It is a fact that technology can play a role in generating sustainable livelihood and to create inclusive growth in the backward areas of our country The socio-economic development programmes of the Ministry of Science and Technology primarily aim at reaching technology to the weaker sections of the society so that they derive benefit in terms of sustainable livelihoods, reduced drudgery and in general an improved quality of life. Technology is a key enabler and a tool for empowerment of the people in every sphere of application. The pre-eminent role of Science and Technology in ensuring increase of sustainable growth is well established. Technology has a role to play in different ways on various initiatives of the goal in the furtherance of its pro-poor Schemes.

In Karnataka a number of projects have been implemented for generating sustainable livelihood and to create inclusive growth in areas of both farm and non farm activities to include diversified agriculture, post harvest processing, nursery technology, biofertilizers, food processing, medicinal & aromatic plants, cottage industries, low cost housing, energy, skill up gradation in sectors such as electronics, sericulture, technology upgradation for Kolhapuri footwear and de-flouridization of drinking water etc. Similar projects have been implemented in other states of the country also.

Future programmes worked out so far for the remaining period of the 11th Five Year Plan are waste management for value addition and income generation, facilitating rural / women technology parks, sanitary napkin production units and a 13 part radio serial on Gender Empowerment in Kannada is being broadcast from a number of AIR stations in Karnataka. Issues of sustainable livelihood nutrition occupational health etc are highlighted in the radio serial. A project CSIR 800 aims at providing a better life to 800 million people in the country by bringing solutions in the area of health, agriculture and energy. The above is an illustrative and not an exhaustive list of initiatives taken and to be continued.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Earth Sciences and Science & Technology Shri Ashwani Kumar in a written reply to a question by Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy in Rajya Sabha today.

Source: Press Information Bureau
Date: August 29, 2011