The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is funding several location‑specific projects in the Gadchiroli–Chimur Parliamentary Constituency of Maharashtra to improve the livelihood of tribal communities.
Key Developments
- Project “Technological Intervention in Promoting Composting and Kitchen Gardening for Safe and Sustainable Food Production in Tribal Villages of Aspiration Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra” approved for ₹37,56,530, benefitting 280 tribal women farmers of the PV TG (Maria Gond).
- The RGSTC set up the STRC in partnership with Gondwana University. The centre was funded with Rs 15,70,68,000 and has run 11 structured programmes reaching 1,021 tribal households.
- STRC operates through five verticals: Aquaculture & Fisheries; Bamboo‑Based Livelihoods; Forest‑Based Livelihoods & Medicinal Plants; Applicable R&D & Rural Technology Development; and Communication for Development (ICT & Education).
Important Facts
All DST schemes are competitive, merit‑based and PAN‑India, covering every State and Union Territory. The projects in Gadchiroli–Chimur are part of a larger portfolio of central schemes aimed at Scheduled Tribes, accessible through the DST website and EPMS portal.
Relevance for UPSC
Understanding these interventions helps answer questions on:
- Implementation of science‑technology policies for inclusive growth (GS3).
- Role of central ministries and state councils in tribal welfare (GS2 & GS4).
- Use of ICT and sustainable livelihood models in remote areas (GS3).
Way Forward
Future steps could include:
- Scaling successful models to other tribal districts.
- Strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure merit‑based fund allocation.
- Integrating community‑driven research to tailor technologies to local needs.
These measures would deepen the impact of science‑technology interventions on tribal socio‑economic development.