About the Schemes

Science and technology play a vital role in the development strategy of various sections of the society. Schemes operational under the SEED Programme have been formulated with the broad objective of providing opportunities to motivated scientists, engineers and field-level activists to take up time-bound research-oriented projects with inputs of science and technology for the benefit of disadvantaged sections of society. Projects are implemented through S&T institutions, University departments and S&T based voluntary organizations
Following Schemes are operational for action oriented, innovative and field based technology generation and adaptation program/projects for specific targets groups:

A. Technology Development related Schemes:

B. Beneficiary oriented Schemes:

Guidelines, terms and conditions and Performa for submitting the project proposal is available at https://onlinedst.gov.in/

Eligibility Conditions..

Organizations/institutes eligible for receiving grants under the Science for equity, empowerment & development programmes are:

  • Recognized R&D laboratories, universities and educational institutions.
  • S&T based voluntary organizations, which are working in the rural areas with legal status or as a society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 as a trust registered under the Indian Trusts Act 1982 or Charitable or Religious Act 1920 or under the corresponding State Act.
  • The organization should have been in existence for a minimum of three years after registration.
  • The organization should have experience in handling projects having focus on S &T.

PROCEDURE(S) OF THE SEED DIVISION, DST:

Each application received is reviewed and examined by the concerned officer for its correctness and completeness. If the application is found to be complete and meets the eligibility criteria the proposal are sent for a peer review. In some cases, on the spot visits by experts is undertaken. The proposals along with comments of experts are examined by the expert committee for recommendation. The PI may also be called for presentation before the expert committee. Progress of the projects is monitored through presentations at workshops organized periodically and also through field visits.

Important Desirable Characteristics of all Proposals..

  • A well-defined partnership with scientists or engineers of an academic institution, university department, engineering college or a research laboratory engaged in these projects
  • Study and dissemination of local innovations often based on indigenous knowledge and/or traditional wisdom or as a result of experimental and field oriented activities. .