About Council

Innovation Promotions

The rise of globalization is changing rules that govern innovation. Therefore, the state shall ensure successful implementation of S&T and innovation promotion policy which envisages capacity building of policy makers in S&T and innovation in the light of liberised economic scenario. The state will also build Science and Technology and innovation capabilities helping young innovators especially women.

IPR Protection

IPR protection is a critical aspect of technological innovation. It has been increasingly felt that the immense traditional knowledge base associated with biological diversity in the state leads to product development. There is a need to scout, spawn, sustain and market these products after scientific evaluation. The state is equally rich in lower plants (Algae/Fungi/Bryophytes/Pteridophytes and Micro-organisms) but not much attention has been paid to protect and bio-prospect them. The state therefore, will conserve, document and bio-prospect lower plants on priority basis. Suitable R&D programmes will be developed leading to product development and economic returns.

Networking of Institutes

The state of Uttarakhand is blessed with enormous Central institutions with proven capabilities of international repute. Therefore, our state will ensure maximum collaboration between Central & State institutions, universities and R&D organizations so that the state is benefited from their expertise. The State also believes working in networking mode where strength and weakness of different R&D institutions are supplemented and complemented.

Inter-Ministerial Co-ordination

In order to ensure effective perspective plan for the development and rapid growth of economy of state, Govt. shall promote association of scientists, technologists and social scientists and ensure movement of suitable personnel between scientific institutions and administration. Science and technology being multidisciplinary in nature, an inter-ministerial committee comprising of the senior officers of different development depts. will be constituted to ensure better coordination and better results.

Industry Academia Partnership

High frequency of innovation, shortening of techno-economic life cycles, commercialization of technologies, research alliances, intensive R&D programmes are the major attributes of current industrial scenario. The dominant factor, which has a considerable bearing on each of the above, is technology. The state will recognize industries using indigenous/innovative technology, technology adoption and R&D work.

Himalyan System Science

The state has distinct geo-morphological attributes and some of its features like high-attitude ecosystem, tarai-agro systems, glaciers, pastures, bio-diversity, lakes are unique and needs urgent attention for the conservation and development. The state will, therefore, support all such R&D programmes which aims to focus on above issues. S&T application for High-tech agro-production, processing for creating of an efficient, effective and environmentally friendly business model will be supported by the state, keeping in view of the WTO provisions in agriculture sector vis-à-vis protection of the farmers and entrepreneurs rights.

Popularization of Science

The State is predominantly a rural state and its people especially children are denied of the facilities which could bring science near to them. Therefore, the state will organize popular lecture series and rural children science congress. Special interactive programmes will be developed, to inculcate the scientific temper in the state. A planetarium and Science museum shall be established as a tool for awareness and education in science, astronomy and space explanation.

Water Resources Management

Although Himalayas are considered to the source for water by rest of the country but water availability in high/low terrains is still a problem. The state shall identify suitable zones and appropriate techniques for the availability of on scientific basis to ensure pollution free water. Proper rain water management techniques will be developed to reduce water wastage and ensure better quality of life

Human Resource Development

Manpower planning in S&T is one of the important factor in the economic development of the state apart from budgetary support. The number of scientists actually engaged in R&D is far less then required. The strength of R&D personnel will've to be increased in order to match the rise in R&D expenditure to the level of 2% of GDP. Programmes for career and better prospects for technical manpower are a vital tool for reversing the flow of talent away form mainstream.

It is necessary to pay special attention to create an atmosphere in our research institutions which will attract, retain and nourish young talented scientists. The state will identify subject-specific universities and colleges for their development to the level of excellence by injecting more funds.

The state will endeavour to find new mechanism for the promotion of basic and applied sciences and encourage R&D activities in engineering, earth, physical, chemical and life sciences (including Medical Sciences).

Technology Business incubation promotion for entrepreneurship promotion for employment generation technology incubation units will be established to facilitate the entrepreneur converting his/her new idea/concept/service or a product into a commercially viable business and bring its product to market. This will ensure technology based business activities and foster growth of small and medium-size enterprises.

Session 1 : S& T Policy & R&D.

I) S&T policy

In the first part of the session, Science & Technology Policy was discussed. It was resolved that State Science & Technology Policy will be termed as "Science & Technology Promotion and Development Policy". The policy should include the following points :

1. Mountain-specific Science

• Water Management in the hill state recognized as major issue.
• High altitude agriculture to be promoted.

2. Education for women-emphasis, remove drudgery of women

• Science literacy in women to be increased.
• Priority on organic, herbal, hydro-energy and tourism
• To be done as per the mandate of the State of Uttarakhand.

3. Networking of Universities and R&D labs in the State.

• Emphasis on Nano-technology and Bio-fuel. Bio-resource, Bio-diversity and Germ plasm.
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• Formulation of a sustainable development strategy, creation of gene banks.

4. Development of human resource

• Trained man power to be developed keeping in view the social and cultural background.
• Fusion of traditional knowledge to be used along with scientific methods Taking science to grass root level Technology packaging

5. R&D priorities from three angles

• Developing excellence in science and supporting cutting edge research. Research of relevance to the state/location specific.
• Skill up gradation and development of sophisticated infrastructure including centers of excellence.

II) Research and Development

In the second part of the session, Research & Development issues were discussed. It was recommended that basic sciences should not be sacrificed while promoting the applied sciences. Keeping in backdrop, the advent of new research arenas in Science & Technology, especially in fast developing field of 'Cutting-Edge Technologies', following areas for R&D efforts were suggested with particular reference to the State of Uttarakhand :

Bio-Prospecting and Agro-Bio-Diversity

• Value addition to food Disaster Management Glaciology, Water Resource Development and Water Harvesting Eco-tourism Enhancing the agricultural productivity in rain-fed areas. Aquaculture and fisheries Organic farming Seismology Waste Management Electronics and IT Hydro-power and non-conventional energy resources Intellectual Property Rights related issues Photonics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and Astrophysics S&T education Setting S&T parks Production research Building materials River eco-systems.
• Promotion of traditional knowledge in herbal/medicinal plants

Session 2 : Entrepreneurship, TOT and Societal Programs.

In the second session Entrepreneurship, Transfer of Technology and Societal Programs were discussed. Under this heading, the issues of application of Science & Technology in the physically challenging terrain of hills were discussed. The concept of creating Technology Resource Centers (TRCs) in different districts was appreciated. The TRCs will not only work as technology providers but also test the feasibility of available technology in the field. Following recommendations were made during the session

Technology should be selected and approved according to local needs and local technicians to be promoted.

• Marketing for local agro-based products and market linkage. Development of technology to help support transportation in hills. For example: trolleys on gravitation principle may be developed for carrying grass, fuel wood, local fruits etc. Creation of Technical Resource Centre (TRC) for training and capacity building. Establishment of Resource Centers for local needs Women contribution in development of entrepreneurship. Connectivity in communication, commutation and transportation.
• Student project program to be encouraged and practiced on the same lines as in the state of Karnataka.

Session 3 : Science Popularization and Communication

In the third session the theme of "Taking Science to the People" was deliberated. In order to provide greater visibility of Science & technology in the rural areas, the efforts of UCOST in establishing Vigyan Prasar Kendras (VPKs) were appreciated. It was also decided that a Science City and a Planetarium be constructed as early as possible in order to enlighten the common citizen with the power of scientific knowledge. This will create scientific temper in the society as it is envisaged in our constitution. Following recommendations were made during this session :

Science for society, science literacy, development of scientific temper amongst common public.

• Particular focus on underprivileged and weaker sections. Establish more than 100 Vigyan Prasar Kendra (VPKs) all over the State. Establish Rural Development Centers (RDC) at block level. Establish Indian Institutes for Rural Technology. Identification of talent at early stage. Make Bal Vigyan Congress and include teachers from schools. Awards for popularization of science. Training program for science teachers.
• Writing scientific articles in local language.

Session 4 : Extended Session (Special Session)

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Following recommendations were made in this special session:

• As it was agreed in Session I, that State science Policy will be termed as State Science & Technology Promotion and Development Policy. A small committee comprising of the following will give shape to the draft policy, as per the parameters decided in Session 1.
• Prof A. N. Purohit, Dr. L.M.S. Palni, Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Dr. D. P. Juyal, Dr. A. K. Tewari

new Centers of Excellence in the following areas be created

• Rural development Water Resource Management Horticulture Operational research for health care .
• Technology, business incubators
• Priority will be given where some infrastructure and expertise is already available. Duplication is to be avoided in creating Centers of Excellence.
• The funding mechanism for R&D projects is to be peer reviewed followed by a presentation before an expert committee with at least 7-9 experts from outside the state

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