Question : USE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY

(a) the areas identified by the Government for the use of science and technology in the development of the country;

(b) whether the Government provides special packages to certain sectors in this regard;

(c) if so, the details thereof, sector-wise and State-wise;

(d) the mechanism set up by the Government for application of science and technology for reducing regional imbalances and upliftment of rural people including women and weaker sections of the society; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard during the Eleventh Five Year Plan?

MINISTTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY; MINISTTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE; MINISTTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; AND MINISTTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) The areas identified by the Government for the use of science and technology in the development of the country include drinking water for household use, decentralized energy generation, security technology, biofarming techniques, medicinal and aromatic plants, natural resources management, nutrition related diseases, women technology parks, rural technology parks, health and sanitation, technology systems for non-edible oils, technology interventions for elderly, value addition in non-timber forest produces, sericulture. The government has implemented the National Bamboo Mission Applications (NBMA) which has developed and demonstrated a vast array of technologies and applications.

(b) No, Madam.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) & (e): The Ministry of Science and Technology partner with the concerned line ministries in both the Central and State Governments. Primarily the focus of societal projects supported by this Ministry has been referencing of technologies to the societal contexts in which the technologies need to perform. These projects include themes and programmes covering activities leading to upliftment of rural people, including SC, ST, women and weaker sections of society. In the Eleventh Plan, the Government has put particular emphasis on some impact making programmes on water, energy, nutritional security, value added utilization of regional and local resources, etc. The Ministry of Science and Technology has successfully developed an algorithm whereby monitoring of crops on weekly basis using biomass index has become possible. The Government has also facilitated development of cost-effective technologies for use of rural entrepreneurs to earn their livelihood.