Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology (APSCS&T) has participated in 2-day National Conclave on ‘Science and Technology Empowerment of Tribal Community’ on 11th -12th Nov, 2022 at IIT, Guwahati. The inaugural event was graced by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, and Dr. Jitender Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology. The event was also presided by Dr. Debapriya Dutta, Head and Scientist “G”/ Adviser, SEED Division, DST, Govt. of India. The aim of the event was to bring forth the strategies and suggestion for improving institutional and human capacity for the holistic development of tribal communities through science and technology (at both the community and individual levels).
Arjun Munda on his address stated that the Indian Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid special attention to the holistic development of tribal people while upholding their cultural identities. Dr Jitender Singh, has mentioned that DST has established 10 “Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs” in various region of the nation for comprehensive development of Schedule Tribe (ST) Community. He added, In the future 15 additional similar Hubs will be created to promote inclusive socio-economic development by supplying the ST community with sustainable livelihood that are in line with their rising aspiration.
During the conclave, challenges and opportunities of Tribal University in empowering tribal life and livelihoods was discussed. The discussion was attended by the Vice chancellor of Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh, Sidho Kanho Birsa University, Puruliya, West Bengal, Sidho Kanho Murmu University, Dumka, Jharkhand, Govind Guru Tribal University, Banswara, Rajasthan, Kalinga Institute of Social Science, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya, Bastar, Chattisgarh.
Various initiatives, projects taken up by NECTAR, DST, IASST, S&T Council, Vigyan Prasar and National Innovation Foundation for the upliftment of tribal communities through S&T intervention were exhibited during the programme. APSCS&T has demonstrated/presented significant initiatives, innovations, and DBT developed organic products that have benefitted the state’s tribal community.
