Annual Report 2006-2007

Science and Technology Programmes for Socioeconomic Development

The department has been playing a pivotal role in promotion of Science and Technology for socioeconomic development. Flagship programmes under the societal initiative are Science and Society programmes, Special scheme for Tribal populations and Scheduled castes, Technology and Entrepreneurship Development, Science communication and popularization and state S&T programme. A major focus of these programmes has been referencing of technologies to the social contexts in which these technologies need to perform, replication of technologies in states through synergy with state S&T councils, active promotion of entrepreneurship based on technology and attracting and nurturing young talent to science and nurturing a scientific temper among citizens of our country.

Science & Technology Application Programme

Science & Technology Application for Rural Development (STARD)

The scheme aims at development, demonstration and adaptation of relevant and appropriate technologies/ replicable models for empowering rural population and improving quality of life in rural areas through time bound action research projects.

I. Core support to Science and Technology based Field Groups: As an ongoing activity, core support was extended to eleven science based organizations to nurture S & T personnel to take up challenges to work on rural problems. These groups spread in different geographical locations, are working on location specific problems with proper interface and support from relevant S & T institutions/laboratories and local community. The groups are engaged in developing cost effective technological solutions in farm as well as non farm sectors ranging from natural resource management, housing, renewable energy, agriculture & post harvest processing, rural engineering with a possibility for micro-enterprise development at the village level. One of the core supported group based in Trivandrum, Kerala has been able to develop cost-effective rotary sand sieve model which has helped local masons to reduce drudgery involved in the traditional method of manual sieving. This group is also working on developing and testing a prototype of motor added pedal for Jacquard Loom for reducing the drudgery and reduced working time. The proposed model uses motor power to lift the Jacquard hooks which carry the warps and relieves the weaver from much of the physical strain of operating a machine. Besides, a patent has

Lost cost sand sieve and Prototype of motor aided pedal for Jacquard loom

been filed in collaboration with RRL, Trivandrum for a cost effective rubber sheet dryer ideal for rural areas.

II.1 Technology Intervention in Mountain Ecosystem (TIME) Programme: Under this innovative programme, specific projects were supported in different mountain regions to improve livelihoods of mountain community by involving them in managing natural resources and through value addition. Under a project on Watershed Management in the Pali Gram Sabha of Chamba Block, Ranichauri in Uttaranchal local villagers were trained in soil and water conservation measures, polyhouse cultivation, community plantation of economic crops (snow pea, Geranium) on wasteland through innovations in the agro-horticultural practices, and adopting multi-crop system and composting techniques. With construction of water canal structure and irrigation facilities through the project, better moisture retention capacity was reported in the area leading to improved agricultural productivity. The emphasis on diversification with integration of various components for improved productivity and value addition has brought a visible change at project sites.

Water storage and conservation measures at Pali village, Ranichauri, Uttaranchal: Addressing irrigation and self-use needs.

Projects supported:

• Soil and Water Conversation in Thod Muth Catchment in Rajgarh Area of Himachal Pradesh as a Model Watershed.
• Sustainable livelihood and resource conservation through eco-restorative farming and appropriate technology transfer in the hilly district Wayanad, Kerala.
• Base Flow Water Harvesting from Shivaliks of Smah in Akhnoor, Dist Jammu, J&K.
• Planting stock improvement of some indigenous fuelwood and fodder tree species for higher biomass production in relevance to hilly region of Garhwal Himalaya.
• Vermicomposting and its application in rural agricultural development: A socio-biological study in Papumpare district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Use of native bio-resources in hills for the management of important diseases of strawberry.
• Commercial cultivation of Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) at Zimthung, Dirang valley, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh.

II.2 Coordinated Research Programme on Biological Integration of Farming Activities & Resource

Management (BIOFARM) for resource poor small farmers is being implemented at 18 locations spread across different agro-ecological regions of the country to develop biological resource integrated model farms for improving nutritional and livelihood security of the marginal farmers. In second year of implementation of this programme, work is in progress to study the resource flow and economic efficacy of the experiments being carried out at 15-20 small farmer's farms at each location by integrating various farming practices/components and sub-components for improvement in whole farm productivity and income. At one of the location in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 15 farmers have adopted multicropping system, Azolla culture, bio-composting linked with bio-gas system and backyard gardening.

Integrated farming practices like multi-cropping system, livestock development, water management etc. being optimized & adopted in participatory mode under CPBIOFARM to sustain the productivity and better income at small farm levels.

III. Individual Projects

III.1. Specific Achievements:

• Development of charring and briquetting technology package by Development Alternatives, New Delhi utilizing invasive waste biomass like lantana and Ipomea.
• Development of portable multi-purpose pump by NB Institute of Rural Technology, Tripura which can supply 20lit/min petrol or diesel or water. This system designed with metering arrangement on rickshaw van will be of immense utility to meet local needs in rural areas for small irrigation or for cooking and lighting purposes. The capacity of the tank attached with the pump is 300liter.

• Development of nursery technology with bio-fertilizer packages using VAM fungi and plant growth promoting Rhizo-microorganisms (PGPRs) with multi-locational trials for regeneration of degraded forest and waste lands essentially for tree species Acacia auriculiformis, Tectona grandis and Dalbergia sissoo. The complete package developed by Centre for Natural Biological Resources and Community Development (CNBRCD), Bangalore has been demonstrated to farmers and village forest community who are using biofertilizer packages to grow forest tree species in Mandya Dist., Karnataka involving Karnataka State Department of Forest.
• Optimization and demonstration of biomass gasifier engine system with technical support from IIT, Delhi under field conditions by NERI, Rohtak. This eco-friendly system runs on 100% producer gas to meet the irrigation needs of the farmers as well as utilities for electric power production for rural industries. It is reported that under this system, 3 Kg to 3.5 Kg of locally available biomass replaces one liter of diesel.

Biomass Gasifier Engine System (runs on 100% producer gas).

• Development and demonstration of domestic de-fluoridation unit (DDU) by Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc) Bangalore to treat 15 liters of fluoride-contaminated water at individual household level. The method is non-toxic and it does not involve any recharge process and thus avoids generation of corrosive and toxic wastes. This treatment method has been found to be robust method that can treat fluoride-contaminated groundwater independent of geochemical conditions. It has been successfully demonstrated at the field level in Kolar Dist., Karnataka. The treatment cost is reported to be 20-30 paise/liter. The user community has reported perceivable health benefits by consuming the treated water. Sludge produced by the method is being re-cycled in environment friendly manner in building application like stabilized bricks and blocks making.

Domestice De-fluoridation Unit (DDU) developed by IISc, Bangalore

• Dharamitra, a science based NGO at Wardha, Maharashtra has been able to optimize a technology package for post harvest management of banana stem waste to make value added products in decentralized way. The package has shown potential to establish a production unit in banana growing areas for production of hard boards. The group is also making efforts on lamination of hard boards with better finish and market acceptability.

Fibre boards made from Banana Stem waste.

• Training and empowerment of farmers from six villages around Gandhigram by Gandhigram Trust, Didigul, TN in cultivation and processing of important aromatic plants suitable to area (Palmarosa and Oscium sanctum, "basil") for income generation by providing technical know how on agrotechnologies and setting up of distillation unit (0.5 ton capacity).

III.2.New projects supported: During the year, 18 individual projects were supported to S&T based field groups and institutions to implement time bound technology based projects to benefit and empower rural community in different parts of the country. Some specific projects supported under this scheme are:

• Building a model Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) at Bengutia Village, West Bengal for the economical, energy efficient and environment friendly manufacture of bricks.
• Field trial for the finding out possibilities of use of fly ash in clay vitreous floor tiles.
• Development of LED - DC lightening for rural areas.
• Utilization of multipurpose trees and shrubs through homestead and community plantation for socioeconomic development of flood affected areas of Assam.
• Integrated farming system development and resource management for shifting cultivators in Mizoram.
• Gaildubba Watershed Project for better Land and Water Management in Block Tamia, District Chhindwara.
• Utilization of economic potential of Lantana camara.
• Bio-Integration farming activities and resource management (BIOFARM) for small and marginal farmers in Loshing Paeheykrani, East Sikkim.

During the year, under STARD scheme 56 projects (individual as well as under coordinated programme) were monitored involving expert groups in three separate Group Monitoring cum Sensitization workshop organized at Shillong, Meghalaya; Trivandrum, Kerala and Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Science & Technology Application for the Weaker Sections (STAWS)

The scheme Science & Technology Application for the Weaker Sections (STAWS) is aimed at the development of economically weaker sections of the society in both rural and urban areas. It focuses attention on specific S&T inputs for improvement of rural artisans, landless labourers, etc. Emphasis is placed on multi-sectoral approach incorporating original ideas based on locally available resources and incorporating the direct beneficiary groups in decision-making.

Major initiatives under the scheme:

1. Integrated Village Development

On completion of fifty years of independence of the country, projects for integrated development of villages at various locations were initiated. Holistic and integrated development of the project area with the judicious use of available natural, human, livestock resources through S&T based solutions was the thrust in these projects. About fifteen such projects were launched. Highlights of technical inputs under some of the completed projects are development of Slivering & Stick Making Machine, polymer coating for better look and increased shelf life of Bamboo products, utilization of locally available minor forest produce for value addition and scientific packaging, up gradation of local animal breeds, water shed management for water conservation and minor irrigation, cover management nursery management, skill upgradation of women and artisans, promotion of milk production and processing , upgradation of local handlooms, introduction of field horticulture crops, diversification of cropping pattern using improved practices, low-cost appropriate technologies was created by the introduction of stabilized mud block (SMB).Such projects have successfully been completed at Ghoradongri Block Distt. Betul, (M.P.), Shalla village block Chachyot district Mandi (H.P.), village Dhakuali, Distt. Fatehpur (UP), village Ganapati (Maharastra), village Karchond Distt. Valsad (Gujarat), village Khadagpur, Distt. Koraput (Orissa)

Silvering and stick making machine used by villagers

Income generating activities by villagers- pig rearing.

Livelihood generation by weaving and kulh construction at village-Shalla

II. Coordinated Programmes

A number of coordinated programmes have been generated based on successful development of technology packages and implementation of pilot scale projects. These programmes were conceived with an idea to test the viability of pilot scale technology models under different socio-economic conditions in different agroclimatic regions of the country, and at the same time to create impact in the countryside.

II.1 Non-Edible Oils (NEO)

A coordinated programme was taken up for gainful utilization of NEO bearing plants by women and forest dwellers. Under this programme, a generic technology package is proposed to be adapted, tested and optimized under diverse field conditions through system approach. The programme is being implemented at seven locations involving select group of science-based NGOs in diverse regions viz.-Mandi (H.P.), Medinipur (W.B.), Chhindwara (M.P.), Aizwal (Mizoram), Kharagpur (W.B.), Dehradun (Uttaranchal), and Kanyakumari (T.N.), under the coordination of CTD, New Delhi.

II.2 S&T based Action Projects in Tsunami Affected Areas

Six projects have been supported for intervention programmes on livelihood regeneration, trauma counseling and infrastructure support in tsunami affected areas involving different institutes and S&T based voluntary organizations. The goal is to create some model S&T interventions for a cluster of villages through infrastructure support in about 10-15 villages affected by the tsunami, which struck the Indian coast in 2004. Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, has been given the role of providing technical backup to the involved voluntary organizations in carrying out soil and water related activities.

III. Individual projects

During this period, fifteen action oriented projects of multi-sectoral nature have been supported covering the subject areas of horticulture, biodiversity, medicinal plant cultivation, aquaculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, sustainable agriculture, rural engineering and health and sanitation, etc. These projects are being implemented in different parts of the country focusing on appropriate and cost effective technology modulation and transfer, based on location specific needs/conditions.

• A project was initiated on developing a Management Information System (MIS) for the completed projects
  at SSD, with the aim to identify from among these projects, the best practices, innovations and factors
  contributing to greater sustainability and replicability of projects.
  
• A project on promotion of urban home herbal gardens and popularization of Indigenous Systems of Health-care was initiated in Pune.

Decentralized expansion of nursery for medicinal plants	Herbal formulations using existing medicinal plants

IV. Projects on technology demonstration

• A new project was supported with intervention programme on exploring the efficacy of water filters based on membrane filtration technology, developed by NCL with financial support from DST. For dissemination of above water filters in remote rural areas, M/s Membrane Filters (I) Pvt. Ltd. Pune was given financial support for installation of 150 water filter units in different regions of the country to provide safe drinking water to the target population. Inspired by the initial response of this pilot project, and based on the request of the state governments of Nagaland & Arunachal Pradesh, 520 units of this filter have been installed in Kohima/Mokokchung district (Nagaland), Ruskin Division (East Siang District) & Dirang Block of Arunachal Pradesh and also at selected locations of Indian Army units establishment. The objective is to assess the impact of the newly developed technology on the health, through reduction in water born diseases in the two States.

Water filter units at selected locations in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland

V. New Initiatives

• An initiative involving active participation of the students and teachers of selected Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) in action projects for rural development using S&T based solutions has been conceived. To begin with, principals/vice-principals and teachers from 16 JNVs were invited for a brain storming cum sensitization meeting to apprise them about the objectives of the new programme. A format for collecting base line information from project areas based on village surveys was developed and given to these participants to develop concept notes, which will ultimately lead to development of full scale intervention strategy.
• Activities on spreading scientific literacy and awareness and educating scheduled tribes and backward communities to understand their legal rights on bioresources continues in the states of Jharkhand and Uttrakhand.
• As a proactive measure a programme on S&T application for the elderly population in the country is being developed with a focus on selected areas- health and nutritious food, designs, networking and recreation & entertainment. Preliminary consultation meetings with subject specialists and users groups have been conducted for the different theme areas.
• A project on telemedicine application in rural areas has been initiated with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), New Delhi. The aim is to provide free tertiary consultation to rural population and weaker sections of the society by making modern health care available to the population by setting up 3 medical kiosks at selected villages in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. The project is designed to be a joint venture of SGRH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), ISRO and DST, and the DST's contribution for the above multi-agency project is specifically meant for providing the equipment for medical kiosks.

Applying S&T for solving societal problems Scheme for Committed Young Professional

To enthuse young scientists to apply their expertise to issues relevant to society action research projects are granted to young scientists (upper age limit of 35 years for men, 40 years for women) with the objective of (a) attempting a field implementation of an idea, or (b) developing new techniques for solving problems which do not have clear solutions at present. Young scientists' are encouraged to pursue innovative research ideas, which have direct bearing on social problems in selected voluntary organizations, academic institutions or research laboratories.

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

• A research project based on income generation through biomass charcoal briquetting work is being implemented at Kanathur and Thiruvidanthai villages in coastal region near Chennai where Casuarina leaf litter is available abundantly as waste biomass. These wastes can provide a renewable energy source if converted into high-density fuel briquettes. The moisture, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon content and biochemical properties of the biomass viz. cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, crude fiber, content have been estimated. The selected biomass has been carbonized at different temperatures ranging from 200 C to 400 C and the charcoal yield registered. Two different types of kilns have been fabricated at Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC) and tested for their efficiency on charcoal yield in a laboratory scale. Hand operated biomass briquetting mould has also been fabricated with locally available materials to prepare the charcoal briquettes. Ultimate analysis, calorific value of biomass and briquettes and beneficiary selection works are under progress.

Hand operated briquetting Mould fabricated by MCRC

• A project, on exploring the potential of different seaweed species as an additional income to the Shrimp farmers through exploitation of their economic values in addition to controlling pollution in the farms is being implemented. In this project nine species are being studied Chaetomorpha antennina, Enteromorpha flexuosa, Valoniopsis pachynema, Sargassum sp., Laurencia obtusa, Acanthophora spicifera and Gracilaria edulis. Agar yielding seaweeds are been used in these studies. Gracilaria verrucosa was cultivated in shrimp aquaculture pond waste water under laboratory conditions and periodically evaluated its growth and nutrients uptake. Gracilaria verrucosa co-cultivated with Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in the laboratory condition favoured high biomass and utilized maximum amount of nutrients. Agar-agar was extracted from dried seaweed of Gracilaria verrucosa and estimated it's gel strength, melting temperature and gelling temperature, ash and sulphate contents.Standerdization Protocol for conversion of waste seaweed biomass (after extraction of agar-agar) into vermicompost is in progress.
• In a project being implemented at North - east, traditional pest management practices among the indigenous tribes practicing shifting cultivation is being documented and validated.

Completed Projects

During the year, 5 projects were completed successfully. Some of the achievements are as follows:

• Under a project implemented at Jammu & Kashmir, various studies and experiments were conducted for control of Fusarium corn rot of saffron by using bio-agents and fungicides.
• A detailed participatory mapping of wells and farms in the East Palaguttapalli Panchayat, Pakala Mandal, Chittor district, A.P. was undertaken using GPS / GIS and involving youth and farmers. The withdrawal of ground water for water - intensive agriculture and recharge from rainfall over the decades were computed and compared.

Under the Tribal Sub Plan Scheme, location specific and need-based projects are supported for socioeconomic upliftment of tribal communities. In the year twelve new projects have been sanctioned with emphasis on creating a sustainable livelihood base through use of locally available resources and materials. These projects have been implemented in tribal areas in different parts of the country focusing on appropriate and cost effective technology modulation and transfer, based on location specific needs and technological empowerment in related occupations of tribal sections of the society. Details of some projects are given below:-

• In a project on development of low cost natural dyes from indigenous forest produce being implemented in Maharastra printing techniques with fresh leaves, Kasim line printing and screen printing have been

Leaf Printing Techniques

developed exclusively for khadi cotton and silk. Protocol for premordanting, printing and post dyeing has also been standardized. Training has been imparted to tribal women in these techniques and in preparing value added articles from the fabric. A cleaning liquid based on soap nut extract has been developed for washing natural dyed clothes.

• Technique for Scientific Tapping of Sterculia urens trees for better quantity and quality of gum has been developed and standardized. Tribal gum pickers in East Godavari & Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh were trained in sustainable & suitable scientific and eco-friendly method of blazing the trees for augmenting gum production and tree conservation. The outcome of the project has been the standardization of tapping technology, development of best practices for quantity improvement in gums to provide better returns to tribal gum collectors.
• In a project on cost-effective water harvesting techniques to augment groundwater regime by artificial recharge of open and bore wells at farm level in tribal villages of Mettupalayam taluk in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, a cost effective water harvesting technique and filtering mechanisms for dug wells was used for ground water recharge. The process developed mainly focuses at the optimal mix of scientific and traditional skills to improve the ground water regime in selected villages in the foothills of Western Ghats thereby increasing the water available to tribal farmers for irrigation.
• Tribal women of Palaya and Manan of Idukki dist. were trained in cost effective technologies of quail rearing to include cage construction, incubator operation and brooding. Low cost cages for quail using bamboo were designed and training imparted to tribals to produce these cages. A low cost incubator unit made by a local innovator was tested at the central hatchery with resulted in 40% to 60% hatching. Feeding trials for incorporation of Azolla in quail feed was done and Azolla incorporation up to 10% level in feed was found to be optimal for growth.
• Upgradation of water mill and introduction of technology for water mill run wool carding and spinning has been developed for Bhutia tribal population of Uttaranchal. This project aims at improvement of traditional water mill for efficiency enhancement and introduction of wool carding and spinning machines that will operate through the water mill. The project is being implementing in two villages in district Uttarkashi. Modifications in the water mills are improved water harvesting from resources, canalization of water to water mill, change in penstroke, introduction of new runner, introduction of pullies and shafts for efficiency enhancement appropriate for running wool carding and spinning machines.
  
• In a Coordinated programme on medicinal plants cultivation semi processing for health and livelihood security being implemented with 13 NGO partners in seven states of the southern peninsula Community health knowledge registers have been prepared, the supply line for raw material has been secured through sustainable collection and cultivation and preparation of select formulations have been standardized. The phase two of the programme is now being conceived.

Future Programmes

A programme on "Institutionalizing technology backstopping & capacity enhancement for sustainable agricultural development and encouraging entrepreneurship development based on simple rural technologies within the tribal areas of North East India" has been sanctioned in the North-East. The programme will be implemented at 7 locations in the North-East and will be coordinated by G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.

Another programme on livelihood generation of tribals in areas around National parks and sanctuaries is being planned to address the livelihood, energy and health issues of tribal communities at 10-12 locations and will be coordinated by WWF, New Delhi.

Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP) for the Development of Scheduled Caste Population

As part of the societal initiatives, the department has supported specific projects with the application of science and technology for the empowerment of scheduled caste population. The thrust is on promotion and development of innovative technology as well as improvement in existing technology for the benefit of the poor, underdeveloped landless labour of scheduled caste population.

During the current year Twenty two projects were sanctioned in areas such as alternative vocation for income generation, rural engineering and micro enterprise development, 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, organic cultivation of vegetables and other horticultural plants, modern sericulture practices from mulberry cultivation to silk weaving, value addition in banana fibres etc.

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

• 120 women of the SC community in TN have been trained in quality fibre extraction techniques of banana in order to use the waste from banana to manufacture quality cloth and paper and also to revive the art of banana fibre extraction and utilization. The comprehensive training package includes natural dye extraction, weaving, designing and all other processes related to weaving such as weft preparation, wrap developing, drafting of healds etc. The pilot study in fiber extraction reveals that the fibre from the banana commonly known as Nendrangai, (Musa acuminate) yielded the highest fibre per stem and also had sufficient tensile strength and flexibility to manufacture a fibre comparable to the Japanese quality.
• The project, "Scientific method of Mulberry sapling production technology to scheduled caste farmers and development of entrepreneurship" is being implemented at three districts of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, Salem and Erode. Under this project, skill up-gradation training is being imparted in improved techniques to increase the leaf production through evolving new high yielding elite varieties. The production cost works out to be Rs.0.50 per sapling and selling price is Rs.1.25/- with a CBR ratio of 2.50. In each district 400 sq. meters of land used for sapling will be sufficient for one acre for plantation purpose.
• Skill development training programme for SC youth is being organized at R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore. The training includes testing and analyzing of exhaust emission from vehicles, actual valve timing, concept of ignition timing, importance of emission testing, usage of computer, scanner, printer, etc. The youth trained, after completion of training, can generate their own resources either by way of gainful employment or by setting up own emission testing centres.

In another project 128 Scheduled Caste women from 10 villages of Uttaranchal have been trained in offseason vegetable cultivation using poly-house technique and charring & briquetting using available biomass like lantana and other weeds and agro waste.

Some of the successfully Completed projects

Floriculture industry for small & marginal SC farmers to take up cut flower cultivation; Development of clean fuel from wastes; application of computer skills in traditional zari and embroidery; advanced technology packages viz. Bamboo and Ethel products making; Fibre & coir products making and pottery products preparation to SC people for income generation; technical training for skill development on Plastics Technology.

Future Programme

A coordinated programme on "Resource management and development for the empowerment of Scheduled Castes in hilly regions of the country" is planned to commence soon. The main objective was to identify the problems of Scheduled Caste community of the mountain areas and provide them a common platform to discuss their problems. Voluntary organizations working for SC community from the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttaranchal participated in the workshop. The programme will be carried out with a standardized methodology in 10 different centres of the States of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttaranchal for three years.

Website: www.scienceandsociety-dst.org

Policy related Issues

Report of the Committee set up by the Planning Commission on Technology Innovation and Venture Capital

The report of the Committee of Planning Commission on Technology Innovation and Venture Capital, July 2006 has clearly brought out the need of inculcating entrepreneurship and setting up of technology business incubators for nurturing new technology based and knowledge driven start ups. It has recommended that all technical institutions and science department under AICTE and UGC to include entrepreneurship and new venture management courses in their curricula. It has also recommended that all leading institutions should set up technology incubators to provide advisory services to the budding entrepreneurs, to host enterprises at the seed stage by offering space and other facilities of a short time and to forge links with entrepreneurs, alumni and venture funds. The committee has also recommended that these incubators in education institutions should be exempted from the tax as long as they use returns for further innovation/ entrepreneurship development.

Union Budget announcement 2006 for incubates on Technology business incubators

Realizing the catalytic role played by incubators and the need to enhance the effectiveness of incubator services to enable entrepreneurs to overcome the financial constraints during initial period, the Hon'ble Finance Minister in his budget speech for 2006 has announced enabling fiscal concessions for incubatees in the incubators supported by the Department. The fiscal concessions for incubators and incubatees are under active consideration by the Finance Ministry.

NSTEDB aims to foster entrepreneurship among S&T persons through structured training programmes nd application of S&T tools and methods to generate technology-based entrepreneurship. The objective is o promote knowledge based technology driven enterprises of high growth nature. Apart from core focus on &T personnel, programmes have also been running to seed the entrepreneurial temper and empower latest echnological skills amongst the unemployed youth in the sub-urban and rural/tribal areas. During the year 006-2007, the board continued to pursue and strengthen its existing activities/programmes, in addition to onceptualizing and initiating new projects.

The Board has also initiated programmes jointly with International organizations like UNDP on vocational raining. This has broadened the scope and content of entrepreneurship development activities and brought n the international expertise for socio-economic upliftment.

National S&T Entrepreneurship Promotion Programmes:

1. Institutional Mechanism:

Technology Business Incubator (TBI)

In the knowledge economy, mechanisms such as Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) have assumed reater significance and relevance as they nurture and support knowledge driven start-ups into successful nterprises, in additional to catering to the technological needs of the SME sector of the industry. The rogramme on TBIs initiated by the Department in the year 2000-2001, gained major thrust in the Tenth five ear Plan.

Establishment of new TBIs in 2006-07:

A. Periyar Maniammai College of Technology for Women, Vallam, Thanjavur

Periyar Maniammai College of Technology for Women is the first technical institution exclusively for the women established at Vallam, Thanjavur dist. Tamil Nadu in 1988. About 300 women engineers and architect, graduate from the institution every year. The proposed TBI will focus on herbal health products particularly based on the medicinal plants such as Amla, Aloe, Stevia, Neem and Bhumi Amlaki. The activities under the thrust area will include propagation of suitable agro techniques, manufacture of herbal health products, testing and consultancy EDP (Entrepreneurship Development Programme) and general training programmes, technology transfer and new entrepreneurs promotion. The location of the institute is in Cauvery Delta Region which is primarily agriculture oriented. The TBI would motivate a purely farm community to become agri-entrepreneurs with application of biotechnology and to direct the dynamism of active women in the region into entrepreneurship. The proposed TBI will primarily target women S&T graduates to take up entrepreneurship.

B. Shriram Institute for Industrial Research (SRII), Delhi

A Technology Business incubator has been approved to be established at SRII, focusing on Plastics and Rubbers, specialty chemicals and formulations and waste management. SRII has a vast experience of 55 years in industrial R&D as well as trouble shooting consultancy. The TBI aims to strengthen the technological capabilities of industry located in the region both for meeting domestic and global needs. The TBI will also nurture new entrepreneurs by providing techno commercial guidance.

ICICI Knowledge Park-Life Sciences Incubator, Hyderabad

Fostering linkages of Indian Incubators with Global Incubators: Organization of 2nd Global Forum on Business Incubation: November 6-10, 2006, Hyderabad

The 2nd Global Forum on Business Incubation, focusing on Empowering Economies through ICT, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, gathered organizations from around the globe to exchange knowledge and ideas on how the combination of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), innovation and entrepreneurship can drive competitiveness and wealth creation in developing country economies. The event was successfully organized with active collaboration from infoDev Program of World Bank and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

The event drew more than 170 delegates from 74 countries, including representatives of the public, private, academic and not-for-profit sectors. The event provided an opportunity to-

• network with other participants to informally exchange ideas and explore opportunities for partnership
• learn from the achievements and lessons of infoDev's Global Network of Incubators
• attend training sessions designed to increase the capacity of incubator managers, and
• initiate plans of action for regional and global networks of organizations seeking to promote ICT-enabled entrepreneurship and innovation.

Study on Business potential on European Union (EU)-India Business Incubation Partnerships:

A study on EU-India business incubation partnership has been carried out by Tiruchirappalli Regional Engineering College - Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Park (TREC-STEP) under the EU funded small project facility framework. The study involved three partner countries from EU namely, United Kingdom Business Incubation (UKBI), German Technology and Business Incubation Association (ADT) and Swedish Incubation and Science Park Association (SiSP). Nearly 100 business incubation managers from India have participated in the specially designed training interaction modules. This has resulted in preparing the ground for promoting cross cultural ventures through EU India Business Incubation networks. The study has particularly focused on sectoral preference and the potential of university technologies for promotion of cross cultural ventures. Regarding the sectoral preference ICT, Electronics, manufacturing and biotech were perceived as having more opportunity. The study has also addressed issues like requirement of soft landing facilities and venture launch platforms for venture promotion. India being an upcoming economy in global landscape there is a positive spirit for business incubation corporation network and nearly 52% of the startups have evinced interest in cross border operations. However more in depth study and policy measures would be required for cross cultural venture promotion. As a part of study, a conference on incubating NEXT (New Exiting Technology Ventures) was organized in Trichy during June 26-28 , 2006.

DST-Intel India Innovation Challenge 2006

This Department, in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative had partnered with Intel for organizing a Business Plan Competition for various categories. The unique feature of this Business Plan Competition was, all though the innovative ideas were recognized and awarded the ownership of the ideas remained with the individuals.

Out of the two teams which participated in the Global Business Plan Competition, one has secured second position and the other has generated lot of business interest and Venture Capitalists have shown interest to fund the start up. These companies are in the areas of technology driven innovative ventures producing artificial flowers which look and feel like real flowers (M/S Richcore) and Cyber Security (M/S iViz).

India is the only country from which two teams reached the finals.

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 environment for innovation, sharing of ideas, experience & 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.

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 40 EDCs are currently operational.

Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development (STED) Project

STED Project aims to bring socio-economic development in a region by promoting the entrepreneurial temper and motivating the unemployed youth for establishing micro enterprise based on innovative skills and technology. The project involves a detailed scientific survey of a selected district/region for identification of opportunities, matching of the material and the human resources of the region and usage of Science & Technology inputs for efficient utilisation of the opportunities. With the support to 39 STED Projects in the current financial year 2006-07, it is expected to establish more than 2200 micro-enterprises / units all over the country. Seven new projects were established in Amritsar (Punjab), Bogaigaon (Assam), Karim Nagar (Andhra Pradesh), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) and Vadodara (Gujarat).

Power Laundry Unit established by Jayam Women Self Help Group, Pilliyarpatti Panchayat, Thanjavur Block, Tamilnadu. (unit established through efforts of STED project in Thanjavur district)

2. Trainings

Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps (EAC)

Entrepreneurship Awareness Camp (EAC) is conducted in the premises of an academic institution to create awareness amongst students of the college about various facets of entrepreneurship and the merits of pursuing it as a career option. These camps are organized by educational institution or professional bodies specialising in entrepreneurship development. It also provides an opportunity to the students to interact with various experts in industry and banking. During the year, over 300 EACs have been organized, thereby exposing about 25,000 students to the concept of entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP)

The Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) is an important innovative break-through in the strategy for developing human resources for promoting economic progress in India as well as in other underdeveloped countries. The EDP is an innovative approach in which those persons who possess certain identifiable qualities of entrepreneurship are counseled, 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 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 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 government approvals, location selection, etc.

During 2006-2007, 38 EDPs were organized with the support of NSTEDB.

Faculty Development Programme (FDP)

Faculty Development Programme (FDPs) are 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 development of entrepreneurship, personal and interpersonal skills, creativity, problem solving, achievement motivation training, resource and knowledge based inputs. The professionals trained under FDPs are faculty of science/engineering colleges, polytechnics, and entrepreneurship development organizations. During 2006-07, about 45 FDPs were organized with the support of NSTEDB.

Open Learning Programme in Entrepreneurship (OLPE)

The Open Learning Programme in Entrepreneurship (OLPE) provides an opportunity to those persons with S&T background who live in far flanged areas and who do not get a chance to participate in the regular entrepreneurship training programmes. The programme is run in a distant learning mode where candidates are given study material and are regularly counseled by experts during counseling sessions. About 2000 learners were enrolled in the year 2006-07.

Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Programme (TEDP)

Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Programme (TEDP) is a programme in which training is given on specific products/technologies/processes, which have commercial viability and which 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. The EDP conducting organization 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 2006-2007, 57 TEDPs were organized 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, Peripherals repair & maintenance etc.

Skill Development Training through Science and Technology (STST)

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 institutions comprising primarily of academic and technical institutions. More than 8000 persons were trained during the year under report in various skill areas at different locations in the country by over 80 institutions.

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 salient features of the achievements during the year are as following:-

In partnership with identified private entrepreneurs, three Public Private Partnership (PPP) Centres, two at Nungambakkam and Tambaram in Chennai and one in Bangalore have been successfully established. The Centres are training unemployed youth, in four occupationally focused, short term Programmes - (i) Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning (ii) Electronic Servicing and Maintenance (iii) Computer Hardware Maintenance and (iv) Mobile Phone Servicing. Around 500 youth have been trained at the 3 SKILLS Academies so far.

An extensive survey in the state of Goa to find out the potential trades in the food and beverage sector was conducted. Based on the survey results, competence based curriculum and course material has been prepared for Cuisine; Bakery; Fruit and Vegetable Preservation; and Ready to eat Items. State-of-the-art facilities for imparting skill training in the aforesaid vocations have been established. 134 women, belonging to 'Below Poverty Line' category, have been trained in South Goa. The trainees who have completed their training have already formed Self Help Groups and launched their own products in the market under the Brand name "SUGRAN". Tool kits have already been handed over to all the Self Help Groups. Preparation of manual up to preprint stage on Plant Propagation module is likely to be completed during the year and work is being continued on the Plant Protection Module, Olericulture and Floriculture modules. It is expected that training in horticultural biotechnology under PPP mode would be initiated during the year.

An e-portal on skills (skillindia.com) is being developed under the project. The portal contains several features such as complete courseware for 45 trades including competencies, toolkits etc. The portal can also function as an employment exchange providing information regarding trainees and jobs in market. Other features include institutions offering training programmes, partner institutions, support services etc. The portal will be hosted on the server at National Informatics Centre shortly.

The course material has been prepared on wireless and networking technologies for imparting skill training in these vocations.

3. Information Dissemination

'TIMEIS': Web Portal

TIME IS, www.techno-preneur.net, aims at creating a time and distance independent knowledge-base platform for potential techno-entrepreneurs to help them to retrieve information from a single source. This and website services give potential entrepreneurs a convenient excess to Internet based database regardless of their geographical location. The latest information on Financial, Managerial and Technological inputs has kept the entrepreneurs updated about the ever changing business scenario. This has helped the entrepreneur not only to survive but also remain competitive in the face of stiff competition.

The website is being enriched in terms of content and coverage with regular data updation and infusion of information on technologies from various sources. Consultancy services both on-line and off-line have been introduced 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.

'Science Tech Entrepreneur'

The 'Science Tech Entrepreneur' e-zine is brought out to disseminate information about various aspects of entrepreneurship, technology, finance and management to budding as well as established entrepreneurs which meets the objectives of NSTEDB. The Science Tech Entrepreneur magazine is published as e-zine. This e-magazine is available on the NSTEDB Website namely www.nstedb.com and www.techno-preneur.net.

The Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodyogiki Sanchar Parishad (National Council for Science & Technology Communication) has been at the forefront of devising and developing ways and means for taking science to the masses. Development, adaptation, promotion and use of different communication methodologies to achieve better public understanding of science and stimulating scientific temper among masses is encouraged towards this objective.

A variety of well-orchestrated and innovative programmes and activities on different aspects of science and technology communication were accomplished over the period.

Beyond Year of Physics

Appreciating Physics in Everyday Life

As part of continuing the activities to create interest in Physics among the students as well as general public, RVPSP launched a nationwide campaign titled "Appreciating Physics in Everyday Life". The campaign was jointly launched by DST and NCSTC -Network. As part of this initiative, a series of activities for different groups of students and teachers were conceptualized. Over 300 colleges had been selected as resource centers for conducting these activities and undergraduate students were oriented to become resource persons for secondary school students. Intensive motivation programmes had been developed for the secondary school science teachers. Other activities included physics fairs, audio-visual programmes and physics learning camps for undergraduate students in reputed universities and research laboratories. One of the attractions of the campaign was a 80 feet long poster on Turning Points in Physics'.

Rahi Yeh Matwale

"Year of Physics-2005" offered a unique opportunity to communicate basic scientific aspects of the contributions of a number of scientists and how they shaped our lives, promoted the method of science and spread scientific outlook among the people. RVPSP had planned a variety of programmes for scientists, college and university students, teachers, housewives and the general public through active participation of scientists and communicators in government/ non-government organizations/professional academies/ science clubs/research and academic institutions, etc., during the year. In collaboration with AIR, Delhi, RVPSP produced a radio serial in Hindi titled 'Rahi Ye Matwale' in docu-drama format on the work of many Indian Physicists, viz., C V Raman, Meghnad Saha, S Chandrasekhar, J C Bose, D C Kothari, Vikram Sarabhai, G N Ramachandran, Homi Bhabha, Satyendranath Bose among others. The total number of episodes in the serial was 33-26 scripted and 7 interactive, based on feedback from listeners. The serial was launched on 26 February 2006 and broadcast from 64 major stations of Akashvani covering almost the entire country. It was an interactive serial in which about 10,000 listeners, generally college/higher secondary schools and members of science or eco-clubs were registered. These registered listeners were provided with interesting additional information in the form of posters and activity kits suggesting discovery-oriented activities for better understanding of the subject.

Lights and Shades of Science - Science Jamboree

During the "Year of Physics-2005" a nationwide science photography contest was organized by RVPSP through Shri R.R. Mehta Educational Trust, (SRRMET) New Delhi. The response to this contest was very encouraging and photographers, both amateur and professionals, were motivated to look at science & scientific phenomena from different perspectives. As a result 5000 dramatic and stimulating photographs, truly spectacular and breathtaking, were received. It was realized that not only these images could become a magnificent tool to communicate S&T to masses in a unique and artistic manner but could also lead to many other science-based activities. This gave birth to "Lights and Shades of Science- A Science Jamboree" which was organized during 19-28 November 2006 at AIFACS, New Delhi. The objective of this Jamboree was to create a synergy between science and art of photography, to popularize science photography among amateur and professional photographers, students and general masses and to use the platform of science photography to communicate the thrill and wonder of science to the visitors. It was also a unique opportunity for visitors to experience visually, the beauty of science and motivate the colleges to start new science photography clubs or give existing clubs greater importance.

To create an understanding in the prospective participants about the form and the content of the contest and about what would constitute science photography, the competition was broken into five categories. These were: Science in Action, Science as Art, Science Close-Up, Concepts and Science and Society, which carried 13 awards each. The total prize money was Rs.3.50 lakhs. The first prize winners in different categories were; Shri Rajkumar Kishor, Imphal for Science in Action, Shri P. C. Little, Lucknow for Science as Art, Shri Heerak Nandy, Kolkata for Science Close-Up, Shri Sarabajit Sarbjana, Delhi for Concepts and Shri O. P. Soni, Indore for Science and Society.

The final evaluation was done by a jury comprising of eminent personalities from the field of science as well as photography. It was during the screening and jury proceedings that almost every one involved began to realize the tremendous potential of the participating images. The quality of these photographs, both in form and content, is such that it soon became clear this event would not be deemed complete if these images are not showcased to people.

S&T SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT /PRODUCTION/ DISSEMINATION

An international research journal titled 'Indian Journal of Science Communication has been continued and two issues brought out over the period. Publication of Srote, a science features service available inn Hindi is brought out regularly with a weekly frequency- this being perhaps the only feature and news service available in Hindi to cater to the small & medium newspapers. A science wall paper 'Kyon or Kaise' is also being supported to cater to high school & college students.

Two 13 part films on the winners of Children Science Congress entitled 'Ignited Minds' and 'Hum Honge Kamyab' were telecast on Doordarshan. Radio serial in Tamil on women's issues and another in Hindi on polpular science issues was aired on All India Radio.

Knowledge calendars were produced with the help of CIMAP, Lucknow giving information about various medicinal plants. Besides this wall planner for 2007 based on theme 'Vigyan hai Sarvatra'- "Science is Everywhere" were produced by VASCSC, Ahemdabad.

Books in two volumes titled "Science Activities - Do, Enjoy and Learn" containing 100 low cost or no cost experiments each on physical sciences were brought out in collaboration with Association for Research and Training in Basic Science Education, Nagpur. An activity kit with 65 doable experiments on Biological sciences is being developed in association with Assam Science Society, Guwahati. It will cater the long felt need of million of higher secondary students of the country.

Field Based Projects

Micro Organisms: Observe and Learn

The concept of low-cost and easy-to-handle science kit has attracted attention of science communicators all over the country. RVPSP has already developed a few science kits which are becoming popular among teachers and students. The present Module entitled "Microorganisms: Let us Observe and Learn" developed jointly by ASTEC, Guwahati and Botanical Hobby Centre, Cotton College, Guwahati is another step to empower the science communicators to create interest in science among children. The present Module aims at removing the old concept about only the harmful effect of microorganisms prevailing among children and will gradually give way to genuine understanding about the beneficial impact of microorganisms in our environment. These microorganisms can be exploited to our benefit through innovative application in the field of biotechnology, genetic engineering, genomics, pharmaceutics, agriculture and industries. Moreover, children will learn to handle microorganisms without fear. The Module comprises a small microscope, some other tools and materials, a few posters and an audio visual CD along with this Activity Manual. All these are meant for carrying out some open ended experiments described in the Manual and also available in CD format. As most microbiological experiments need sophisticated laboratory facilities, which cannot be made available everywhere, these methods have been simplified without compromising the basic principles.

Teachers' Workshop in Innovative Pedagogy

Multifarious activities are being going on across the nation for liberating the teaching processes from its old traditional lecture method using chalk and talk only in teaching Science and allied subjects to meaningful pedagogy. In this movement, educationists, activists and pedagogy experts have joined hands together. Science Communicator's Forum, Kolkata has introduced hands-on experiments with low-cost materials in the classroom situations in large number of schools across the State. The programme has matured with organization of vacation camps for 5-6 days. Strategically the programme was initiated by holding of vacation camps and then bringing the methodology to the classrooms. This approach activated the mindsets of teachers, students and people at the same time. Introducing the methods in classrooms has become easier. Advanced level activities have been designed on hands-on experiments in Sciences, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Earth science. The approach includes application of method of science involving measurement, calculation, social survey, data collection and analysis. Field study and analysis approaches are made to arrive at a reasonable and feasible conclusion. An advance level teachers' workshop was organized during 13-16 May 2006 at Nitika Seva Kendra, Kolkata. About 140 teachers from different schools of the State participated in the workshop. Several experts conducted the workshop. The workshop was followed by holding vacation camps during summer vacation. All the districts will organize such camps with 70-75 children from 3-4 schools (classes VIII and IX) and in future these schools will form a cluster to implement the processes as envisaged.

Water Resources & Eco-systems Management

This is a nation-wide programme formulated, keeping in view the Post-YSA consolidation of gains in public understanding of scientific issues and solutions. While communicating S&T for generating Awareness and building capacity to decide & innovate, the programme aims to catalyze responsible human behaviour towards hydro-geological cycle, water conservation & quality, and sanitation practices. The programme was developed for target group-specific and location-specific, multidisciplinary, participatory, multi-media based approaches- local interventions which can be further disseminated for addressing wider regional needs. Consequently, it aims at developing regionally nucleating new paradigms, water literate communities & their decision support systems, thereby achieving Regional Resilience related to watershed management and eco-system protection, water conservation, water banking and harvesting, recycling & re-use, water quality monitoring, proper utilization & prevention against water borne diseases, etc. The programme coincides with the UN decade on 'Water for Life', and RVPSP's three year campaign, "Understanding Planet Earth" which coincides with international triennial on Planet Earth.

Conventional & un-conventional methodologies (including demonstrative communication with new S&T solutions & kits, films, demo-docudrama & films, mobile van, people's GIS for mapping water sources, and institutionalization of community mobilization) have been promoted for delivering appropriate messages and awareness of locally managed, cost-effective, innovative solutions & practices to people and building capacity for informed decision making. Development of various learning aids/modules including a film for reaching out and training of resource persons has also been taken up.

During the year RVPSP organized sensitization workshops with experts, science based NGOs, professional societies and State S & T councils for promoting local initiatives. So far western, southern and north-eastern regions have been covered.

Projects for field level interventions, outreach workshops & seminars, and software development have been formulated, promoted and supported for spreading "Eco-Water Literacy" & "Eco-Sanitation Literacy" for all sections of people in the country in select districts of Bihar, A.P., Punjab, U.P., Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, M.P., West Bengal. Interventions for paani panchayats, self help groups, mass sensitizations are also on. Support has been extended to organizations for observing World Water Day (22 March 2006).

The programme is meant for working together for instituting behavioural changes for correcting the imbalance which is created by ignoring basic interdependence of nature's processes and reckless efforts to augment water availability to meet ever increasing needs.

Explaining Science behind Miracles

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

Science Exhibition

In order to communicate science and technology achievements among the public-urban and rural population, RVPSP conducted a series science exhibitions in different parts of country from time to time. The overall response was tremendous at Kausani and Tarikhet, Uttaranchal during April-May 2006, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in September 2006, Deoghar, Jharkhand in October, 2006, Erode, Tamil Nadu, in December, 2006. In addition, a thematic science exhibition on 'Planet Earth' was displayed at Indian Science Congress in January 2007 and o the occasion of Ardh Kumbh Mela held at Allahabad during January-February 2007 an attractive science exhibition was displayed in order to demonstrate S&T for common man being used in daily life. Further, on the occasion of celebrating anniversaries of two great historical events namely 150th anniversary of the Sepoy Mutiny and 250th anniversary of the battle of Plassey, RVPSP has also participated with its activities as an exhibition "Bharat Kranti Utsav" at Ravindra Sarovar stadium, Kolkata in January, 2007. A state level science awareness fair was put up in North Lakhimpur, Assam, where 250 participants from different district of Assam participated.

Perfect Health Mela

The Parishad participated in the Perfect Health Mela organized by Heart Care Foundation of India during 10-16 October, 2006 in New Delhi. The Parishad put up its activity corners that attracted thousands of visitors.

Research & Development Projects

National orientation workshop for Resource Teachers on Water & Soil Testing

A three day national training workshop on 'water and soil' testing was organized by Assam Science, Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC), Guwahati in collaboration with Cotton College, Guwahati during 12-14 May 2006 at Guwahati. Around 30 resource teachers having chemistry and science communication background attended the workshop. Several senior scientists delivered talks on soil and water issues. Procedures of sampling, solutions making and testing the quality of water and soil were discussed and demonstrated. Similar workshops are proposed across the country.

Module on Social Insects

A Module on Social Insects was developed for introducing the spirit of scientific enquiry among children. Some 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, defense mechanism and reproduction, etc.

Brain Storming Workshop on Development of Biology Kit

A two day brain storming workshop on development of a biology kit was organized by Assam Science Society in Cotton College, Guwahati on 11-12 May 2006. Twenty five experts in the field of Zoology and Botany participated in the workshop which screened around 64 experiments with well-drawn illustrations. The compact kit, which looks like a mini laboratory and stores all items safely during transportation, has been developed. A low cost microscope having 100 X magnification would be part of the kit which is now being assembled.

'Vaad Vivaad' Karyakaram

To initiate a dialogue on local issues involving local people, a new programme has been initiated, which will focus on certain local problems faced by people. Efforts will be made to provide proper remedial measures. First the issue/problem(s) faced by people will be assessed by inviting the views of public then an awareness workshop will be organized with the help of Experts of the particular field and further enlightened