INTRODUCTION
- On October 6, 2021, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the Central Government will establish 75 Science, Technology, and Innovation Hubs around the nation, solely for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) (STs).
- The centres will help to foster scientific talent while also assisting in community socioeconomic development. The decision was reached following a high-level review conference with top officials from the Department of Science and Technology, according to the Union Minister.
STI’S THREE-FOLD OBJECTIVE –
- According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, 75 Science Technology and Innovation Hubs will be established in India exclusively for SCs and STs to develop, nurture, and ensuring the delivery of relevant and appropriate technologies for creating sustainable livelihoods for ST and SC population in the country.
- As per the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (independent charge), will primarily have these objectives:
- Science and Technology (S & T) interventions are being used to address the weakest connections in the prevailing livelihood systems.
- The establishment of social enterprises based on the strengths of livelihoods systems.
- Improving indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) via science and technology inputs to enhance livelihoods.
STI HUBS INDIA –
- Jitendra Singh stated that the Department of Science and Technology has already created 20 Science Technology & Innovation Hubs (13 for SCs, 7 for STs) in the previous two years while telling on the government’s aim to establish 75 more STI Hubs.
- Further, STI Hubs will directly assist 20,000 SCs and STs through a variety of interventions across the farm, non-farm, and other associated livelihood sectors, as well as different livelihood assets including water, electricity, health, and education.
