared Photon Detectors: Technology and Applications;
  
• Fossils in Earth Sciences; and
  
• Ore Petrology and Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration.