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A ROADMAP FOR
STRENGTHENING STATE S&T COUNCILS
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
NITI AAYOG, NEW DELHI | JULY 2025 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Council ©2025
PLEASE CITE THE REPORT AS FOLLOWS:
V.K. Saraswat; Vivek Kumar Singh; Ashok Sonkusare; Thyagaraju B.M.; Naba Suroor; Simarjot Kaur (2025), A Roadmap
for Strengthening State S&T Council, Empowering State S&T Council, NITI Aayog Report
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMERS
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, modified, re-posted, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photo-copying, recording or otherwise, without
attributing the report as suggested herein.
© 2025 Science & Technology Division, NITI Aayog. A ROADMAP FOR
STRENGTHENING STATE S&T COUNCILS Message - Vice Chairman, NITI
Aayog A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 15 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 16 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 17
Table of Content
A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog17A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog
S. No.TitlePage No.
Executive Summaryi
Backgroundiv
1. Introduction1
1.1
1.2
1.3
State Science & Technology Councils in India
Commonalities and Distinctiveness
Objectives
2
5
6
2. Process for Identifying Key Issues and Challenges7
2.1
2.2
Consultative Meetings
National Workshop on empowering State S&T Councils
8
9
3. State S&T Councils: Framework and Functions11
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Governance Structure
Human Resources
Financial Resources and Budget
Linkages with Central Institutions and Other Stakeholders
Major Functions and Activities
12
13
14
17
17
4. Major Issues and Challenges33
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
Weak Governance Structure and Delays in Decision-Making
Inadequate Financial Resources and Utilization Issues
Shortage of Skilled Manpower and Work Culture Concerns
Weak Inter-Institutional Linkages and Collaboration Gaps
Lack of Industry Engagement and sub-structures
Regulatory and Administrative Bottlenecks
34
34
34
35
35
35
5. Need for a Long-Term Strategy and Policy Continuity37
6. Recommendations for Strengthening the State S&T Councils39
7. Charting the Road Ahead: Towards a Robust and Future-Ready S&T Ecosystem 53
Appendix I: Details of the Consultative Meetings at NITI Aayog
Appendix II: Details of the Workshop on ‘Empowering State S&T Councils held at
Vigyan Bhavan’
56
58 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog i
This Roadmap outlines a strategic vision for strengthening the role and functioning of State Science
& Technology (S&T) Councils across India. Based on extensive consultations, a national workshop,
and multi-stakeholder engagement facilitated by the NITI Aayog, it captures the structural gaps,
opportunities, and reform priorities necessary to transform State S&T Councils into robust enablers
of regional innovation, scientific advancement, and sustainable development.
The State S&T Councils, with their limited resources, have significant contribution in supporting
patent facilitation, remote sensing applications and GI mapping, grassroots innovation, science
popularization, capacity-building programs and various other best practices on the basis of their
regional strengths such as development of Digital Heritage Centres, strides in healthcare equipments,
farm to food products, lab to market initiatives amongst other initiatives at the state level. They have
also played a vital role in bridging the gap between research and application, especially in areas like
agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management, and local entrepreneurship.
The State S&T Councils, though functioning within a shared national model framework, demonstrate
significant heterogeneity in their governance models, funding structures, manpower capacities, and
programmatic focus. While some states have leveraged S&T institutions to drive innovation and
technology-led growth, others face several challenges related to fragmented mandates, irregular
funding flows, and weak institutional capacities. Many councils are constrained by non-regularised
manpower, absence of performance-linked incentives, and limited autonomy in decision-making,
impeding long-term planning and execution.
This Roadmap attempts to identify major challenges faced by the State S&T Councils and underscores
a critical shift from isolated, ad-hoc initiatives to a forward-looking ecosystem designed to empower
State Science & Technology (S&T) Councils. It calls for a comprehensive blend of structural reforms,
capacity-building efforts, and strategic partnerships to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness
of these Councils. Key issues addressed include inadequate financial resources and diversification,
lack of state-specific S&T need mapping, weak institutional substructures, limited collaboration
with industry and academia, fragmented R&D support, underutilization of STI data, insufficient
recognition of scientific talent, and weak interlinkages with central agencies and other institutions.
By harmonizing efforts across various stakeholders, the Roadmap seeks to eliminate redundancies
and unlock synergies that can significantly elevate the role of science and technology in state-level
governance and development.
Executive Summary A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog ii
Table 4 outlines a detailed summary of the proposed recommendations, paired with related
policy implementation roles. To ensure coherent implementation, the Roadmap recommends the
establishment of a Key Coordination Group composed of senior representatives from relevant
stakeholder organizations. This group will be charged with evaluating the recommendations,
prioritizing action items, and devising clear, time-bound implementation strategies. Furthermore, the
group will serve as the central body for progress monitoring, enabling a dynamic feedback loop to
adapt and recalibrate efforts as needed.
The success of this initiative hinges on robust coordination among ministries, state governments,
funding bodies, academic and research institutions, and industry partners. If executed well, the
Roadmap has the potential to transform State S&T Councils into high-impact, innovation-driven
engines of growth. It will not only bolster their administrative and technical capacities but also create
a fertile ground for emerging industries, technological self-reliance, and knowledge-based economic
development of the state.
Ultimately, this integrated approach will play a foundational role in achieving India’s long-term strategic
objectives, such as a resilient, and self-reliant Viksit Bharat, where science and innovation are central
to societal progress, economic prosperity, and national strength. The Roadmap thus represents not
merely a set of reforms but a pivotal opportunity to shape India’s future in the global research,
development and innovation landscape and position India as a leader in Science and Technology,
through a collective approach. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 20 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog iv
Background
India has several programmes to promote Science and Technology (S&T) activities and encourage
innovations. The central and state governments regularly provide support to programmes such as
extramural research grants, capacity building, science fairs, workshops, competitions etc., and have
also encouraged businesses and entrepreneurship. Starting in the 1970s, States have established their
State Science and Technology Councils to decentralize scientific governance, ensuring that each state
can develop its own policies, research priorities, and innovation ecosystem, in alignment with its
unique socio-economic and geographical characteristics.
In the recent decades, the State S&T Councils have been facing an uphill task of keeping pace with the
rapid changes in the research and development (R&D) landscape. A task which requires significant
upgrades in the capacity (manpower, expertise, infrastructure), coordination (among councils and
across national as well as international organisations), and support (from state, central as well as
industry and academic leaders). As evident from some recent reports
1,2
, a significant part of India’s
S&T research outcomes come from central government institutions, and the state administered
institutions are yet to make a meaningful contribution. India’s advances in S&T can be significantly
accelerated through collective effort of all the institutions in the country, both central and state
institutions. The State S&T Councils may play a major role here.
Recognizing these needs and to coordinate their efforts and enable them in achieving higher goals
in promoting Science, Technology and Innovation activities, a structured consultation process was
undertaken by the NITI Aayog with the representatives from the State S&T Councils held over
January and February 2025. The purpose of these consultations was to facilitate knowledge exchange,
recognize best practices, identify major issues, and to work towards developing collective solutions
to address the systemic challenges across the councils. This was followed by a Workshop titled
“Empowering State S&T Councils: Towards a Collaborative Approach for Improving India’s R&D
Ecosystem” held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on March 18, 2025. These deliberations resulted into
this well-structured Roadmap document. It encapsulates key observations and findings, highlights the
defining features of the State Science & Technology Councils (State S&T Councils), showcases notable
initiatives by selected councils, identifies prevailing challenges, and outlines strategic directions to
strengthen and support the ongoing efforts of the State S&T Councils.
1 Kanaujia, A., Singh, P., Nandy, A., & Singh, V.K. (2022). Research Contribution of major Centrally Funded
Institution Systems of India. Current Science, Vol. 123, No. 09, pp. 1082-1088.
2 Kanaujia, A., Nandy, A., Singh, P., & Singh, V. K. (2023). Mapping the research output from Indian states.
Current Science, Vol. 124, No. 11, pp. 1245-1255. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 1
1
Introduction A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 2
The scientific research and technological development (R&D) ecosystem of a country has a crucial
role in its prosperity and economic growth. In this ecosystem, different agencies and organisations
play important roles. These include Universities, the centres of knowledge generation, Industries,
where technological upscaling and commercialisation happen, and Government, which primarily
facilitates and enables the Science, Technology and Innovation activities. In India, the coordination
between these three players so as to ensure that the benefit of their actions reach the ground has
been a major challenge. Ministries and Government Departments such as Department of Science
and Technology (DST), Ministry of Education (MoE), NITI Aayog etc. have often deliberated on linking
Universities, Civil Society Organisations or Other State level agencies in order to achieve this cause.
In recent years, India’s R&D ecosystem has witnessed significant expansion in absolute terms, with
Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) increasing from `60,196.75 crore in
2010-11 to `127,380.96 crore in 2020-21. As India strives to further strengthen its position as a
global knowledge economy, it is crucial to continuously evolve its existing R&D ecosystem in tune
with global technology trends. It is noteworthy that India’s R&D funding structure is still largely
government-driven, with the Government of India contributing a major share. GERD during 2020-21
was primarily supported by the government sector, with contributions from the Central Government
(43.7%), State Governments (6.7%), Higher Education Institutions (8.8%), and Public Sector Industry
(4.4%)
3
.
Given this context, the role of key stakeholders, particularly state governments and other agencies,
is critical in enhancing research productivity and impact. While centrally funded institutions continue
to drive a significant portion of R&D output, it is imperative that state governments increase their
contribution to research and innovation. Strengthening the participation of state-funded institutions,
alongside private sector investment, will be essential for building a more robust and decentralized
R&D ecosystem. At the level of States, the Science and Technology Councils of States and UTs (State
S&T Councils) are an instrumental linkage in building the R&D ecosystem in individual states and
the country in turn. This document looks at the State S&T Councils, their roles and activities, and
presents the challenges faced by them in fulfilling their roles, and proposes a set of recommendations
to strengthen the State S&T Councils in terms of capabilities and functions.
1.1 State Science & Technology Councils in India
Science and Technology (S&T) have long been recognized as key pillars of economic progress, industrial
growth, and social development. In India, the promotion of scientific research and technological
advancement has been central to national policies, ensuring that innovation plays a transformative role
in addressing societal challenges. While the central government has historically played a prominent
role in shaping the country’s S&T landscape, it has been increasingly acknowledged that state-level
initiatives are crucial for fostering region-specific innovation, localized research, and grassroots
technological applications.
3 DST R&D Statistics 2022-23 available at https://dst.gov.in/sites/default/files/R%26D%20Statistics%20at%20
a%20Glance%2C%202022-23.pdf A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 3
Science and Technology (S&T) have long been recognized as key pillars of economic progress,
industrial growth, and social development. In India, the promotion of scientific research and
technological advancement has been central to national policies, ensuring that innovation
plays a transformative role in addressing societal challenges. While the central government
has historically played a prominent role in shaping the country’s S&T landscape, it has been
increasingly acknowledged that state-level initiatives are crucial for fostering region-specific
innovation, localized research, and grassroots technological applications.
The idea of State S&T Councils emerged from this need to decentralize scientific governance,
ensuring that each state can develop its own policies, research priorities, and innovation
ecosystem in alignment with its unique socio-economic and geographical characteristics. The
initiative to establish State S&T Councils was first taken in 1970s, which marked the beginning
of a structured approach to regional scientific development. A more formal push for establishing
State S&T Councils came in the 1980s when the Department of Science and Technology (DST),
Government of India, launched the State Science & Technology Programme. This initiative,
aimed at strengthening scientific research at the state level, promoting collaboration between
academia, industry, and government, and ensuring that technological solutions were tailored to
address regional needs. Over the time, the State S&T Councils have been set-up in various States
and Union Territories, and with passage of time evolved into multi-functional entities, driving
state-specific research, technology transfer, and capacity building. Some of these councils also
manage science cities, patent information centres, planetariums and have even been responsible for
establishment and management of autonomous institutions etc. Most of the states have the councils
as the major constituent of their State Department of Science & Technology. Table 1 provides
a list with names of these councils in chronological order of their year of establishment. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 4
Table 1. Establishment of State S&T Councils in India
YearState/UT Name of the SSTC
1975
Uttar Pradesh Council of Science and Technology Uttar Pradesh
Karnataka Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST)
1981Madhya PradeshMadhya Pradesh Council Of Science and Technology (MPCOST)
1983
Punjab Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST)
Rajasthan Department of Science & Technology, Rajasthan
GoaGoa State Council for Science & Technology (GSCST)
Haryana
Haryana State Council for Science and Innovation Technology
(HSCSIT)
1984
Bihar Bihar Council on Science & Technology
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology
Tripura Tripura State Council for Science & Technology
1985
Manipur Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC)
Mizoram Mizoram Science, Technology & Innovation Council (MISTIC)
Odisha Science & Technology Department, Odisha
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment
(HIMCOSTE)
1986
Telangana (2014)Telangana State Council of Science and Technology (TGCOST)
Gujarat Gujarat State Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST)
Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh State Council of Science & Technology (APCOST)
1987
Assam Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC)
Jammu & Kashmir
State Science, Technology, and Innovation Council of Jammu and
Kashmir
1988West Bengal West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology (WBSCST)
1991
Chandigarh
Department of Science & Technology & Renewable Energy
(S&T&RE), Chandigarh
Nagaland Nagaland Science and Technology Council (NASTEC)
1992Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh State Council of Science and technology
(APSCS&T)
1994Meghalaya State Council of Science Technology & Environment (SCSTE)
1996Sikkim Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology
1998Puducherry Puducherry Council for Science & Technology
2001
Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Council of Science & Technology (CCOST)
Jharkhand Jharkhand Council on Science, Technology & Innovation (JCSTI)
2002Kerala
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
(KSCSTE)
2004Maharashtra Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission
2005Uttarakhand Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST)
2023Ladakh
Ongoing discussions for State Science and Technology council for
Ladakh A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 5
1.2 Commonalities and Distinctiveness
State S&T Councils operate within a shared national framework, but their capacities and priorities
are shaped by the regional requirements of the state, resources available to them, and institutional
support they have available to them. State S&T Councils in some states, (such as, Assam, Punjab, Gujrat,
Madhya Pradesh etc.) have received substantial financial support, allowing them to undertake large-
scale projects and initiatives. However, the funding and manpower resources available to different
councils vary significantly, which often determine the scale and scope of their STI initiatives.
The governance structure of the councils also varies significantly. While some are following a highly
centralized model with senior bureaucrats or ministers having the decision-making authority, others
have adopted a more decentralized approach, empowering scientific advisory boards and regional
offices to take initiative. It is worth noting that the states where a dedicated executive leadership
in the council exists, there is a stronger overall presence, both in terms of impactful activities as
well as advocacy for S&T initiatives within the government. In some states, S&T responsibilities are
merged with broader portfolios like industry, education, or environment, leading to competing policy
priorities.
In spite of these differences, the councils share common objectives in areas such as STI- driven
growth, and interventions towards natural resource management, biotechnology applications,
renewable energy etc., and capacity building for R&D. However, the execution of these activities vary,
with some councils better placed in terms of developing relevant STI interventions for the state
supporting accelerated technology development, while others prioritize supporting basic research,
capacity building, grassroots innovation, or the integration of traditional knowledge systems into
modern scientific frameworks.
These variations also highlight the potential for cross-learning and collaboration, as many of the
challenges faced by the State S&T councils - such as limited industry engagement, funding constraints,
inter-departmental coordination issues, and inefficiencies in technology development, are shared
across multiple states. Given this context, structured peer-to-peer learning initiatives can play a
transformative role in strengthening S&T governance at the state level. Successful models of research
funding, technology incubation, and industry-academia collaboration from high-performing states
can be adapted to suit the needs of others, fostering a more balanced and cohesive national S&T
ecosystem. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 6
Recognizing this need, a structured consultation process was undertaken to facilitate knowledge
exchange, identify best practices, and brainstorm collectively to develop effective solutions to systemic
challenges. The consultation process is detailed further in the next section. Through these discussions,
it became evident that a more integrated approach to S&T policy formulation and implementation,
driven by collaboration rather than isolated efforts, can significantly enhance the impact of the State
S&T councils. By leveraging each other’s strengths, addressing common bottlenecks, and sharing
successful governance and funding strategies, states can ensure that their S&T initiatives contribute
meaningfully to regional and national development.
1.3 Objectives
This roadmap aims to:
1. Carry out an in-depth assessment of the current functioning of the State S&T Councils,
2. Identify the major issues and challenges faced by the State S&T Councils, and
3. Provide a set of actionable recommendations for strengthening the State S&T Councils. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 7
2
Process for Identifying
Key Issues and Challenges A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 8
2.1. Consultative Meetings
In order to document the current functioning of the State S&T Councils, and to identify the major
issues and challenges faced by the councils, the NITI Aayog undertook a systematic approach,
organizing a structured sequence of meetings with representatives from the State S&T councils. This
comprehensive outreach covered a spectrum of stakeholders from almost all the States and Union
Territories (UTs) of India. Appendix I provides details of participants.
The primary objective of these consultative meetings was to evaluate the status of ongoing initiatives,
examine the governance structure, and identify key challenges such as manpower constraints,
infrastructure limitations, and operational inefficiencies. Through these structured engagements, a
broad range of perspectives were captured, enabling a holistic understanding of the systemic and
operational challenges faced by the State S&T Councils. The meetings involved the State S&T Council
members making a presentation followed by discussion and brainstorming activity. This dialogue
aimed to enable NITI Aayog to explore potential avenues of support and strengthen the effectiveness
of these councils.
Image 1. Photographs from the consultative meetings with the State S&T Councils A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 9
2.2 National Workshop on empowering State S&T Councils
To further deliberate on the key issues highlighted during the consultative meeting sessions and to
explore ways to empower State S&T Councils in driving innovation and scientific advancement at
the state level, the S&T Division of NITI Aayog organized a national workshop titled “Empowering
State S&T Councils: Towards a Collaborative Approach for Improving India’s R&D Ecosystem”
on March 18, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi.
The workshop convened senior government officials, policymakers, and domain experts to assess
the current state of the State S&T ecosystem, share best practices, and explore ways to strengthen
governance, funding mechanisms, and industry linkages. The event was graced by distinguished
dignitaries, including Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog; Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific
Adviser to the Government of India; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Shri
S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; and senior representatives
from various scientific ministries and departments. Over 25 States and Union Territories were
represented at the workshop.
The day-long event featured five thematic sessions covering a broad range of topics, including
STEM-driven R&D and innovation, development of science centres and planetariums, the role of remote
sensing, technology transfer through Patent Information Centres (PICs), and best practices for inclusive S&T
development. The concluding session focused on expanding the mandate of State S&T Councils,
strengthening institutional linkages, and fostering innovation-led growth. Appendix II provides
details of agenda and sessions of the workshop.
The workshop served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaborative engagement, bringing
together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. It facilitated a comprehensive
evaluation of existing frameworks and identified opportunities to enhance the effectiveness and
impact of State S&T Councils. Importantly, the workshop concluded with the announcement of the
upcoming roadmap document by the S&T Division at NITI Aayog. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 10
Image 2. Photographs from the workshop ‘Empowering State S&T Councils: Towards a Collaborative
Approach for Improving India’s R&D Ecosystem’ A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 11
3
State S&T Councils:
Framework and Functions A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 12
3.1 Governance Structure
The various State S&T Councils are organised in a hierarchical structure, designed to facilitate policy
formulation, implementation, and oversight. The current governance structure follows a top-down
approach, with decision-making and execution cascading from senior leadership to implementation
teams.
Each State S&T Councils is typically headed by a President or Chairman, who is supported by key
officials including, Secretaries, Officers, and Supporting Staff. The organisation of State S&T Councils
primarily consists of three main tiers, namely:
1. Governing Body
2. Executive Committee
3. Member Secretary/ Executive Director and Scientific Staff
This tiered system is designed to enable a clear distribution of responsibilities among the officials, and
ensure that policy decisions are made at the highest level, while execution and day-to-day operations
are managed effectively.
Governing Body: Apex Decision-Making Authority: The Governing Body is responsible for
overseeing policy formulation, granting budget approvals, and providing strategic direction. The
Hon’ble Chief Minister (CM) usually serves as the President of the Council in the majority of the
states, holding the highest authority in decision-making, strategic direction, and policy oversight.
The CM plays a pivotal role in ensuring that science and technology policies align with the broader
developmental agenda of the state and national priorities. The other members of the Governing
Body often include:
• Vice President: appointed by the CM, to assist in the leadership and smooth functioning of
the Council.
• Senior government officials from science, technology, and finance departments.
• Academic experts from universities and research institutions.
The Governing Body plays a pivotal role in defining the scientific roadmap of the state by identifying
focus areas, approving large-scale projects, and setting financial guidelines. It ensures that the
Council’s activities contribute to the overall development of science and technology in the region.
The decisions taken by the Governing Body are binding and serve as the guiding principles for the
subsequent operational and administrative functions of the Council. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 13
Executive Committee: Implementing Policies and Programs: The Executive Committee
is responsible for implementing the policies and programs approved by the Governing Body.
The Executive Committee is chaired by either the Hon’ble Minister, Science & Technology, State
Government or the Principal Secretary of the State Government, maintaining a streamlined approach
to governance. Its primary functions include:
• Overseeing project execution, ensuring that research and innovation programs run efficiently.
• Managing funding allocations, ensuring judicious distribution of financial resources.
• Facilitating collaborations with universities, research institutions, and industries.
• Monitoring progress on approved initiatives and addressing operational bottlenecks.
The Executive Committee acts as the bridge between policy formulation and execution, translating
high-level decisions into actionable plans. Regular review meetings help track the effectiveness of
implemented programs and address challenges in real-time.
Member Secretary/ Director General/ Executive Director: Administrative and
Operational Leadership: The Member Secretary (or equivalent) plays a crucial role in the day-
to-day administration of the S&T Council. This position is instrumental in ensuring that governance
decisions and scientific programs are executed smoothly. The responsibilities of the Member
Secretary include:
• Coordinating between the Governing Body, Executive Committee, and operational teams.
• Managing human resources, including recruitment and capacity-building programs for
scientific and technical personnel.
• Facilitating inter-departmental coordination within the state government to streamline
approvals and resource mobilization.
• Acting as the custodian of official records, project reports, and council-related documentation.
The Member Secretary functions as the operational backbone of the Council, ensuring that approved
projects are not just conceptualized but also successfully implemented within stipulated timelines.
The Member Secretary (or equivalent) is supported by scientific and non-scientific manpower in the
Council. However, in many councils the Member Secretary (or equivalent) is not suitably empowered
to direct and manage executive functions of the Council.
3.2. Human Resources
The workforce within State S&T Councils plays a pivotal role in driving research, innovation, and
policy implementation. The organizational structure primarily consists of scientific and administrative
personnel, with key positions such as Project Director, Project Officers, Field Officers, Office Assistants,
Senior Assistants, Junior Assistants, Record Assistants, Field Assistants, and Office Subordinates. Each
of these roles is essential in ensuring smooth operations, effective governance, and the successful
execution of various initiatives. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 14
While the sanctioned cadre strength of these councils is proposed to be sufficient, a significant
number of positions remain vacant, creating operational challenges. This shortage of manpower can
impact the council’s ability to expand their programs, implement new initiatives, and strengthen
collaborations. A well-staffed council is essential for sustained growth, effective coordination with
stakeholders, and the successful translation of scientific research into impactful projects.
A key area that requires attention is the workforce engaged in Government of India supported
projects. Many of these professionals work on project-based contracts, which often do not provide
long-term job security, structured pay scales, career advancement and terminal benefits. Ensuring fair
compensation and career growth opportunities can enhance workforce motivation, improve project
execution, and contribute to better retention of skilled personnel.
To strengthen the council’s human resource capacity, a structured approach to employment
continuity and career progression is needed. The continued engagement of experienced personnel
under government-supported projects would allow councils to build expertise, ensure consistency
in implementation, and support the development of new initiatives. A well-supported workforce
fosters greater accountability, commitment, and institutional efficiency, ultimately enabling state S&T
councils to achieve their objectives more effectively.
3.3 Financial Resources and Budget
Key insights from these meetings revealed significant variations among councils in terms of financial
and human resources, activities, and operational efficiency. While some councils benefit from
substantial annual budgets and high engagement, others operate with limited funding and restricted
activities. Table 2 provides a comparative analysis of the annual budgets of various councils over
the past two financial years, including the breakdown of central and state funding contributions,
illuminating the existing disparities. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 15
The comparative budget analysis of State Science & Technology (S&T) Councils for 2023-
24 and 2024-25 reveals a 17.65% increase in total funding, reflecting growing investment in
scientific research and innovation at the state level. However, the disparity in allocations raises
concerns about regional imbalances in S&T development. Kerala (`173.34 crores), Haryana
(`130 crores), and Uttar Pradesh (`140 crores) utilize higher budgets. While Maharashtra’s
budget surged by 130%, states like Sikkim (-16.16%), Tamil Nadu (-4%), and Uttarakhand
(-5%) saw budget cuts, potentially hindering ongoing projects and indicating a stark neglect
of S&T infrastructure in some regions. The share of central and state core funding also varies
significantly across the councils. Although some states receive better partial central assistance,
the overall allocation from the central government (mainly from DST) is quite small. The State
S&T Councils have not been able to tap the various other funding support structures at the
central government. Over reliance on core grants and inadequate efforts to attract project-
based grants from various ministries, departments and agencies of the central government has
been a major weakness of most of the State S&T Councils. Some councils have established
linkages with the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture to set up Science
Parks and Science Cities. There is, however, a great scope of improving them further in capacity
and relevance. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 16
Table 2: Annual Budgets of S&T council indicating State & Centre funding.
DST State S&T Councils
(In ` Crores) 2023-2024
(In ` Crores)
2024-2025
#
(In ` Crores)
Change in Budget
(%)
Centre Funding
(In ` Crores)
State Funding
(In ` Crores)
Arunachal Pradesh 15.63 28.17801.32 14.31
Andhra Pradesh 4.846.6360.81 5.79
Assam 18.33 22.54 22.96 7.98 14.56
Bihar 10.70 11.2 4.66 0.06 11.14
Chandigarh 0.0145 0.0225 550.00 0.0225
Chhattisgarh 14.43 15.25.30.00 6.232
Goa3.12 2.34-251.84 0.5015
Gujarat 300.86 161.02 -461.07 159.95
Haryana 113.04 130150.21 129.79
Himachal Pradesh 11.32 10.75 -5.01 0.90 5.93
Karnataka 54.33 59.76102.39 2.15
Kerala 150.87 173.34 14.89 0.00 173.34
Madhya Pradesh 46.19 61.38 32.89 1.83 59.55
Maharashtra 21.74501301.00 49.00
Manipur 5.06 6.05 19.56 5.85 0.20
Meghalaya 0.058 0.064100.0064 0.0576
Mizoram 9.33 10.1791.93 8.24
Nagaland 1.17 1.1700.936 0.234
Puducherry 0.963 1.18 22.55 0.282 0.8968
Punjab 12.93 13.42 3.86.77 6.074
Rajasthan 22.39 26.58 18.71 1.44 25.14
Sikkim 11.18 9.37 -16.16 6.65 2.637
Tamil Nadu 10.53 10.49 -0.4 1.75 8.74
Telangana 8.40 19.23 1290.962 18.27
Uttar Pradesh 147.37 140-50.910 139.09
Uttarakhand 48.60 52.09 7.18 1.042 51.05
West Bengal 16.25 13.5-172.5011
(Source: Information as received from Councils
*Information not available for Andaman and Nicobar, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu,
Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Odisha)
#In case of some states, total budget may include funding from other sources in addition to state & central funding) A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 17
To address the uneven distribution of funds and strengthen State S&T Councils, a multi-pronged
strategy is required. Steps such as performance-based funding models, where states with lower
allocations but high potential, receive special grants, may be instituted. Besides this, enhanced central
support and policy reforms are required.
3.4 Linkages with Central Institutions and Other Stakeholders
The success of State S&T Councils depends significantly on their collaboration with central institutions
and other relevant key stakeholders at central as well as state level, including government agencies,
research organizations, industries, and academic institutions. These interactions may facilitate
knowledge exchange, financial support, policy alignment, and the commercialization of research and
innovation. Strengthening these engagements is crucial for ensuring that state-level S&T initiatives
remain aligned with national priorities and global scientific advancements. However, at present such
linkages are not well developed and properly structured. Some State S&T Councils have been able
to establish linkages with different departments and agencies at central level to get support for
different initiatives and projects of the Councils. These include the Department of Biotechnology
(DBT), Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC),
and National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture. Some councils have also established
preliminary linkages with universities and academic institutions in the state. In a few cases, engagement
with industry for projects in the PPP model, for CSR projects has also happened. However, these
interactions are very primitive and are limited to a few councils only, and as a result has led to only
small and few benefits for State S&T Councils.
3.5 Major Functions and Activities
The State S&T Councils play an important role in fostering scientific research, innovation, and
technology-driven development at the regional level. Established across all states, these councils
function as key agencies to promote scientific temper, innovation, and socio-economic
development by leveraging advancements in science and technology. Their activities broadly focus on
supporting research projects, capacity building, policy advisory, and implementation of S&T initiatives
through initiatives such as Patent Information Cells, Remote Sensing Centres & GIS Applications,
Planetariums, Science City, Regional Science Centre along with other Science Communication and
Popularization activities. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 18
3.5.1 Research & Development Grants
Many State S&T Councils provide research and development grants on various scientific and technological
problems. In general, these grants are provided to researchers working in institutions located within the
state. However, the quantum of grant is not very significant, due to insufficient funds available for the
purpose. Further, often the majority of such grants land on to researchers working in centrally funded
institutions within the state, with very little left for those in state Universities. There is a need to expand
these grants and also to rationalize the way these grants are allocated. At present, there is no mechanism
to prioritize award of grants to state specific S&T needs. Further, the fellowships awarded as part of
these projects are insufficient and are often not in accordance with the central government prescribed
fellowship amounts.
The KSCSTE Back to Lab Post-Doctoral
Fellowship, launched by the Kerala State
Council for Science, Technology and
Environment, supports qualified women
scientists in resuming research careers after
a break. Since 2014, 83 fellowships have been
awarded, enabling women researchers to work
in over 65 premier R&D laboratories across
Kerala. The program has led to 438 peer-
reviewed publications, 5 patents, and the launch
of 5 entrepreneurship initiatives by women
researchers.
Box 1: The Back to Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
3.5.2 Patent Information Centre
Patent Information Centres (PICs) were established by the State S&T Councils across India to
promote IP awareness, protect innovations, and facilitate patent filing. Initially supported by TIFAC under
DST, Government of India, PICs support researchers, startups, academic institutions, and industries in
securing intellectual property, fostering technological growth and commercialization. Their key functions
include IP awareness programs, patent search and advisory services, patent filing support, and technology
commercialization through industry collaborations. PICs have played a significant role in patent awareness
and helped increase patent filings, and protected indigenous knowledge through GI registrations.
Key councils like KSCST, TNSCST, MISTIC, PSCST, UPCST, and others have created well-
developed mechanism to support patent filing, research commercialization, and policy implementation
in fields such as Biotechnology, AI, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and agro-tech. These centres
assist universities, startups, and innovators through training programs, advisory services, and financial
incentives, fostering economic growth and innovation-driven development. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 19
In recognition of its contributions, the
PIC received the National Intellectual
Property Award 2023 (Special
Citation for PIC) from the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry, GOI.
According to the Indian Patent Office
Annual Report 2022–23:
• Tamil Nadu ranks 1st in patent filings
and GI registrations nationwide
• 3rd in industrial design filings
• Additionally, the IPR cells at Hindusthan
College of Engineering & Technology
and Kalasalingam Academy of Research
& Education rank among the top 10
Indian applicants under the scientific
R&D category.
Since 2005, the Patent Information Centre (PIC) has been operating under the Tamil Nadu
State Council for Science and Technology, with funding from TIFAC-DST, Government of
India. PIC offers state-level facilitation for various forms of Intellectual Property (IP),
including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and geographical indications.
Prior to 2015, Tamil Nadu had only 6,034 published patent applications. Over the past
decade, this number has increased eight-fold, reaching 53,200. The districts of Chennai,
Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, and Namakkal lead in patent filings. University IPR cells
across Tamil Nadu play an active role in technology transfer. For example, the IPR cell at
TANUVAS, Chennai, has transferred 10 technologies to various companies.
Some notable innovations include:
• BMD Digitometer for diagnosing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (Patent
No. 356735)
• Cuffed Steth for hearing-impaired doctors (Patent No. 536707) Developed by the
IPR Cell at Sri Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai.
Box 2: Milestones of IPR Cells and notable innovations in the Tamil Nadu State S&T Council A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 20
In addition to facilitating patent filings and intellectual property protection, these PICs actively engage in
capacity building, research collaboration, and knowledge dissemination. They conduct workshops, establish
IPR cells in educational institutions, and promote technology transfers to bridge the gap between research
and industry. Their role in strengthening the state’s intellectual property ecosystem is crucial, ensuring
sustained scientific progress and technological advancements.
The Innovation Facility Centre (IFC) in Mizoram,
inaugurated on December 9, 2020, promotes grassroots
innovation by supporting indigenous innovators with
technical assistance, institutional backing, and IP filing.
Focused on inclusive growth, the IFC has developed
82 innovation-related and 93 non-innovative products.
It has conducted 20 capacity-building initiatives such as
training programs, internships, and industrial visits, and has
facilitated 15 innovators and 20 entrepreneurs. To date,
three IPs have been filed for innovations developed under
the IFC. The Centre collaborates with key institutions
such as the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), SCERT,
NIT Mizoram, and AIC SELCO to further its mission.
Box 3: Innovation Facilitation Centre in Mizoram
However, the level of activities of different councils in this respect vary significantly, with some being active
enough to establish IPR cells in educational institutions to others being a mainly a passive entity. Expanding
PICs, increasing funding, and strengthening policy frameworks will be crucial to positioning India as a global
innovation hub. It is also desirable that PICs be augmented with additional sub-structures for Technology
Readiness Assessment and Technology Commercialization.
3.5.3 Planetariums
Planetariums play a critical role in science education, public engagement, and astronomical research.
Established by various State Science & Technology Councils, these institutions serve as interactive learning
centres that bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding. Their key roles
include STEM education through workshops, astronomy camps, and celestial observation sessions, making
space science engaging for students and educators. They also host immersive digital shows, multilingual
presentations, and science fairs to promote public outreach and participation. Additionally, planetariums
support astronomical research, collaborate with institutions, and inspire careers in space science and
astrophysics. They also highlight India’s contributions to space technology, foster public-private partnerships,
and integrate with science parks and museums to drive innovation and technological advancement. It
is welcome to note that the majority of the State S&T Councils have established planetariums in the
respective states, some of which are being upgraded with modern systems. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 21
The Hybrid Planetarium at Ujjain, located at the
Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition Centre in
Madhya Pradesh, is a cutting-edge facility that
blends traditional optical-mechanical projection
with advanced digital technology. Inaugurated
to enhance scientific curiosity and astronomical
education, the planetarium serves as a significant
hub for public outreach and STEM learning.
As one of the first hybrid planetariums in India, it
offers an immersive and interactive experience of
the cosmos, showcasing celestial phenomena such
as star formations, planetary motions, eclipses,
and space exploration missions. The hybrid system
allows for real-time sky simulation along with
digitally rendered visual content, providing visitors
with an engaging and educational journey through
space.
Equipped with high-resolution digital projectors
and an optical star ball, the planetarium caters
to students, researchers, and the general public,
fostering interest in astronomy and space
science. The initiative is aligned with the broader
national mission to promote scientific temper
and encourage young minds to pursue careers in
science and technology.
Box 4: The Hybrid Planetarium at Ujjain with a dome size of 12m and seating capacity of 124 individuals
3.5.4 Science Cities
Science Cities Operated by the State S&T Councils serve as dynamic hubs for science education,
innovation, and public engagement across India. These centres are developed and managed by various
State Science and Technology Councils in collaboration with national agencies like the National
Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Ministry of Culture and Department of Science and
Technology (DST), Government of India.
The Science Cities aim to promote scientific temper, foster curiosity, and enhance public understanding
of science through interactive exhibits, thematic galleries, planetariums, science parks, and innovation
labs. They host hands-on experiments, science demonstrations, robotics and astronomy workshops,
innovation festivals, and school outreach programs that cater to students, educators, and the general
public. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 22
The Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala managed by PSCST is one of the largest science cities in India,
offering immersive experiences in biotechnology, space science, and renewable energy. The Patna Science
City, Bihar has recently upgraded with new galleries on earth science, human evolution, and a state-of-the-
art planetarium. The Kolkata Science City in West Bengal is one of Asia’s largest science centres, it includes
a Space Odyssey, Dynamotion Hall, and 3D theatre.
The Pushpa Gujral Science City or PGSC is
located on the outskirts of Kapurthala on the
Kapurthala-Jalandhar Road. The foundation
stone of PGSC was laid by the then prime
minister Inder Kumar Gujral on 17 October
1997. The major objective of the Science City
is to supplement formal science education, to
create excitement among the students about
science & technology and to enthuse them to
take up careers in science & technology.
Box 5: A Picture of Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala
Gujarat Science City, located in Ahmedabad
and managed by the Gujarat Council of Science
& Technology (GUJCOST), is a premier science
and education hub aimed at promoting scientific
awareness and experiential learning among people
of all ages. It is known for its cutting-edge facilities
like the Robotics Gallery which is one of the largest
in India, showcasing humanoid robots, robotic arms,
and interactive exhibits to demonstrate real-world
applications of robotics in industry, healthcare, and
daily life. The Aquatic Gallery features India’s largest
public aquarium, with 188 species and immersive
experiences such as a walk-through tunnel. The
science centre also houses a Nature Park, a hall of
space and science, 3D imax theatre and Planetarium,
Energy Park and Earth Pavillion which focuses on
sustainable energy and geoscience, featuring solar
energy installations and earthquake simulators.
Gujarat Science City also hosts regular
workshops, science fairs, and innovation
contests, making it a vibrant platform for science
communication, learning, and discovery.
Box 6: A Picture of Gujarat Science City managed by GUJCOST A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 23
These initiatives reflect a decentralized yet coordinated effort by the State S&T councils to
democratize science learning, encourage grassroots innovation, and align with the broader national
goal of building a scientifically informed society. It would be desirable to have such Science Cities and
parks across all the states of the country.
3.5.5 Remote Sensing Centre
Remote Sensing Units were established by some State Science & Technology (S&T) Councils to
harness space-based technologies for regional development. These centres play a crucial role in
utilizing satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing applications to
address state-specific challenges. The key reasons for their establishment include: (a) these centres
support natural resource management by monitoring land use, water resources, and forests while
also aiding in disaster management through early warning systems and damage assessments; (b)
they play a vital role in urban and rural planning by tracking infrastructure development and land
encroachments; and these units contribute to environmental monitoring, studying pollution levels,
climate change, and glacier melting. These centres also drive skill development and research by
offering training in geospatial technologies, strengthening human capital.
Image 4: Illustration showcasing the operational workflow of the Remote Sensing Unit in Madhya Pradesh A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 24
Several State S&T Councils have a remote sensing unit establishment, with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
and Rajasthan making good use of such facilities. BISAG-N (Gujarat) specializes in geo-spatial
systems and satellite communication, aiding agriculture, water management, and infrastructure.
Madhya Pradesh’s RSAC focuses on GIS-based planning, crop monitoring, Planning for Watershed
Development activities and data management, while Rajasthan’s RSRSAC integrates remote
sensing for natural resources and infrastructure, including PMGSY road mapping.
Some other State S&T Councils have also initiated efforts in this direction. For example, Kerala’s
KSREC developed K-GIS and GRAMAM for sustainable agriculture, and Odisha’s ORSAC utilizes
GIS and GPS to tackle developmental challenges and education programs. Punjab’s PRSC leads
in geospatial analytics and stubble-burning monitoring. Meghalaya’s NESAC supports North-
Eastern development, Uttarakhand’s IIRS (ISRO) offers training in remote sensing and disaster
management, and Telangana’s NRSC (ISRO) handles satellite data processing and disaster response.
These centres drive innovation, governance, and sustainability through geospatial technology.
Image 5: Picture depicting the BISAG-N centre at Gujarat
All in all, these centres play a pivotal role in climate action, pollution monitoring, and glacier studies,
supporting evidence-based policymaking for sustainable governance. By fostering technological
advancements in GIS and satellite applications, they drive research collaborations with institutions
like ISRO and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem in relevant areas.
3.5.6 Science Popularization and Other Activities
State S&T Councils actively engage in various science popularisation activities to foster scientific temper
and awareness among the public. These initiatives mainly run under the overall direction and support of
the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), a division of DST.
Key activities undertaken by various State S&T Councils included:
• Organising Science Exhibitions and Festivals to showcase scientific innovations and
engage the public, Workshops and Training Programs for students, teachers, and science
communicators, Competitions and Awards to actively promote scientific curiosity and
innovation among students, researchers, and the general public. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 25
• Provide Internship, scholarship support to school and college students, and
• Developing and distributing science magazines, newsletters, and digital content to disseminate
scientific information.
• Mobile Bus and Vans are used to demonstrate S&T concepts to school students.
• Events like Children Science Congress, National Science Day, and National Mathematics Day.
Sasthraposhini is a science popularization program launched by the Kerala State
Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) with the goal of
nurturing scientific curiosity and awareness among school students. The initiative focuses
on strengthening science education at the grassroots level, particularly in government and
aided schools across Kerala. Through activities such as science clubs, hands-on experiments,
exhibitions, and student-scientist interactions, Sasthraposhini encourages critical thinking
and experiential learning. The program also provides training and resource support to
science teachers, helping improve classroom practices and foster a scientific temper among
young learners. By promoting early interest in science and technology, Sasthraposhini plays
a key role in building a future-ready, scientifically literate generation.
Box 7: Science Popularization Initiatives by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
These programs collectively aim to foster a robust scientific research environment in India by
providing financial support and resources to researchers, educators, and students aiming to
make a difference in the scientific world. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 26
Image 6: India International Science Festival 2022
Image 7: National Children Science Congress 2017 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 27
An example of such an initiative is the India International Science Festival (IISF), initiated by the
Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with Vijnana
Bharati, brings together students, researchers, and the public to celebrate and promote innovation. It
is rightful to say that the State S&T Councils play a pivotal role in making science accessible, engaging,
and integral to societal development.
3.5.6 Some Best Practices
Several State S&T Councils have instituted new initiatives and innovative activities to address S&T
needs of the state. Some selected examples are presented here for illustrating the potential that the
State S&T Councils have. The Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC), in collaboration
with Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) and Fragrance & Flavour
Development Centre (FFDC), has launched a project to promote the cultivation and value addition of
aromatic plants such as lemongrass, citronella, and patchouli. The initiative focuses on training farmers
and entrepreneurs in sustainable cultivation, distillation, and product development to enhance rural
incomes and livelihood opportunities. The project also aims to create market linkages and promote
the use of indigenous aromatic species, supporting biodiversity conservation and aligning with the
National Mission on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. It positions Manipur as a potential hub for natural
aroma-based products, contributing to local entrepreneurship and rural development.
Image 8: Pictorial depiction of MASTEC-IBSD-FFDC Project on Aromatic Plant
The Rural Appropriate Technology Demonstration Centre has been set up at Kimin,
Papumpare district of Arunachal Pradesh with the aim to impart skill, training and providing
Economic Sustainability to the rural population of the state. Procurement of instruments, training of
the technical staff, cultivation of citronella and technology transfer from respective CSIR Institutes
has been carried out. The future prospects of the project involve training the farmers, entrepreneurs
and women of the state on different aspects of entrepreneurial skills using science and technology
interventions for economic sustainability. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 28
Image 9: Preparation of Citronella and Lemon grass nursery
The Karnataka Digital Heritage (KDH) project is a technology-driven initiative to digitally
document and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage. Using advanced tools such as 3D laser
scanning, geo-spatial mapping, drones, AR/VR, and photogrammetry, the project creates high-
resolution 3D models of monuments for virtual walkthroughs and academic use. The initiative
has successfully completed the 3D scanning of 844 state-protected monuments and 80 monuments
from the Hampi World Heritage Site. It also generates 3D point cloud data, mesh models, CAD
engineering drawings, and geo-tagged spatial and non-spatial datasets with photographs. These digital
assets support virtual tourism, conservation, restoration, and reconstruction efforts. Complementing
this, the Karnataka Digital Museum focuses on the digital documentation of antiquities in government
museums under the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, using similar cutting-edge
technologies. Together, KDH and the Digital Museum by combining technology and culture not only
protects the state’s legacy but also makes it accessible to a global audience through interactive and
immersive experiences. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 29
Image 10: Depiction of 3D models of monuments
In a collaborative effort, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) and the
Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) have established a
briquetting unit in Champawat, Uttarakhand. This unit converts fallen pine needles into bio-briquettes,
providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels. Located in the Energy Park of Champawat,
the facility has a production capacity of 50 kgs per hour. The initiative also includes the distribution
of 500 improved cookstoves to rural households, aiming to reduce household pollution by 70% and
promote energy efficiency. By utilizing pine needles, the project addresses forest fire risks and offers
livelihood opportunities particularly empowering local women.
Image 11: Aadarsh Champawat Initiative by UCOST A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 30
TSCOST’s Bio-Waste Digester Reduces Costs and Carbon Footprint in Schools-
TSCOST has developed a bio-waste digester that converts 75 kg of daily food and vegetable waste
into methane gas for cooking in hostels. With a 15 cubic metre capacity, it can save 7-8 LPG cylinders
or 2-3 tons of firewood per month, reducing both costs and carbon emissions. Initially seeded
with cow dung, the digester uses hostel bio-waste to generate gas. Each school can save `40,000-
`50,000 monthly. After successful pilots at National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj
(NIRDPR), National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal, and Centre for Cellular and Molecular
Biology (CCMB) Hyderabad, the State government has approved installation in 18 more welfare
schools and hostels.
Image 13: Paddy Straw Management
Initiative by PSCST A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 31
Image 12: Visual of Biodigester System at Work
The Paddy Straw Management Initiative by the Punjab State Council for Science & Tech-
nology (PSCST) is a pioneering effort to address stubble burning through sustainable resource
utilization and technological innovation. Punjab became the first state to establish dedicated paddy
straw briquetting and pelletization plants and to mandate the partial replacement of coal with paddy
straw pellets (minimum 20%) in select industries. This initiative supports India’s sustainable energy
goals by facilitating the use of paddy straw pellets in industrial applications, particularly brick kilns and
thermal power plants. Currently, 42 pelletization plants are operational or in development, meeting a
demand of 12 lakh tonnes per annum (TPA) and supplying 9.5 lakh TPA. Complemented by resource
guides, an FAQ booklet, and expert contributions to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Appraisal Committee, the program also emphasizes skill development through worker training and
engages in international collaborations with International Centre for Integrated Mountain Devel-
opment (ICIMOD) for regional technology demonstration. The initiative has generated significant
socio-economic benefits, including local employment, enhanced farmer income, a `1000 crore boost
to the state GDP, and reduced carbon emissions—positioning Punjab as a leader in climate-resilient
agricultural waste management.
A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 32 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 33
4
Major Issues and Challenges A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 34
The consultations conducted by the NITI Aayog have highlighted several critical challenges faced by
the State S&T Councils. These challenges encompass funding constraints, governance inefficiencies,
workforce shortages, and limited collaboration with key stakeholders, to name a few. Addressing
these issues is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of S&T Councils and ensuring that they
contribute meaningfully to the scientific and technological progress of their respective states.
The major issues identified during the NITI Consultative meetings and the Workshop are as follows:
4.1 Weak Governance Structure and Delays in Decision-Making
One of the major challenges confronting State S&T Councils is the governance structure. Many states
fail to convene regular meetings of their governing councils, leading to delays in decision-making and
sluggish implementation of key initiatives. The absence of a well-defined governance framework has
resulted in fragmented policy execution, with considerable variations across different states. Additionally,
prolonged timelines further hamper the efficiency of councils, as bureaucratic delays in processing
approvals often result in missed opportunities for timely scientific advancements. Central government
approval processes for projects and funding disbursements are also frequently delayed, impacting the ability
of state councils to execute their mandates effectively. Further, only some of the councils have dedicated
executive leadership to steer the various activities, which is an essential component for efficiency and
accountability. The absence of a dedicated, result-oriented and accountable scientific leadership is a major
weakness of majority of the State S&T Councils.
4.2 Inadequate Financial Resources and Utilization Issues
Financial resources pose another significant hurdle for State S&T Councils. The disparity between the
state and central share of funding, over reliance on core grants creates an uneven landscape, limiting
the resources. In some councils, there is also a notable discrepancy between sanctioned funds and their
actual utilization, often caused by procedural inefficiencies and cumbersome approval processes. The
irregular and delayed release of budget allocations has further restricted the operational capabilities
of the State S&T Councils, affecting their ability to launch and sustain critical research programs.
Those states where the state funding has been better, the councils could do a much better job in
promoting Science and Technology advancements. The absence of suitable opportunities for project-
based grants further limit the capabilities of the State S&T Councils.
4.3 Shortage of Skilled Manpower and Work Culture Concerns
Limited manpower is a persistent issue affecting the efficiency of State S&T Councils. Many states
struggle with a shortage of primarily scientific personnel, as numerous sanctioned positions remain
unfilled due to financial constraints or administrative bottlenecks. This lack of adequate staffing
not only affects research output but also limits the ability of councils to undertake large-scale
initiatives. Some councils have stated that the work culture in smaller research institutions and
colleges remains a concern, as the quality of submitted proposals is often suboptimal due to the lack
of skilled personnel and research-oriented training. Therefore, in order to build a stronger research
ecosystem in the state institutions, there is a pressing need to empower the State S&T Councils with
suitable and competent scientific manpower to make necessary interventions. Additionally, capacity-
building programs aimed at enhancing technical skills and research methodologies must be prioritized
to improve the overall effectiveness of state-led initiatives. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 35
4.4 Weak Inter-Institutional Linkages and Collaboration Gaps
Poor inter-institutional linkages further exacerbate the challenges faced by the State S&T Councils. The
State S&T councils have not harnessed the potential support structure available with various central
government departments in an effective way. International collaborations also remain underdeveloped,
limiting exposure to global best practices and cutting-edge technological advancements. The inability to
secure substantial funding for research and innovation initiatives further restricts the scope of work
undertaken by these councils. Without strong linkages with institutions at various levels, many promising
research projects fail to reach their full potential, remaining confined to academic circles rather than being
translated into practical applications. Lack of relevant linkages also restrict the ability of the State S&T
Councils in making relevant STI interventions in the state.
4.5 Lack of Industry Engagement and Relevant Sub-structures
A key shortfall in the current system is the poor industry connection of State S&T Councils. Unlike
centrally funded research institutions that maintain better engagement with private sector players, many
state councils have minimal involvement with industries. This results in lost opportunity for knowledge
sharing, attracting resources, and working collaboratively for state specific S&T needs. The absence of
state-based tech-transfer facilitation centres has only exacerbated the issue, as many councils lack the
necessary infrastructure to bridge the gap between research and industry needs. This disconnect has
led to an underutilization of scientific capabilities and advancements in the state, limiting their potential
impact on economic and technological growth.
4.6 Regulatory and Administrative Bottlenecks
Structural and regulatory bottlenecks also hinder the seamless functioning of State S&T Councils.
The financial rules and regulations governing fund utilization need to be streamlined, as
many councils face rigid bureaucratic procedures that slow down expenditure approvals. There is a
need for a common enabling operational framework for all State S&T Councils, which
can provide uniform standards, improve efficiency, and ensure better coordination across states.
Furthermore, the irregular convening of governing council meetings continues to stall decision-
making processes, impacting the timely implementation of initiatives. A more efficient and transparent
administrative mechanism, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and performance oriented
and accountable leadership, is essential to ensure the smooth operation of State S&T Councils. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 36 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 37
5
Need for a Long-Term Strategy
and Policy Continuity A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 38
Building on the insights from the consultations held, and the deliberations in the national workshop,
the NITI Aayog has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges and
strengthen the State S&T Councils, in terms of their capabilities and functions. It focuses on a
multi-pronged approach, including governance reforms, enhanced financial resources and autonomy,
improved manpower planning, and stronger institutional linkages. A structured, long-term strategy
will be key to reinforcing the role of State S&T Councils in fostering innovation and technology-led
development.
Moving forward, targeted efforts should be made to ensure sustained funding, policy continuity,
enhanced industry engagement, and capacity-building initiatives to unlock the full potential of
statedriven S&T initiatives. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for a standardized operational
framework across all S&T Councils to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and establish
uniform standards. By addressing these issues holistically, the State S&T Councils can evolve into
more dynamic institutions, fostering scientific research and driving socio-economic progress of the
respective states as well as the country. The recommendations outlined the next section can help the
councils significantly in their journey towards becoming more effective. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 39
6
Recommendations for
Strengthening the State
S&T Councils A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 40
Through a comprehensive process of stakeholder meetings, one-on-one discussions, and the S&T
Council workshop, NITI Aayog has identified possible steps to be taken by different stakeholders to
strengthen State S&T Councils. These recommendations cover various aspects of structure, functioning
and support mechanisms for State S&T Councils. These recommendations will help transform the
functioning, role, and capabilities of the State S&T Councils, so that they are empowered and play a
more relevant role in the overall growth of the S & T ecosystem of the respective states.
6.1
Structural Reforms in Governance Structure
A major area of concern identified through discussions in consultative meetings and the workshop
relates to structuring and functioning of the Governing body of the councils. Not only are their
meetings in general irregular, their composition also needs to change so as to make them more
effective. Similarly, some changes are also required in the composition and role of the executive
committee of the councils. The major recommendations are as below:
Governing Council
The Governing Body of the councils must be slightly restructured and expanded so as
to make it more capable of taking informed policy decisions and strategic planning. The Governing
Council may continue to be chaired by the Chief Minister or the S&T Minister of the state, as the
case may be; however, it must be expanded to include more expertise.
It is recommended that the Governing Council, in addition to relevant senior officials from the state
government, including the Chief Secretary of the state, and others senior officers, preferably those
heading departments like S&T, Information Technology, Environment and Forest, Education, Planning,
Finance etc., must include:
a. at least two directors/ Heads of a central government institution/ laboratory located in the
state, such as those administered by DST/DBT/CSIR/ MEITY, etc.
b. at least two Vice Chancellors of a central or state university located in the state,
c. at least one head of a relevant PSU located in the state,
d. at least one representative from the state chapter of any major industry association like CII/
FICCI/ ASSOCHAM/ NASSCOM,
e. at least two distinguished/ eminent scientists residing in the state who are preferably also
fellows of any of three national science academies,
f. at least two senior officers from central government organizations like NITI Aayog/ DST/
DBT, and
g. a full-time executive director appointed for a fixed tenure of 3 to 5 years as member secretary.
The diverse representation in the Governing Council will not only enrich it, but will also help establish
linkages and foster collaboration with relevant departments at central level as well as academia
and industry. The expanded body will also provide for better understanding of state specific S&T
needs and priorities, and at the same time better aligning the state initiatives with national priorities.
Representation from Industry and other relevant departments/ institutions will help attract additional
resources to support various activities of the councils. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 41
The Governing Council must meet at least once every year, though one meeting every six-months
would be more effective.
Executive Committee
The executive committee of the councils must function with a performance-driven approach,
emphasizing measurable outcomes, strategic execution, and accountability. Strong, visionary
leadership is crucial to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the council
effectively contributes to the state’s scientific and technological progress. However, this calls for a
slight restructuring of the composition of the Executive Committee.
It is recommended that the Executive Committee:
a. must be chaired by a full-time Executive Director, appointed for a fixed tenure of 3-5 years.
The Executive Director must be a distinguished scientist/ academician/ Science administrator/
Industry leader having expertise in the area of S&T. The position of Executive Director must
be equivalent in pay and rank to Vice Chancellor of a University, and must be filled through
an appropriate search/ selection committee constituted for the purpose by the chairman of
the Governing Council,
b. should have at least 5 external members, preferably from S&T/ academic institutions located
in the state, having special knowledge in different areas of S&T,
c. up to 5 officers from the state government representing relevant departments like planning,
finance, etc., and
d. up to 5 senior scientific officers working full time in the council.
The role of Executive Director is crucial as s/he is expected to provide scientific and administrative
leadership to the council. The existing practice, in many states, of manning the position of Executive
Director/ Member Secretary by a career bureaucrat of the state, having no expertise in the area of S&T,
must be avoided. The Executive Committee, composed as above, will help foster a multidisciplinary,
holistic, and accountable approach to decision-making and execution of major activities of the council.
The Executive Committee must meet at least once every six months so as to ensure timely and
effective planning and execution of different programs and schemes.
6.2 Financial Support and Resources
The different councils across the country have varied budgets and resources available to support
different activities. Appropriate funding is crucial to successful and effective execution of different
initiatives and activities. The consultation process helped in identifying the need for a strategic re-
look on the provisions of financial support from state government and central departments/ agencies.
The following are the major recommendations in this regard:
a. Adequate Financial Resources: State governments should provide adequate financial
resources to the councils to enable them carry out the regular activities effectively and to
initiate new activities in advanced and emerging areas of S&T. It would be desirable that each
state allocates at least 0.5% of GSDP on S&T. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 42
b. From Core to Project-based grants: The Department of Science and Technology,
Govt of India, should only provide project-based grants to different councils, based on their
capabilities and performance. The provision of core annual grants may be discontinued, except
for continued support to smaller councils in NE region and UTs.
c. Widening the Financial Support Structure: The Councils must explore wider funding
opportunities available with different departments of the central government for activities
related to the overall mandate/ allocation of the respective departments. The NITI Aayog
can help councils in establishing such linkages with departments/ agencies in the central
government.
d. Linkages with Industry & PSUs: The Councils should also explore establishing linkages
with Industry bodies, PSUs, and other possible support agencies in the state for attracting
support and financial resources for different activities. Such linkages will indirectly help
promote university-industry interaction in different activities of the councils.
e. Collaboration with Universities and Institutions: The Councils should strive to foster
collaboration with Universities and R&D institutions within the state to carry out collaborative
activities and attract financial resources from various such agencies. Such collaborative projects
will not only strengthen the academia and government collaboration, but will also provide
for greater opportunities for collective efforts towards overall scientific and technological
growth of the state.
f. Performance Based Grants: To promote accountability, encourage innovation, and catalyse
excellence across State S&T Councils, a provision of performance-based grants may be
introduced. These grants may be allocated based on well-defined performance indicators that
assess both quantitative and qualitative outcomes of each Council’s activities. To operationalize
this, a robust performance evaluation framework can be developed by the NITI Aayog in
consultation with the States/ UTs.
The recommendations will not only help strengthen the councils in terms of financial resources
but will also open newer opportunities of establishing different linkages and collaborations for joint
activities and long-term financial sustenance. Over time, it can also support a more balanced national
ecosystem by helping underperforming states identify and adopt best practices from others, thus
reducing regional disparities in science and technology development, and ensuring overall accelerated
scientific and technological growth of the state.
6.3 Human Resources
It has been observed that councils not only have varied manpower policies, but many of them are
often understaffed, including many sanctioned positions not filled for long. Promotional avenues for
scientific staff are also very limited and irregular. It will be inconsistent to expect the highest level of
performance from the staff in such circumstances. Therefore, there is a definite need of addressing
these issues. The wider consultation has helped to arrive at following major recommendations in this
regard: A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 43
a. Suitable Scientific and Non-scientific Manpower: The Councils must maintain a 70:30
ratio of scientific to non-scientific personnel, ensuring a research-driven workforce while
maintaining necessary administrative and operational support.
b. Regular Positions: The councils should have a core manpower strength to drive the major
activities of the councils in an effective and accountable manner. All such positions should be
fully supported by the state government, ensuring financial stability and commitment.
c. Career Progression Opportunities: The Councils must work towards creating well-
defined career progression opportunities for regular manpower of the council, through an
appropriate policy. The existing models in scientific departments in central government may
be pursued and adapted by the councils. Adopting such a policy will provide clear growth
pathways, performance-based advancements, and competitive incentives to ensure a dynamic
and committed workforce. A suitable career progression policy is essential to attract, retain,
and motivate skilled professionals within the council.
d. Project-based Positions: The Councils may maintain additional manpower specific to
funded projects for specific purposes, to augment overall execution capabilities. Efforts
towards wider funding from different agencies will help significantly augment project-based
positions in the councils.
e. Transitory Provision: The Councils may take suitable actions for transition of manpower
currently supported by central government departments/ agencies as a regular staff of the
council/ state government. This will help maintain continuity and institutional memory. The
dependence on support from central government departments/ agencies should be minimized
over the next few years, except possibly in the NE region and UTs.
f. Faculty & Researcher Secondment: To enhance expertise and collaboration, 10-20 faculty
members and researchers from universities and research institutions in the state and outside
should be seconded to the council for periods of 1-3 years. This will not only help in having a
bigger human resource pool to drive different initiatives and activities, but will also facilitate
knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen the link between
academia and government. These interactions and coordinated efforts may also help in better
understanding the S&T needs of the state and a more effective planning and execution.
g. Short-term and Honorary Engagements: To leverage experience, expertise, the council
may engage retired scientists, preferably Director level and above, from premier research
institutions such as CSIR, DRDO, DAE, DST, DBT laboratories for fixed-tenure roles. These
professionals may bring vast technical knowledge, mentorship capabilities, and strategic
insights, enhancing the council’s research and policy initiatives. By integrating expertise of
retired scientists into the council’s ecosystem, the state can harness their wide experience to
accelerate scientific progress of the state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 44
6.4 State-Focused Role & Institutional Sub-structures
To maximize impact, S&T Councils should adopt focused roles and interventions tailored to the
specific needs, priorities, and strengths of the state. There is a clear opportunity as well as need for
state councils to position themselves as the central point for all STI initiatives and interventions in
the state, so that coordinated actions can be taken for most effective outcomes. This approach will
ensure organic growth, strategic collaborations, and synergy-building across different sectors. The
key recommendations in this regard are as follows:
a. S&T Need Mapping of the State: Each council should make efforts to identify state-
specific S&T needs of the state. Identification of state specific S&T interventions will help
instituting more focused initiatives and efforts which will address local needs. State-specific
sectoral policies may be developed for overall development of the state. Such an approach will
foster bottom-up innovation by supporting grassroots initiatives, local startups, and indigenous
knowledge systems.
b. Institutional Substructures: Each council must work towards setting up relevant
institutional sub-structures to initiate, guide and support relevant activities in different S&T
sectors. These substructures may include a network of Patent Facilitation Centre, Technology
Readiness Level (TRL) Assessment Cell, Technology Transfer Cell, Incubation Cell, Natural
Resource and Biodiversity Cell, Emerging Technology Cell, etc. These sub-structures in the
council will provide the necessary support to scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs in the
state to contribute effectively towards overall scientific and technological growth of the state.
c. Connecting the Dots: The sub-structures proposed above should link with similar structures
in R&D institutions and labs, and Universities located in the state to create a comprehensive
and integrated effort supporting the whole STI ecosystem in the state. These linkages will
also act as a bridge between academia, industry, and government to drive innovation in the
state and build synergies.
d. STI Information Cell: The councils should develop a STI Information Cell to create, manage
and maintain relevant STI databases and repositories. This Cell may be the main focal point for
providing data to state, central and other agencies about the STI indicators of the state. The
NITI Aayog in coordination with NSTMIS, DST may help building capacity in councils in this
regard. Creating such cells may provide opportunity to generate evidence for policy making
and making focused interventions at various levels.
e. Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Cell: The councils should play a lead role in effective implementation of the SSR and CSR
initiatives in the state. The councils should coordinate and integrate the resources and
capabilities of various institutions and stakeholders to address the state-specific challenges/
needs through S&T intervention while also promoting scientific awareness and thinking among
the general public. This will foster a sense of collective ownership among various stakeholders
and institutions, encouraging them to rise above individual interests and work collaboratively
for the greater good of the state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 45
The role update of state councils may play a key role in establishing linkages and collaboration
with relevant stakeholders and instituting coordinated efforts for accelerated growth of the STI
ecosystem of the state.
6.5 Redefining Programs and Activities
The councils at present engage in a variety of activities, ranging from supporting R&D projects to
science popularization and awards and fellowships. With change in time, overall improvement in
education and awareness of citizens, and changing national and state priorities; it is necessary to have
a relook at the ongoing activities. The most relevant activities may be continued, and some newer
ones may be initiated. This will help the councils in playing a relevant and effective role in the STI
ecosystem of the states. These activities may be coordinated by the relevant cells of the council. The
major activities that may be considered by the councils for initiation/ execution are as follows:
a. R&D Project Support: Many councils provide financial support to different institutions for
carrying out R&D projects in different areas of S&T. However, often the fund available for the
purpose is not adequate and as a result only few projects are supported and that too with
small grants. It is recommended that R&D project support should preferably be provided
only to state government and private academic and R&D institutions of the state, to provide
greater opportunities to researchers in these institutions. Support to central government
institutions (such as IITs, NITs, CUs, Central Govt institutions etc.) should be extended only
for projects that are specific to the needs of the state.
b. Awards: Some state councils have a provision of awards to recognize significant
accomplishment and contribution of scientists and researchers in the state. These awards may
be made annual and included as a regular feature of the activities of the council. Appropriate
number of state level awards, preferably at three levels (on the lines of Rashtriya Vigyan
Puraskar) may be instituted by each council.
c. Fellowships, Scholarships, Internships and Travel Grants: The Councils may earmark a
part of their grants to provide an appropriate number of fellowships/ scholarships to selected
meritorious young researchers. A small program of summer internship may also be considered,
largely in collaboration with R&D institutions and Academic Institutions in the state. A limited
number of travel grants may also be instituted to partially support bright young researchers to
present their research work at relevant forums.
d. State level STI Conclave: Many councils are currently organizing National Science Day,
National Mathematics Day. It is recommended to consolidate the resources to organize a
state level STI Conclave, possibly around national science day or national technology day. Such
a conclave may be organized either at a central location in the state or in a decentralized
manner as a set of coordinated activities across the states. The Council must collaborate
with relevant departments in the state (such as Education, Information Technology etc.) to
mobilize sufficient resources and ensure wider participation of institutions in the state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 46
e. Science Popularization Activities: Several councils are currently organizing a wide
range of science popularization activities. These include Community Radio & Podcasts, Lab
on Wheels, Astronomy camps etc. These activities may be continued subject to the level of
interest shown by participants. The Councils should plan and coordinate an appropriate social
media engagement strategy to widely disseminate such activities, along with regular updates
on scientific and technological advances made by different actors in the state, particularly to
engage the young generation.
f. Science City and Science Centres: Many state councils are instituting and managing
science cities, regional science centres across different locations of the state. These efforts
no doubt play an important role in catalysing interest of the young generation in Science and
Technology. Efforts may be made to standardize the content/ exhibits of such centres, at the
same time keeping enough provision for state specific material. Some possible improvements
may include creating 3-d landform models of the state, 3-d maps of natural resources of the
state etc. The content/ exhibits should be reviewed at regular intervals to maintain their
relevance with changing time.
g. Collaborations and Linkages for newer activities: The councils can play a more effective
role through increased collaboration and wider linkages with different institutions. Efforts
may be made to do collaborative R&D Projects with institutions in the state, to organize
capacity building activities in the areas of patent awareness, TRL assessment and technology
commercialization. The Councils may also work with institutions to start innovative activities
like University/Institute Open Day, Walk with Scientists etc.
h. Mapping Activities for Natural Resource Management: The Councils may actively work
towards activities related to mapping landforms, forest and agriculture cover, water bodies,
biodiversity, and other critical systems of the state. These activities may seek support from relevant
central and state departments and must involve collaboration with relevant institutions.
6.6 Collaboration and Linkages
In the present STI ecosystem, collaboration and team efforts are a crucial requirement for accelerated
growth and impactful outcomes. Instituting collaboration and linkages with multiple stakeholders,
ranging from central departments and agencies to academia, Industry and enterprises in the region
can help in coordinated efforts and multiplied benefits. It is, therefore, recommended that state
councils should institute linkages and collaboration with following entities:
a. Central Govt Departments and Agencies: STI activities and resources are no longer
confined to a specific department or agency. The state councils in their role as central point
for coordinated STI ecosystem growth of the state should foster collaboration with all major
relevant agencies at the central level. These may include linkages with DBT, MEITY, CSIR,
MOEFCC, MOC, MOE, DPIIT etc., in addition to the existing strong linkage with DST. Relevant
connections with RuTAG, MANTHAN and PSA Clusters may also be explored. Such links can
help create a significant resource as well as knowledge pool in the councils. The NITI Aayog,
as a body working closely with states, can play a coordination role in this regard. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 47
b. Industry and PSUs: The Councils should establish greater connections with Industrial units
and PSUs located in the states and should also set up ties with relevant Industry associations.
These connections can help generate additional financial and material resources for the
councils to support the different activities.
c. R&D Institutions and Universities: The Councils must actively engage with R&D
institutions located in the state as well as collaborate with universities situated in the
state. These collaborations can be in the form of knowledge exchange as well as working
collaboratively on research and development projects. These collaborations can bring in ideas,
knowledge, manpower, and enhanced resources for overall STI growth of the state.
The proposed linkages and collaborations can play a major role in enhanced resources and capabilities
of the councils, thereby accelerating the coordinated growth of the overall STI ecosystem of the
state and country. Further, the proposed substructures in State S&T Councils should play an active
role in organizing relevant activities in a collaborative manner for the overall STI growth of the state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 48
Table 4: Summary of Recommendations
S. No.Topic Recommendation
Action/
Implementation By
1.
Structural
Reforms in
Governance
(Reference
section 6.1)
To expand the Governing Council by including
representation from central government
departments, R&D institutions/ laboratories,
Universities in the state, industry associations
in the state, PSUs in the state, and Science
Academies.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
State S&T Councils must have a full-time
executive director appointed for a fixed tenure
of 3 to 5 years. The position should be equivalent
to Vice Chancellor of a state university and
the incumbent must provide scientific and
administrative leadership in an accountable
manner. The practice of giving charge to career
Bureaucrats should be avoided.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
The Executive Committee may also be expanded
to include relevant officials from the state
government as well as external members.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
The Executive Committee must meet at least
twice a year.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
2.
Financial
Support and
Resources
(Reference
section 6.2)
State S&T Councils must be provided with
adequate financial resources to carry out various
activities and make meaningful interventions in
the STI ecosystem of the state. It is desirable that
each state should allocate at least 0.5% of GSDP
as S&T budget.
State Government
The practice of core grants by the central
government should be replaced with Project-
based grants, except in case of State S&T Councils
in NE region and UTs.
Department of
Science & Technology
(DST), GOI.
The financial resources available with councils can
be enhanced significantly by widening the support
structure. State S&T Councils may approach different
central government departments for project-based
grants, can collaborate with PSUs in the state and
establish linkages with Industry and Academic
Institutions in the state to explore tapping resources
in a collaborative manner.
State S&T Councils,
Central Govt
Departments,
Industry Associations
and NITI Aayog
A provision of performance-based grants for State
S&T Councils may be introduced.
DST, GOI and NITI
Aayog A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 49
3.
Human
Resources
(Reference
section 6.3)
State S&T Councils must maintain a minimum
number of scientific and administrative/ support
staff, preferably in a 70:30 ratio of scientific to
non-scientific staff.
State S&T Councils,
and DST, GOI
The regular positions in State S&T Councils
must be fully supported by the state. Additional
project-based positions may be created as per the
need and financial support available for various
externally supported projects.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
A well-defined career progression plan for regular
manpower of the State S&T Councils must be
instituted.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
and DST, GOI
Suitable actions may be taken for transition of
manpower currently supported by the central
government (mainly by DST, GOI) as a regular
staff of the council/ state government. DST, GOI
should not support any regular manpower in the
State S&T Councils except in case of councils in
NE region or UTs.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
and DST, GOI
The scientific capabilities of State S&T Councils
may be significantly expanded by using methods
like Faculty and Researcher secondment, and
utilizing the services of senior level retired
scientists from central govt and R&D/ Academic
Institutions in the state.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
4.
State-Focused
Roles &
Institutional
Substructures
(Reference
section 6.4)
State S&T Councils should make active
contributions to identify state-specific S&T needs
and may act as a central focal point for guiding and
enriching the STI ecosystem of the state.
State Government,
State S&T Councils
State S&T Councils must establish relevant cells
(e.g., Patent Facilitation, TRL assessment, Tech
Transfer, Second Level Incubation, BioDiversity,
CSR/SSR etc.) and must establish active linkages
and integration with academia, R&D institutions,
and industry bodies in the state.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
NITI Aayog
The councils should develop a STI Information
Cell to create, manage and maintain relevant
STI databases and repositories. This Cell may
be the main focal point for providing data to
state, central and other agencies about the STI
indicators of the state.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
DST, GOI and NITI
Aayog A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 50
5.
Redefining
Programs and
Activities
(Reference
section 6.5)
State S&T Councils should provide suitable
financial support to R&D and academic
institutions of the state to carry out R&D
projects in relevant areas. R&D project
grants should preferably be provided to state
institutions. Support to central government
institutions in the state should be considered
only when the project concerned is on a state
specific subject.
State S&T Councils,
State Government
Appropriate number of state level awards at
three levels (on the lines of Rashtriya Vigyan
Puraskar) may be instituted by each council.
Similarly appropriate fellowships may be
considered subject to availability of funds.
State Government,
State S&T Councils
Each SSTC should host an annual STI Conclave,
in a collaborative manner, possibly by pooling
resources from multiple sources. The ongoing
science outreach programs may be updated
with time to make them more relevant and
expand their reach. Each Council should actively
use social media platforms to reach the young
audience.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
DST, GOI
State S&T Councils should partner with relevant
institutions in the state for mapping natural
resources in the state and provide other S&T
specific information to relevant stakeholders.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
cc, GSI, ISRO,
The Science City and Centres in the state
are a very relevant resource for science
popularization and attracting young children to
science. However, the content and exhibits in
such centres must be regularly updated, keeping
in mind state specific aspects. Possibilities of
running them in PPP mode may be explored.
State S&T Councils,
NCSM and Ministry
of Culture
States can document Traditional Knowledge
(TK) by engaging local communities,
collaborating with academic institutions, and
creating digital repositories. Field surveys and
technology like mobile apps can aid in capturing
and preserving TK. Legal protections, such as
Geographical Indications (GI) and Patents, can
safeguard and provide economic benefits to
knowledge holders
State S&T Councils,
AYUSH, MOEFCC A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 51
6.
Collaboration
and Linkages
(Reference
section 6.6)
The state councils in their role as central point
for coordinated STI ecosystem growth of the
state should foster collaboration with all major
relevant agencies at the central level. These may
include linkages with DBT, MEITY, CSIR, MOEFCC,
MOC, MOE, DPIIT etc., in addition to the existing
strong linkage with DST. Relevant connections
with RuTAG, MANTHAN and PSA Clusters may
also be explored.
State S&T Councils,
and Suitable Ministry/
Department as per
project alignment
(such as DST, DBT,
MEITY, DSIR, DAE,
MoES, DPIIT, PSA
Office etc.)
The Councils should establish greater connections
with Industrial units and PSUs located in the
states and should also set up ties with relevant
Industry associations.
State S&T Councils,
PSUs and Industry
Associations
The Councils must actively engage with R&D
institutions located in the state as well as
collaborate with universities situated in the
state. These collaborations can be in the form
of knowledge exchange as well as working
collaboratively on research and development
projects.
State S&T Councils,
R&D and Academic
Institutions in the
state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 52 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 53
7
Charting the Road Ahead:
Towards a Robust and Future-
Ready S&T Ecosystem A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 54
NITI Aayog in its pivotal role of collaborating with state governments under the principle of
cooperative and competitive federalism, drives various initiatives for the growth and development of
the States. Within the Science and Technology (S&T) division, these initiatives include the development
of performance indices, strengthening state councils through the Roadmap Initiative, and promoting
the ease of conducting scientific endeavors at both the national and state levels along with others. By
focusing on all these measures, NITI Aayog aims to bolster state-level capabilities, thereby enabling
the nation to advance collectively.
The key focus should be to transform State S&T Councils from a conventional government
department to a dynamic and capable professional S&T ecosystem. To translate this roadmap into
meaningful action, a structured and collaborative implementation strategy must be adopted. A key
enabler in this regard may be formation of a core group comprising senior-level officers from relevant
stakeholder ministries, scientific institutions, and state governments, and coordinated by NITI Aayog,
to facilitate, coordinate and oversee the implementation of the recommendations. This group could
be entrusted with the role of prioritizing actions, developing coordinated efforts for execution, and
overall monitoring and evaluation.
As a next step, efforts may also be directed toward developing model guidelines and standard
frameworks for performance evaluation, resource utilization, and institutional governance. These
will help reduce administrative asymmetries and improve consistency across State S&T Councils. In
parallel, capacity-building initiatives and peer-to-peer learning mechanisms should be institutionalized
to enable councils to learn from successful models in funding, innovation management, and industry-
academia collaboration. A dedicated strategy for mobilizing and blending resources from central and
state governments and private sector contributions will be essential to ensure financial sustainability
and programmatic continuity.
Importantly, a dynamic and responsive monitoring mechanism must be put in place to assess progress,
identify challenges, and incorporate mid-course corrections. This forward-looking and integrated
approach will not only strengthen the institutional foundations of State S&T Councils but also unlock
their full potential in contributing to regional innovation, strategic capability development, and national
transformation. NITI Aayog remains committed to growth and development of the STI ecosystem
in the state and their application and will be doing its best to work with S&T council and deliver its
best. By doing so, India can build a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy aligned with the
vision of a Viksit Bharat. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 55
APPENDIX A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 56
Appendix I:
Details of the Consultative Meetings at NITI Aayog
Date Zone Name of the CouncilRepresented by
31.01.2025 West
Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology
Commission, Maharashtra
Dr. Narendra Shah,
Member Secretary
Department of Science & Technology,
Rajasthan
Shri Rakesh Parihar,
Research officer
Gujarat Council for Science and Technology
(GUJCOST)
Dr. Narottam Sahoo,
Advisor & Member Secretary
Goa State Council for Science & Technology
(GSCST)
Mrs. Brenda Fernandes,
Chief Scientist & Member Secretary
13.02.2025 Central
Bihar Council on Science & Technology
Dr. Anant Kumar,
Project Director
Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and
Technology (MPCOST)
Shri Tasneem Habib,
Advisor, Former Chief Scientist &
ED, MPCST
Uttarakhand State Council for Science
Technology
Prof. Durgesh Pant,
Director General
Council of Science and Technology Uttar
Pradesh
Shri Radhey Lal,
Joint Director
14.02.2025 South
Karnataka State Council for Science and
Technology (KSCST)
Dr. U T Vijay,
Executive Secretary
Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and
Technology
Prof. Dr. S. Vincent,
Member Secretary
Telangana State Council of Science &
Technology
Dr. Sunke Rajendra Prasad,
Member Secretary
Puducherry Council for Science & Technology
Shri Laxminarayana Reddy,
Director
24.02.2025 North
Haryana State Council of Science &
Technology
Dr. Deepak Gupta,
Chief Scientific Engineer
Himachal Pradesh Council for
Science Technology and Environment
(HIMCOSTE)
Shri Shubham Dhiman,
Sr. Technical Assistant
Punjab State Council for Science and
Technology (PSCST)
Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi,
Joint Director
Department of Science & Technology
& Renewable Energy (S&T&RE),
Chandigarh
Shri T C Nautiyal,
Secretary A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 57
25.02.2025East
Arunachal Pradesh State Council for
Science & Technology (APSCS&T)
Shri C D Mungyak,
Director cum Member
Secretary
Manipur Science and Technology
Council (MASTEC)
Dr. Kh. Rakesh,
Director
State Council of Science Technology
& Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya
Shri Gunanka D.B.,
IFS, Member Secretary
Nagaland Science and Technology
Council (NASTEC)
Shri Kekuneil LTU,
Scientist B
Assam Science Technology &
Environment Council (ASTEC)
Shri. Jaideep Baruah,
Director, ASTEC
Mizoram Science, Technology &
Innovation Council (MISTIC)
Shri Samuel Lalmalsawma,
Senior Scientific Officer
Sikkim State Council of Science and
Technology
Shri D G Shrestha,
Principal Director, DST Sikkim
The councils which could not participate in the consultative meetings include:
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Daman & Diu
Chhattisgarh
Jharkhand
Kerala
Andhra Pradesh
Lakshadweep
Andaman & Nicobar
Delhi
Jammu & Kashmir
Odisha
Tripura
West Bengal A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 58
Appendix II:
Details of the Workshop on ‘Empowering State S&T Councils
held at Vigyan Bhavan’
Time Session NameTime Slot Speaker Role
09:30 – 10:30 Inaugural Session
09:30 – 09:42
Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh,
Sr. Adviser (S&T),
NITI Aayog, GoI.
Welcome Address
and Theme
09:42 – 09:57
Dr. Rajesh S Gokhle,
Secretary, Department of
Biotechnology, GoI.
Remarks
09:57 – 10:12
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood,
Principal Scientific Adviser,
GoI.
Remarks
10:12 – 10:30
Dr. V.K. Saraswat
Member (S&T),
NITI Aayog, GoI
Chairperson’s
Address
10:30 – 10:35
Release of the Discussion paper “Towards a
Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils”
10:35 – 10:45 Group Photograph
10:45 – 11:15 High Tea
11:15 – 12:15
Technical Session
1
STEM at the
Core: Cultivating
Statewide
Research and
Innovation
11:15 – 11:30
Prof. T.G. Sitharam,
Chairman, AICTE
Session Chair
11:30 – 11:45
Dr. Anita Aggarwal,
Head, SEED and State S&T
Programme, DST
Special Address
11:45 – 11:55
Dr. Narendra Shah,
Member Secretary, Rajiv
Gandhi Science and
Technology Commission,
Maharashtra
State S&T
Council -
Maharashtra
11:55 – 12:05
Shri Radhey Lal,
Joint Director, Council of
Science and Technology,
Uttar Pradesh
State S&T
Council - Uttar
Pradesh
12:05 – 12:15
Dr. Biman Chandra Barua,
Executive Director, Assam
Science Technology &
Environment Council
State
Council-Assam A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 59
12:15 – 13:00
Technical
Session
2
Science for
All: Engaging
Minds Through
Science Centres,
Planetarium, and
Remote Sensing
12:15 – 12:25
Shri U N Sharma,
Additional Surveyor
General of India
Session Chair &
Speaker
12:25 – 12:35
Shri Sanjay Kaul,
Joint Secretary, Ministry of
Culture, GoI.
Special Address
12:35 – 12:44
Dr. Narottam Sahoo,
Advisor & Member
Secretary, Gujarat Council
for Science and Technology
State Council -
Gujarat
12:44 – 12:53
Shri Tasneem Habib,
Advisor, Former Chief
Scientist & ED, Madhya
Pradesh Council of Science
and Technology
State Council -
Madhya Pradesh
12:53 – 13:00
Prof. A Sabu,
Member Secretary,
Kerala State Council For
Science Technology and
Environment
State Council-
Kerala
13:00 – 14:00Lunch
14:00 – 15:00
Technical
Session 3
Advancing
Innovation: The
Role of Patent
Information
Centres and
other structures
14:00 – 14:12
Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur,
Director, Indian Institute of
Technology, Jammu
Session Chair
14:12 – 14:22
Shri Unnat Pandit,
Controller General of
Patents, Designs and
TradeMarks
Special Address
14:22 – 14:32
Cdr. Amit Rastogi (Retd),
Chairman & MD, National
Research Development
Corporation
Special Address
14:32 – 14:41
Prof. Dr. S. Vincent,
Member Secretary, Tamil
Nadu State Council for
Science and Technology
State Council -
Tamil Nadu
14:41 – 14:50
Shri Samuel Lalmalsawma,
Principal Scientific
Officer, Mizoram Science,
Technology & Innovation
Council
State Council -
Mizoram
14:50 – 15:00
Dr. U T Vijay,
Executive Secretary,
Karnataka State Council
for Science and Technology
State Council-
Karnataka A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 60
15:00 – 15:50
Technical
Session 4
Connecting
the Dots:
Linkages and
Best Practices
for Inclusive
Development
15:00 –
15:12
Dr. Parvinder Maini,
Scientific Secretary, PSA
Office
Session Chair
15:12 –
15:22
Dr. Rashmi Sharma,
Head, NCSTC & SHRI
Cell, DST
Special Address
15:22 –
15:32
Prof. Durgesh Pant,
Director General,
Uttarakhand State Council
for Science Technology
State Council -
Uttarakhand
15:32 –
15:42
Shri Pritpal Singh,
Executive Director, Punjab
State Council for Science
and Technology
State Council -
Punjab
15:42 –
15:50
Dr. Deepak Gupta,
Chief Scientific Engineer,
Haryana State Council of
Science & Technology
State Council –
Haryana
15:50 – 16:55
Discussion and
Engagement
Session
Widening
the Horizon:
Expanding
the Activities
and Linkages
for Sustained
Growth
15:50 –
15:55
Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh,
Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog
Session Chair
15:55 –
16:05
Prof. Vd. Rabinarayana
Acharya,
Director General, CCRAS,
M/o AYUSH
Expert Remarks
16:15 –
16:25
Ms. Khushboo Mirza
Sci/Engr-SF, Regional
Remote Sensing Centre,
Department of Space
Expert Remarks
16:25 –
16:35
Dr. R S Maheskumar,
Scientist G, MoES
Expert Remarks
16:35 –
16:45
Shri Siva Prasad Polimetla
Head, ER&D Initiative,
NASSCOM
Expert Remarks
16:45 –
16:55
Dr. Ashish Mohan,
Executive Director, CII
Expert Remarks
16:55 –
17:05
Dr, Parveen Arora
Associate Head and
Scientist G
Expert Remarks A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 61
17:05 – 17:30 Closing Session
17:05 –
17:15
Shri S. Krishnan,
Secretary, Ministry
of Electronics and
Information Technology
(MeitY)
Remarks
17:15 –
17:27
Dr. V.K. Saraswat
Member (S&T), NITI
Aayog
Valedictory
Address
17:27 –
17:30
Dr. Thyagaraju B.M.
Deputy Adviser, NITI
Aayog
Vote of Thanks
17:30 onwardsHigh Tea NOTE AUTHORS
Dr. V. K. Saraswat
Member (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh
Senior Adviser (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Dr. Ashok A Sonkusare
Deputy Adviser (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Dr. Thyagaraju B.M.
Deputy Adviser (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Ms. Naba Suroor
Consultant (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Ms. Simarjot Kaur
Consultant (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
CONTRIBUTORS
Mr. Yeshansh Srivastava
Intern (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Ms. Aditi Sarode
Intern (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Mr. Raghav Trivedi
Intern (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge the valuable inputs from State S&T Councils and appreciate the participation of
government officials in the national workshop. Designed by:
STRENGTHENING STATE S&T COUNCILS
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
NITI AAYOG, NEW DELHI | JULY 2025 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Council ©2025
PLEASE CITE THE REPORT AS FOLLOWS:
V.K. Saraswat; Vivek Kumar Singh; Ashok Sonkusare; Thyagaraju B.M.; Naba Suroor; Simarjot Kaur (2025), A Roadmap
for Strengthening State S&T Council, Empowering State S&T Council, NITI Aayog Report
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMERS
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, modified, re-posted, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photo-copying, recording or otherwise, without
attributing the report as suggested herein.
© 2025 Science & Technology Division, NITI Aayog. A ROADMAP FOR
STRENGTHENING STATE S&T COUNCILS Message - Vice Chairman, NITI
Aayog A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 15 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 16 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 17
Table of Content
A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog17A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog
S. No.TitlePage No.
Executive Summaryi
Backgroundiv
1. Introduction1
1.1
1.2
1.3
State Science & Technology Councils in India
Commonalities and Distinctiveness
Objectives
2
5
6
2. Process for Identifying Key Issues and Challenges7
2.1
2.2
Consultative Meetings
National Workshop on empowering State S&T Councils
8
9
3. State S&T Councils: Framework and Functions11
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Governance Structure
Human Resources
Financial Resources and Budget
Linkages with Central Institutions and Other Stakeholders
Major Functions and Activities
12
13
14
17
17
4. Major Issues and Challenges33
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
Weak Governance Structure and Delays in Decision-Making
Inadequate Financial Resources and Utilization Issues
Shortage of Skilled Manpower and Work Culture Concerns
Weak Inter-Institutional Linkages and Collaboration Gaps
Lack of Industry Engagement and sub-structures
Regulatory and Administrative Bottlenecks
34
34
34
35
35
35
5. Need for a Long-Term Strategy and Policy Continuity37
6. Recommendations for Strengthening the State S&T Councils39
7. Charting the Road Ahead: Towards a Robust and Future-Ready S&T Ecosystem 53
Appendix I: Details of the Consultative Meetings at NITI Aayog
Appendix II: Details of the Workshop on ‘Empowering State S&T Councils held at
Vigyan Bhavan’
56
58 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog i
This Roadmap outlines a strategic vision for strengthening the role and functioning of State Science
& Technology (S&T) Councils across India. Based on extensive consultations, a national workshop,
and multi-stakeholder engagement facilitated by the NITI Aayog, it captures the structural gaps,
opportunities, and reform priorities necessary to transform State S&T Councils into robust enablers
of regional innovation, scientific advancement, and sustainable development.
The State S&T Councils, with their limited resources, have significant contribution in supporting
patent facilitation, remote sensing applications and GI mapping, grassroots innovation, science
popularization, capacity-building programs and various other best practices on the basis of their
regional strengths such as development of Digital Heritage Centres, strides in healthcare equipments,
farm to food products, lab to market initiatives amongst other initiatives at the state level. They have
also played a vital role in bridging the gap between research and application, especially in areas like
agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management, and local entrepreneurship.
The State S&T Councils, though functioning within a shared national model framework, demonstrate
significant heterogeneity in their governance models, funding structures, manpower capacities, and
programmatic focus. While some states have leveraged S&T institutions to drive innovation and
technology-led growth, others face several challenges related to fragmented mandates, irregular
funding flows, and weak institutional capacities. Many councils are constrained by non-regularised
manpower, absence of performance-linked incentives, and limited autonomy in decision-making,
impeding long-term planning and execution.
This Roadmap attempts to identify major challenges faced by the State S&T Councils and underscores
a critical shift from isolated, ad-hoc initiatives to a forward-looking ecosystem designed to empower
State Science & Technology (S&T) Councils. It calls for a comprehensive blend of structural reforms,
capacity-building efforts, and strategic partnerships to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness
of these Councils. Key issues addressed include inadequate financial resources and diversification,
lack of state-specific S&T need mapping, weak institutional substructures, limited collaboration
with industry and academia, fragmented R&D support, underutilization of STI data, insufficient
recognition of scientific talent, and weak interlinkages with central agencies and other institutions.
By harmonizing efforts across various stakeholders, the Roadmap seeks to eliminate redundancies
and unlock synergies that can significantly elevate the role of science and technology in state-level
governance and development.
Executive Summary A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog ii
Table 4 outlines a detailed summary of the proposed recommendations, paired with related
policy implementation roles. To ensure coherent implementation, the Roadmap recommends the
establishment of a Key Coordination Group composed of senior representatives from relevant
stakeholder organizations. This group will be charged with evaluating the recommendations,
prioritizing action items, and devising clear, time-bound implementation strategies. Furthermore, the
group will serve as the central body for progress monitoring, enabling a dynamic feedback loop to
adapt and recalibrate efforts as needed.
The success of this initiative hinges on robust coordination among ministries, state governments,
funding bodies, academic and research institutions, and industry partners. If executed well, the
Roadmap has the potential to transform State S&T Councils into high-impact, innovation-driven
engines of growth. It will not only bolster their administrative and technical capacities but also create
a fertile ground for emerging industries, technological self-reliance, and knowledge-based economic
development of the state.
Ultimately, this integrated approach will play a foundational role in achieving India’s long-term strategic
objectives, such as a resilient, and self-reliant Viksit Bharat, where science and innovation are central
to societal progress, economic prosperity, and national strength. The Roadmap thus represents not
merely a set of reforms but a pivotal opportunity to shape India’s future in the global research,
development and innovation landscape and position India as a leader in Science and Technology,
through a collective approach. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 20 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog iv
Background
India has several programmes to promote Science and Technology (S&T) activities and encourage
innovations. The central and state governments regularly provide support to programmes such as
extramural research grants, capacity building, science fairs, workshops, competitions etc., and have
also encouraged businesses and entrepreneurship. Starting in the 1970s, States have established their
State Science and Technology Councils to decentralize scientific governance, ensuring that each state
can develop its own policies, research priorities, and innovation ecosystem, in alignment with its
unique socio-economic and geographical characteristics.
In the recent decades, the State S&T Councils have been facing an uphill task of keeping pace with the
rapid changes in the research and development (R&D) landscape. A task which requires significant
upgrades in the capacity (manpower, expertise, infrastructure), coordination (among councils and
across national as well as international organisations), and support (from state, central as well as
industry and academic leaders). As evident from some recent reports
1,2
, a significant part of India’s
S&T research outcomes come from central government institutions, and the state administered
institutions are yet to make a meaningful contribution. India’s advances in S&T can be significantly
accelerated through collective effort of all the institutions in the country, both central and state
institutions. The State S&T Councils may play a major role here.
Recognizing these needs and to coordinate their efforts and enable them in achieving higher goals
in promoting Science, Technology and Innovation activities, a structured consultation process was
undertaken by the NITI Aayog with the representatives from the State S&T Councils held over
January and February 2025. The purpose of these consultations was to facilitate knowledge exchange,
recognize best practices, identify major issues, and to work towards developing collective solutions
to address the systemic challenges across the councils. This was followed by a Workshop titled
“Empowering State S&T Councils: Towards a Collaborative Approach for Improving India’s R&D
Ecosystem” held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on March 18, 2025. These deliberations resulted into
this well-structured Roadmap document. It encapsulates key observations and findings, highlights the
defining features of the State Science & Technology Councils (State S&T Councils), showcases notable
initiatives by selected councils, identifies prevailing challenges, and outlines strategic directions to
strengthen and support the ongoing efforts of the State S&T Councils.
1 Kanaujia, A., Singh, P., Nandy, A., & Singh, V.K. (2022). Research Contribution of major Centrally Funded
Institution Systems of India. Current Science, Vol. 123, No. 09, pp. 1082-1088.
2 Kanaujia, A., Nandy, A., Singh, P., & Singh, V. K. (2023). Mapping the research output from Indian states.
Current Science, Vol. 124, No. 11, pp. 1245-1255. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 1
1
Introduction A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 2
The scientific research and technological development (R&D) ecosystem of a country has a crucial
role in its prosperity and economic growth. In this ecosystem, different agencies and organisations
play important roles. These include Universities, the centres of knowledge generation, Industries,
where technological upscaling and commercialisation happen, and Government, which primarily
facilitates and enables the Science, Technology and Innovation activities. In India, the coordination
between these three players so as to ensure that the benefit of their actions reach the ground has
been a major challenge. Ministries and Government Departments such as Department of Science
and Technology (DST), Ministry of Education (MoE), NITI Aayog etc. have often deliberated on linking
Universities, Civil Society Organisations or Other State level agencies in order to achieve this cause.
In recent years, India’s R&D ecosystem has witnessed significant expansion in absolute terms, with
Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) increasing from `60,196.75 crore in
2010-11 to `127,380.96 crore in 2020-21. As India strives to further strengthen its position as a
global knowledge economy, it is crucial to continuously evolve its existing R&D ecosystem in tune
with global technology trends. It is noteworthy that India’s R&D funding structure is still largely
government-driven, with the Government of India contributing a major share. GERD during 2020-21
was primarily supported by the government sector, with contributions from the Central Government
(43.7%), State Governments (6.7%), Higher Education Institutions (8.8%), and Public Sector Industry
(4.4%)
3
.
Given this context, the role of key stakeholders, particularly state governments and other agencies,
is critical in enhancing research productivity and impact. While centrally funded institutions continue
to drive a significant portion of R&D output, it is imperative that state governments increase their
contribution to research and innovation. Strengthening the participation of state-funded institutions,
alongside private sector investment, will be essential for building a more robust and decentralized
R&D ecosystem. At the level of States, the Science and Technology Councils of States and UTs (State
S&T Councils) are an instrumental linkage in building the R&D ecosystem in individual states and
the country in turn. This document looks at the State S&T Councils, their roles and activities, and
presents the challenges faced by them in fulfilling their roles, and proposes a set of recommendations
to strengthen the State S&T Councils in terms of capabilities and functions.
1.1 State Science & Technology Councils in India
Science and Technology (S&T) have long been recognized as key pillars of economic progress, industrial
growth, and social development. In India, the promotion of scientific research and technological
advancement has been central to national policies, ensuring that innovation plays a transformative role
in addressing societal challenges. While the central government has historically played a prominent
role in shaping the country’s S&T landscape, it has been increasingly acknowledged that state-level
initiatives are crucial for fostering region-specific innovation, localized research, and grassroots
technological applications.
3 DST R&D Statistics 2022-23 available at https://dst.gov.in/sites/default/files/R%26D%20Statistics%20at%20
a%20Glance%2C%202022-23.pdf A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 3
Science and Technology (S&T) have long been recognized as key pillars of economic progress,
industrial growth, and social development. In India, the promotion of scientific research and
technological advancement has been central to national policies, ensuring that innovation
plays a transformative role in addressing societal challenges. While the central government
has historically played a prominent role in shaping the country’s S&T landscape, it has been
increasingly acknowledged that state-level initiatives are crucial for fostering region-specific
innovation, localized research, and grassroots technological applications.
The idea of State S&T Councils emerged from this need to decentralize scientific governance,
ensuring that each state can develop its own policies, research priorities, and innovation
ecosystem in alignment with its unique socio-economic and geographical characteristics. The
initiative to establish State S&T Councils was first taken in 1970s, which marked the beginning
of a structured approach to regional scientific development. A more formal push for establishing
State S&T Councils came in the 1980s when the Department of Science and Technology (DST),
Government of India, launched the State Science & Technology Programme. This initiative,
aimed at strengthening scientific research at the state level, promoting collaboration between
academia, industry, and government, and ensuring that technological solutions were tailored to
address regional needs. Over the time, the State S&T Councils have been set-up in various States
and Union Territories, and with passage of time evolved into multi-functional entities, driving
state-specific research, technology transfer, and capacity building. Some of these councils also
manage science cities, patent information centres, planetariums and have even been responsible for
establishment and management of autonomous institutions etc. Most of the states have the councils
as the major constituent of their State Department of Science & Technology. Table 1 provides
a list with names of these councils in chronological order of their year of establishment. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 4
Table 1. Establishment of State S&T Councils in India
YearState/UT Name of the SSTC
1975
Uttar Pradesh Council of Science and Technology Uttar Pradesh
Karnataka Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST)
1981Madhya PradeshMadhya Pradesh Council Of Science and Technology (MPCOST)
1983
Punjab Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST)
Rajasthan Department of Science & Technology, Rajasthan
GoaGoa State Council for Science & Technology (GSCST)
Haryana
Haryana State Council for Science and Innovation Technology
(HSCSIT)
1984
Bihar Bihar Council on Science & Technology
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology
Tripura Tripura State Council for Science & Technology
1985
Manipur Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC)
Mizoram Mizoram Science, Technology & Innovation Council (MISTIC)
Odisha Science & Technology Department, Odisha
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment
(HIMCOSTE)
1986
Telangana (2014)Telangana State Council of Science and Technology (TGCOST)
Gujarat Gujarat State Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST)
Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh State Council of Science & Technology (APCOST)
1987
Assam Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC)
Jammu & Kashmir
State Science, Technology, and Innovation Council of Jammu and
Kashmir
1988West Bengal West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology (WBSCST)
1991
Chandigarh
Department of Science & Technology & Renewable Energy
(S&T&RE), Chandigarh
Nagaland Nagaland Science and Technology Council (NASTEC)
1992Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh State Council of Science and technology
(APSCS&T)
1994Meghalaya State Council of Science Technology & Environment (SCSTE)
1996Sikkim Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology
1998Puducherry Puducherry Council for Science & Technology
2001
Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Council of Science & Technology (CCOST)
Jharkhand Jharkhand Council on Science, Technology & Innovation (JCSTI)
2002Kerala
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
(KSCSTE)
2004Maharashtra Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission
2005Uttarakhand Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST)
2023Ladakh
Ongoing discussions for State Science and Technology council for
Ladakh A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 5
1.2 Commonalities and Distinctiveness
State S&T Councils operate within a shared national framework, but their capacities and priorities
are shaped by the regional requirements of the state, resources available to them, and institutional
support they have available to them. State S&T Councils in some states, (such as, Assam, Punjab, Gujrat,
Madhya Pradesh etc.) have received substantial financial support, allowing them to undertake large-
scale projects and initiatives. However, the funding and manpower resources available to different
councils vary significantly, which often determine the scale and scope of their STI initiatives.
The governance structure of the councils also varies significantly. While some are following a highly
centralized model with senior bureaucrats or ministers having the decision-making authority, others
have adopted a more decentralized approach, empowering scientific advisory boards and regional
offices to take initiative. It is worth noting that the states where a dedicated executive leadership
in the council exists, there is a stronger overall presence, both in terms of impactful activities as
well as advocacy for S&T initiatives within the government. In some states, S&T responsibilities are
merged with broader portfolios like industry, education, or environment, leading to competing policy
priorities.
In spite of these differences, the councils share common objectives in areas such as STI- driven
growth, and interventions towards natural resource management, biotechnology applications,
renewable energy etc., and capacity building for R&D. However, the execution of these activities vary,
with some councils better placed in terms of developing relevant STI interventions for the state
supporting accelerated technology development, while others prioritize supporting basic research,
capacity building, grassroots innovation, or the integration of traditional knowledge systems into
modern scientific frameworks.
These variations also highlight the potential for cross-learning and collaboration, as many of the
challenges faced by the State S&T councils - such as limited industry engagement, funding constraints,
inter-departmental coordination issues, and inefficiencies in technology development, are shared
across multiple states. Given this context, structured peer-to-peer learning initiatives can play a
transformative role in strengthening S&T governance at the state level. Successful models of research
funding, technology incubation, and industry-academia collaboration from high-performing states
can be adapted to suit the needs of others, fostering a more balanced and cohesive national S&T
ecosystem. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 6
Recognizing this need, a structured consultation process was undertaken to facilitate knowledge
exchange, identify best practices, and brainstorm collectively to develop effective solutions to systemic
challenges. The consultation process is detailed further in the next section. Through these discussions,
it became evident that a more integrated approach to S&T policy formulation and implementation,
driven by collaboration rather than isolated efforts, can significantly enhance the impact of the State
S&T councils. By leveraging each other’s strengths, addressing common bottlenecks, and sharing
successful governance and funding strategies, states can ensure that their S&T initiatives contribute
meaningfully to regional and national development.
1.3 Objectives
This roadmap aims to:
1. Carry out an in-depth assessment of the current functioning of the State S&T Councils,
2. Identify the major issues and challenges faced by the State S&T Councils, and
3. Provide a set of actionable recommendations for strengthening the State S&T Councils. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 7
2
Process for Identifying
Key Issues and Challenges A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 8
2.1. Consultative Meetings
In order to document the current functioning of the State S&T Councils, and to identify the major
issues and challenges faced by the councils, the NITI Aayog undertook a systematic approach,
organizing a structured sequence of meetings with representatives from the State S&T councils. This
comprehensive outreach covered a spectrum of stakeholders from almost all the States and Union
Territories (UTs) of India. Appendix I provides details of participants.
The primary objective of these consultative meetings was to evaluate the status of ongoing initiatives,
examine the governance structure, and identify key challenges such as manpower constraints,
infrastructure limitations, and operational inefficiencies. Through these structured engagements, a
broad range of perspectives were captured, enabling a holistic understanding of the systemic and
operational challenges faced by the State S&T Councils. The meetings involved the State S&T Council
members making a presentation followed by discussion and brainstorming activity. This dialogue
aimed to enable NITI Aayog to explore potential avenues of support and strengthen the effectiveness
of these councils.
Image 1. Photographs from the consultative meetings with the State S&T Councils A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 9
2.2 National Workshop on empowering State S&T Councils
To further deliberate on the key issues highlighted during the consultative meeting sessions and to
explore ways to empower State S&T Councils in driving innovation and scientific advancement at
the state level, the S&T Division of NITI Aayog organized a national workshop titled “Empowering
State S&T Councils: Towards a Collaborative Approach for Improving India’s R&D Ecosystem”
on March 18, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi.
The workshop convened senior government officials, policymakers, and domain experts to assess
the current state of the State S&T ecosystem, share best practices, and explore ways to strengthen
governance, funding mechanisms, and industry linkages. The event was graced by distinguished
dignitaries, including Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog; Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific
Adviser to the Government of India; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Shri
S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; and senior representatives
from various scientific ministries and departments. Over 25 States and Union Territories were
represented at the workshop.
The day-long event featured five thematic sessions covering a broad range of topics, including
STEM-driven R&D and innovation, development of science centres and planetariums, the role of remote
sensing, technology transfer through Patent Information Centres (PICs), and best practices for inclusive S&T
development. The concluding session focused on expanding the mandate of State S&T Councils,
strengthening institutional linkages, and fostering innovation-led growth. Appendix II provides
details of agenda and sessions of the workshop.
The workshop served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaborative engagement, bringing
together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. It facilitated a comprehensive
evaluation of existing frameworks and identified opportunities to enhance the effectiveness and
impact of State S&T Councils. Importantly, the workshop concluded with the announcement of the
upcoming roadmap document by the S&T Division at NITI Aayog. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 10
Image 2. Photographs from the workshop ‘Empowering State S&T Councils: Towards a Collaborative
Approach for Improving India’s R&D Ecosystem’ A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 11
3
State S&T Councils:
Framework and Functions A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 12
3.1 Governance Structure
The various State S&T Councils are organised in a hierarchical structure, designed to facilitate policy
formulation, implementation, and oversight. The current governance structure follows a top-down
approach, with decision-making and execution cascading from senior leadership to implementation
teams.
Each State S&T Councils is typically headed by a President or Chairman, who is supported by key
officials including, Secretaries, Officers, and Supporting Staff. The organisation of State S&T Councils
primarily consists of three main tiers, namely:
1. Governing Body
2. Executive Committee
3. Member Secretary/ Executive Director and Scientific Staff
This tiered system is designed to enable a clear distribution of responsibilities among the officials, and
ensure that policy decisions are made at the highest level, while execution and day-to-day operations
are managed effectively.
Governing Body: Apex Decision-Making Authority: The Governing Body is responsible for
overseeing policy formulation, granting budget approvals, and providing strategic direction. The
Hon’ble Chief Minister (CM) usually serves as the President of the Council in the majority of the
states, holding the highest authority in decision-making, strategic direction, and policy oversight.
The CM plays a pivotal role in ensuring that science and technology policies align with the broader
developmental agenda of the state and national priorities. The other members of the Governing
Body often include:
• Vice President: appointed by the CM, to assist in the leadership and smooth functioning of
the Council.
• Senior government officials from science, technology, and finance departments.
• Academic experts from universities and research institutions.
The Governing Body plays a pivotal role in defining the scientific roadmap of the state by identifying
focus areas, approving large-scale projects, and setting financial guidelines. It ensures that the
Council’s activities contribute to the overall development of science and technology in the region.
The decisions taken by the Governing Body are binding and serve as the guiding principles for the
subsequent operational and administrative functions of the Council. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 13
Executive Committee: Implementing Policies and Programs: The Executive Committee
is responsible for implementing the policies and programs approved by the Governing Body.
The Executive Committee is chaired by either the Hon’ble Minister, Science & Technology, State
Government or the Principal Secretary of the State Government, maintaining a streamlined approach
to governance. Its primary functions include:
• Overseeing project execution, ensuring that research and innovation programs run efficiently.
• Managing funding allocations, ensuring judicious distribution of financial resources.
• Facilitating collaborations with universities, research institutions, and industries.
• Monitoring progress on approved initiatives and addressing operational bottlenecks.
The Executive Committee acts as the bridge between policy formulation and execution, translating
high-level decisions into actionable plans. Regular review meetings help track the effectiveness of
implemented programs and address challenges in real-time.
Member Secretary/ Director General/ Executive Director: Administrative and
Operational Leadership: The Member Secretary (or equivalent) plays a crucial role in the day-
to-day administration of the S&T Council. This position is instrumental in ensuring that governance
decisions and scientific programs are executed smoothly. The responsibilities of the Member
Secretary include:
• Coordinating between the Governing Body, Executive Committee, and operational teams.
• Managing human resources, including recruitment and capacity-building programs for
scientific and technical personnel.
• Facilitating inter-departmental coordination within the state government to streamline
approvals and resource mobilization.
• Acting as the custodian of official records, project reports, and council-related documentation.
The Member Secretary functions as the operational backbone of the Council, ensuring that approved
projects are not just conceptualized but also successfully implemented within stipulated timelines.
The Member Secretary (or equivalent) is supported by scientific and non-scientific manpower in the
Council. However, in many councils the Member Secretary (or equivalent) is not suitably empowered
to direct and manage executive functions of the Council.
3.2. Human Resources
The workforce within State S&T Councils plays a pivotal role in driving research, innovation, and
policy implementation. The organizational structure primarily consists of scientific and administrative
personnel, with key positions such as Project Director, Project Officers, Field Officers, Office Assistants,
Senior Assistants, Junior Assistants, Record Assistants, Field Assistants, and Office Subordinates. Each
of these roles is essential in ensuring smooth operations, effective governance, and the successful
execution of various initiatives. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 14
While the sanctioned cadre strength of these councils is proposed to be sufficient, a significant
number of positions remain vacant, creating operational challenges. This shortage of manpower can
impact the council’s ability to expand their programs, implement new initiatives, and strengthen
collaborations. A well-staffed council is essential for sustained growth, effective coordination with
stakeholders, and the successful translation of scientific research into impactful projects.
A key area that requires attention is the workforce engaged in Government of India supported
projects. Many of these professionals work on project-based contracts, which often do not provide
long-term job security, structured pay scales, career advancement and terminal benefits. Ensuring fair
compensation and career growth opportunities can enhance workforce motivation, improve project
execution, and contribute to better retention of skilled personnel.
To strengthen the council’s human resource capacity, a structured approach to employment
continuity and career progression is needed. The continued engagement of experienced personnel
under government-supported projects would allow councils to build expertise, ensure consistency
in implementation, and support the development of new initiatives. A well-supported workforce
fosters greater accountability, commitment, and institutional efficiency, ultimately enabling state S&T
councils to achieve their objectives more effectively.
3.3 Financial Resources and Budget
Key insights from these meetings revealed significant variations among councils in terms of financial
and human resources, activities, and operational efficiency. While some councils benefit from
substantial annual budgets and high engagement, others operate with limited funding and restricted
activities. Table 2 provides a comparative analysis of the annual budgets of various councils over
the past two financial years, including the breakdown of central and state funding contributions,
illuminating the existing disparities. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 15
The comparative budget analysis of State Science & Technology (S&T) Councils for 2023-
24 and 2024-25 reveals a 17.65% increase in total funding, reflecting growing investment in
scientific research and innovation at the state level. However, the disparity in allocations raises
concerns about regional imbalances in S&T development. Kerala (`173.34 crores), Haryana
(`130 crores), and Uttar Pradesh (`140 crores) utilize higher budgets. While Maharashtra’s
budget surged by 130%, states like Sikkim (-16.16%), Tamil Nadu (-4%), and Uttarakhand
(-5%) saw budget cuts, potentially hindering ongoing projects and indicating a stark neglect
of S&T infrastructure in some regions. The share of central and state core funding also varies
significantly across the councils. Although some states receive better partial central assistance,
the overall allocation from the central government (mainly from DST) is quite small. The State
S&T Councils have not been able to tap the various other funding support structures at the
central government. Over reliance on core grants and inadequate efforts to attract project-
based grants from various ministries, departments and agencies of the central government has
been a major weakness of most of the State S&T Councils. Some councils have established
linkages with the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture to set up Science
Parks and Science Cities. There is, however, a great scope of improving them further in capacity
and relevance. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 16
Table 2: Annual Budgets of S&T council indicating State & Centre funding.
DST State S&T Councils
(In ` Crores) 2023-2024
(In ` Crores)
2024-2025
#
(In ` Crores)
Change in Budget
(%)
Centre Funding
(In ` Crores)
State Funding
(In ` Crores)
Arunachal Pradesh 15.63 28.17801.32 14.31
Andhra Pradesh 4.846.6360.81 5.79
Assam 18.33 22.54 22.96 7.98 14.56
Bihar 10.70 11.2 4.66 0.06 11.14
Chandigarh 0.0145 0.0225 550.00 0.0225
Chhattisgarh 14.43 15.25.30.00 6.232
Goa3.12 2.34-251.84 0.5015
Gujarat 300.86 161.02 -461.07 159.95
Haryana 113.04 130150.21 129.79
Himachal Pradesh 11.32 10.75 -5.01 0.90 5.93
Karnataka 54.33 59.76102.39 2.15
Kerala 150.87 173.34 14.89 0.00 173.34
Madhya Pradesh 46.19 61.38 32.89 1.83 59.55
Maharashtra 21.74501301.00 49.00
Manipur 5.06 6.05 19.56 5.85 0.20
Meghalaya 0.058 0.064100.0064 0.0576
Mizoram 9.33 10.1791.93 8.24
Nagaland 1.17 1.1700.936 0.234
Puducherry 0.963 1.18 22.55 0.282 0.8968
Punjab 12.93 13.42 3.86.77 6.074
Rajasthan 22.39 26.58 18.71 1.44 25.14
Sikkim 11.18 9.37 -16.16 6.65 2.637
Tamil Nadu 10.53 10.49 -0.4 1.75 8.74
Telangana 8.40 19.23 1290.962 18.27
Uttar Pradesh 147.37 140-50.910 139.09
Uttarakhand 48.60 52.09 7.18 1.042 51.05
West Bengal 16.25 13.5-172.5011
(Source: Information as received from Councils
*Information not available for Andaman and Nicobar, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu,
Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Odisha)
#In case of some states, total budget may include funding from other sources in addition to state & central funding) A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 17
To address the uneven distribution of funds and strengthen State S&T Councils, a multi-pronged
strategy is required. Steps such as performance-based funding models, where states with lower
allocations but high potential, receive special grants, may be instituted. Besides this, enhanced central
support and policy reforms are required.
3.4 Linkages with Central Institutions and Other Stakeholders
The success of State S&T Councils depends significantly on their collaboration with central institutions
and other relevant key stakeholders at central as well as state level, including government agencies,
research organizations, industries, and academic institutions. These interactions may facilitate
knowledge exchange, financial support, policy alignment, and the commercialization of research and
innovation. Strengthening these engagements is crucial for ensuring that state-level S&T initiatives
remain aligned with national priorities and global scientific advancements. However, at present such
linkages are not well developed and properly structured. Some State S&T Councils have been able
to establish linkages with different departments and agencies at central level to get support for
different initiatives and projects of the Councils. These include the Department of Biotechnology
(DBT), Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC),
and National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture. Some councils have also established
preliminary linkages with universities and academic institutions in the state. In a few cases, engagement
with industry for projects in the PPP model, for CSR projects has also happened. However, these
interactions are very primitive and are limited to a few councils only, and as a result has led to only
small and few benefits for State S&T Councils.
3.5 Major Functions and Activities
The State S&T Councils play an important role in fostering scientific research, innovation, and
technology-driven development at the regional level. Established across all states, these councils
function as key agencies to promote scientific temper, innovation, and socio-economic
development by leveraging advancements in science and technology. Their activities broadly focus on
supporting research projects, capacity building, policy advisory, and implementation of S&T initiatives
through initiatives such as Patent Information Cells, Remote Sensing Centres & GIS Applications,
Planetariums, Science City, Regional Science Centre along with other Science Communication and
Popularization activities. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 18
3.5.1 Research & Development Grants
Many State S&T Councils provide research and development grants on various scientific and technological
problems. In general, these grants are provided to researchers working in institutions located within the
state. However, the quantum of grant is not very significant, due to insufficient funds available for the
purpose. Further, often the majority of such grants land on to researchers working in centrally funded
institutions within the state, with very little left for those in state Universities. There is a need to expand
these grants and also to rationalize the way these grants are allocated. At present, there is no mechanism
to prioritize award of grants to state specific S&T needs. Further, the fellowships awarded as part of
these projects are insufficient and are often not in accordance with the central government prescribed
fellowship amounts.
The KSCSTE Back to Lab Post-Doctoral
Fellowship, launched by the Kerala State
Council for Science, Technology and
Environment, supports qualified women
scientists in resuming research careers after
a break. Since 2014, 83 fellowships have been
awarded, enabling women researchers to work
in over 65 premier R&D laboratories across
Kerala. The program has led to 438 peer-
reviewed publications, 5 patents, and the launch
of 5 entrepreneurship initiatives by women
researchers.
Box 1: The Back to Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
3.5.2 Patent Information Centre
Patent Information Centres (PICs) were established by the State S&T Councils across India to
promote IP awareness, protect innovations, and facilitate patent filing. Initially supported by TIFAC under
DST, Government of India, PICs support researchers, startups, academic institutions, and industries in
securing intellectual property, fostering technological growth and commercialization. Their key functions
include IP awareness programs, patent search and advisory services, patent filing support, and technology
commercialization through industry collaborations. PICs have played a significant role in patent awareness
and helped increase patent filings, and protected indigenous knowledge through GI registrations.
Key councils like KSCST, TNSCST, MISTIC, PSCST, UPCST, and others have created well-
developed mechanism to support patent filing, research commercialization, and policy implementation
in fields such as Biotechnology, AI, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and agro-tech. These centres
assist universities, startups, and innovators through training programs, advisory services, and financial
incentives, fostering economic growth and innovation-driven development. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 19
In recognition of its contributions, the
PIC received the National Intellectual
Property Award 2023 (Special
Citation for PIC) from the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry, GOI.
According to the Indian Patent Office
Annual Report 2022–23:
• Tamil Nadu ranks 1st in patent filings
and GI registrations nationwide
• 3rd in industrial design filings
• Additionally, the IPR cells at Hindusthan
College of Engineering & Technology
and Kalasalingam Academy of Research
& Education rank among the top 10
Indian applicants under the scientific
R&D category.
Since 2005, the Patent Information Centre (PIC) has been operating under the Tamil Nadu
State Council for Science and Technology, with funding from TIFAC-DST, Government of
India. PIC offers state-level facilitation for various forms of Intellectual Property (IP),
including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and geographical indications.
Prior to 2015, Tamil Nadu had only 6,034 published patent applications. Over the past
decade, this number has increased eight-fold, reaching 53,200. The districts of Chennai,
Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, and Namakkal lead in patent filings. University IPR cells
across Tamil Nadu play an active role in technology transfer. For example, the IPR cell at
TANUVAS, Chennai, has transferred 10 technologies to various companies.
Some notable innovations include:
• BMD Digitometer for diagnosing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (Patent
No. 356735)
• Cuffed Steth for hearing-impaired doctors (Patent No. 536707) Developed by the
IPR Cell at Sri Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai.
Box 2: Milestones of IPR Cells and notable innovations in the Tamil Nadu State S&T Council A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 20
In addition to facilitating patent filings and intellectual property protection, these PICs actively engage in
capacity building, research collaboration, and knowledge dissemination. They conduct workshops, establish
IPR cells in educational institutions, and promote technology transfers to bridge the gap between research
and industry. Their role in strengthening the state’s intellectual property ecosystem is crucial, ensuring
sustained scientific progress and technological advancements.
The Innovation Facility Centre (IFC) in Mizoram,
inaugurated on December 9, 2020, promotes grassroots
innovation by supporting indigenous innovators with
technical assistance, institutional backing, and IP filing.
Focused on inclusive growth, the IFC has developed
82 innovation-related and 93 non-innovative products.
It has conducted 20 capacity-building initiatives such as
training programs, internships, and industrial visits, and has
facilitated 15 innovators and 20 entrepreneurs. To date,
three IPs have been filed for innovations developed under
the IFC. The Centre collaborates with key institutions
such as the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), SCERT,
NIT Mizoram, and AIC SELCO to further its mission.
Box 3: Innovation Facilitation Centre in Mizoram
However, the level of activities of different councils in this respect vary significantly, with some being active
enough to establish IPR cells in educational institutions to others being a mainly a passive entity. Expanding
PICs, increasing funding, and strengthening policy frameworks will be crucial to positioning India as a global
innovation hub. It is also desirable that PICs be augmented with additional sub-structures for Technology
Readiness Assessment and Technology Commercialization.
3.5.3 Planetariums
Planetariums play a critical role in science education, public engagement, and astronomical research.
Established by various State Science & Technology Councils, these institutions serve as interactive learning
centres that bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding. Their key roles
include STEM education through workshops, astronomy camps, and celestial observation sessions, making
space science engaging for students and educators. They also host immersive digital shows, multilingual
presentations, and science fairs to promote public outreach and participation. Additionally, planetariums
support astronomical research, collaborate with institutions, and inspire careers in space science and
astrophysics. They also highlight India’s contributions to space technology, foster public-private partnerships,
and integrate with science parks and museums to drive innovation and technological advancement. It
is welcome to note that the majority of the State S&T Councils have established planetariums in the
respective states, some of which are being upgraded with modern systems. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 21
The Hybrid Planetarium at Ujjain, located at the
Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition Centre in
Madhya Pradesh, is a cutting-edge facility that
blends traditional optical-mechanical projection
with advanced digital technology. Inaugurated
to enhance scientific curiosity and astronomical
education, the planetarium serves as a significant
hub for public outreach and STEM learning.
As one of the first hybrid planetariums in India, it
offers an immersive and interactive experience of
the cosmos, showcasing celestial phenomena such
as star formations, planetary motions, eclipses,
and space exploration missions. The hybrid system
allows for real-time sky simulation along with
digitally rendered visual content, providing visitors
with an engaging and educational journey through
space.
Equipped with high-resolution digital projectors
and an optical star ball, the planetarium caters
to students, researchers, and the general public,
fostering interest in astronomy and space
science. The initiative is aligned with the broader
national mission to promote scientific temper
and encourage young minds to pursue careers in
science and technology.
Box 4: The Hybrid Planetarium at Ujjain with a dome size of 12m and seating capacity of 124 individuals
3.5.4 Science Cities
Science Cities Operated by the State S&T Councils serve as dynamic hubs for science education,
innovation, and public engagement across India. These centres are developed and managed by various
State Science and Technology Councils in collaboration with national agencies like the National
Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Ministry of Culture and Department of Science and
Technology (DST), Government of India.
The Science Cities aim to promote scientific temper, foster curiosity, and enhance public understanding
of science through interactive exhibits, thematic galleries, planetariums, science parks, and innovation
labs. They host hands-on experiments, science demonstrations, robotics and astronomy workshops,
innovation festivals, and school outreach programs that cater to students, educators, and the general
public. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 22
The Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala managed by PSCST is one of the largest science cities in India,
offering immersive experiences in biotechnology, space science, and renewable energy. The Patna Science
City, Bihar has recently upgraded with new galleries on earth science, human evolution, and a state-of-the-
art planetarium. The Kolkata Science City in West Bengal is one of Asia’s largest science centres, it includes
a Space Odyssey, Dynamotion Hall, and 3D theatre.
The Pushpa Gujral Science City or PGSC is
located on the outskirts of Kapurthala on the
Kapurthala-Jalandhar Road. The foundation
stone of PGSC was laid by the then prime
minister Inder Kumar Gujral on 17 October
1997. The major objective of the Science City
is to supplement formal science education, to
create excitement among the students about
science & technology and to enthuse them to
take up careers in science & technology.
Box 5: A Picture of Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala
Gujarat Science City, located in Ahmedabad
and managed by the Gujarat Council of Science
& Technology (GUJCOST), is a premier science
and education hub aimed at promoting scientific
awareness and experiential learning among people
of all ages. It is known for its cutting-edge facilities
like the Robotics Gallery which is one of the largest
in India, showcasing humanoid robots, robotic arms,
and interactive exhibits to demonstrate real-world
applications of robotics in industry, healthcare, and
daily life. The Aquatic Gallery features India’s largest
public aquarium, with 188 species and immersive
experiences such as a walk-through tunnel. The
science centre also houses a Nature Park, a hall of
space and science, 3D imax theatre and Planetarium,
Energy Park and Earth Pavillion which focuses on
sustainable energy and geoscience, featuring solar
energy installations and earthquake simulators.
Gujarat Science City also hosts regular
workshops, science fairs, and innovation
contests, making it a vibrant platform for science
communication, learning, and discovery.
Box 6: A Picture of Gujarat Science City managed by GUJCOST A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 23
These initiatives reflect a decentralized yet coordinated effort by the State S&T councils to
democratize science learning, encourage grassroots innovation, and align with the broader national
goal of building a scientifically informed society. It would be desirable to have such Science Cities and
parks across all the states of the country.
3.5.5 Remote Sensing Centre
Remote Sensing Units were established by some State Science & Technology (S&T) Councils to
harness space-based technologies for regional development. These centres play a crucial role in
utilizing satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing applications to
address state-specific challenges. The key reasons for their establishment include: (a) these centres
support natural resource management by monitoring land use, water resources, and forests while
also aiding in disaster management through early warning systems and damage assessments; (b)
they play a vital role in urban and rural planning by tracking infrastructure development and land
encroachments; and these units contribute to environmental monitoring, studying pollution levels,
climate change, and glacier melting. These centres also drive skill development and research by
offering training in geospatial technologies, strengthening human capital.
Image 4: Illustration showcasing the operational workflow of the Remote Sensing Unit in Madhya Pradesh A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 24
Several State S&T Councils have a remote sensing unit establishment, with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
and Rajasthan making good use of such facilities. BISAG-N (Gujarat) specializes in geo-spatial
systems and satellite communication, aiding agriculture, water management, and infrastructure.
Madhya Pradesh’s RSAC focuses on GIS-based planning, crop monitoring, Planning for Watershed
Development activities and data management, while Rajasthan’s RSRSAC integrates remote
sensing for natural resources and infrastructure, including PMGSY road mapping.
Some other State S&T Councils have also initiated efforts in this direction. For example, Kerala’s
KSREC developed K-GIS and GRAMAM for sustainable agriculture, and Odisha’s ORSAC utilizes
GIS and GPS to tackle developmental challenges and education programs. Punjab’s PRSC leads
in geospatial analytics and stubble-burning monitoring. Meghalaya’s NESAC supports North-
Eastern development, Uttarakhand’s IIRS (ISRO) offers training in remote sensing and disaster
management, and Telangana’s NRSC (ISRO) handles satellite data processing and disaster response.
These centres drive innovation, governance, and sustainability through geospatial technology.
Image 5: Picture depicting the BISAG-N centre at Gujarat
All in all, these centres play a pivotal role in climate action, pollution monitoring, and glacier studies,
supporting evidence-based policymaking for sustainable governance. By fostering technological
advancements in GIS and satellite applications, they drive research collaborations with institutions
like ISRO and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem in relevant areas.
3.5.6 Science Popularization and Other Activities
State S&T Councils actively engage in various science popularisation activities to foster scientific temper
and awareness among the public. These initiatives mainly run under the overall direction and support of
the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), a division of DST.
Key activities undertaken by various State S&T Councils included:
• Organising Science Exhibitions and Festivals to showcase scientific innovations and
engage the public, Workshops and Training Programs for students, teachers, and science
communicators, Competitions and Awards to actively promote scientific curiosity and
innovation among students, researchers, and the general public. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 25
• Provide Internship, scholarship support to school and college students, and
• Developing and distributing science magazines, newsletters, and digital content to disseminate
scientific information.
• Mobile Bus and Vans are used to demonstrate S&T concepts to school students.
• Events like Children Science Congress, National Science Day, and National Mathematics Day.
Sasthraposhini is a science popularization program launched by the Kerala State
Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) with the goal of
nurturing scientific curiosity and awareness among school students. The initiative focuses
on strengthening science education at the grassroots level, particularly in government and
aided schools across Kerala. Through activities such as science clubs, hands-on experiments,
exhibitions, and student-scientist interactions, Sasthraposhini encourages critical thinking
and experiential learning. The program also provides training and resource support to
science teachers, helping improve classroom practices and foster a scientific temper among
young learners. By promoting early interest in science and technology, Sasthraposhini plays
a key role in building a future-ready, scientifically literate generation.
Box 7: Science Popularization Initiatives by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
These programs collectively aim to foster a robust scientific research environment in India by
providing financial support and resources to researchers, educators, and students aiming to
make a difference in the scientific world. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 26
Image 6: India International Science Festival 2022
Image 7: National Children Science Congress 2017 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 27
An example of such an initiative is the India International Science Festival (IISF), initiated by the
Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with Vijnana
Bharati, brings together students, researchers, and the public to celebrate and promote innovation. It
is rightful to say that the State S&T Councils play a pivotal role in making science accessible, engaging,
and integral to societal development.
3.5.6 Some Best Practices
Several State S&T Councils have instituted new initiatives and innovative activities to address S&T
needs of the state. Some selected examples are presented here for illustrating the potential that the
State S&T Councils have. The Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC), in collaboration
with Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) and Fragrance & Flavour
Development Centre (FFDC), has launched a project to promote the cultivation and value addition of
aromatic plants such as lemongrass, citronella, and patchouli. The initiative focuses on training farmers
and entrepreneurs in sustainable cultivation, distillation, and product development to enhance rural
incomes and livelihood opportunities. The project also aims to create market linkages and promote
the use of indigenous aromatic species, supporting biodiversity conservation and aligning with the
National Mission on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. It positions Manipur as a potential hub for natural
aroma-based products, contributing to local entrepreneurship and rural development.
Image 8: Pictorial depiction of MASTEC-IBSD-FFDC Project on Aromatic Plant
The Rural Appropriate Technology Demonstration Centre has been set up at Kimin,
Papumpare district of Arunachal Pradesh with the aim to impart skill, training and providing
Economic Sustainability to the rural population of the state. Procurement of instruments, training of
the technical staff, cultivation of citronella and technology transfer from respective CSIR Institutes
has been carried out. The future prospects of the project involve training the farmers, entrepreneurs
and women of the state on different aspects of entrepreneurial skills using science and technology
interventions for economic sustainability. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 28
Image 9: Preparation of Citronella and Lemon grass nursery
The Karnataka Digital Heritage (KDH) project is a technology-driven initiative to digitally
document and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage. Using advanced tools such as 3D laser
scanning, geo-spatial mapping, drones, AR/VR, and photogrammetry, the project creates high-
resolution 3D models of monuments for virtual walkthroughs and academic use. The initiative
has successfully completed the 3D scanning of 844 state-protected monuments and 80 monuments
from the Hampi World Heritage Site. It also generates 3D point cloud data, mesh models, CAD
engineering drawings, and geo-tagged spatial and non-spatial datasets with photographs. These digital
assets support virtual tourism, conservation, restoration, and reconstruction efforts. Complementing
this, the Karnataka Digital Museum focuses on the digital documentation of antiquities in government
museums under the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, using similar cutting-edge
technologies. Together, KDH and the Digital Museum by combining technology and culture not only
protects the state’s legacy but also makes it accessible to a global audience through interactive and
immersive experiences. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 29
Image 10: Depiction of 3D models of monuments
In a collaborative effort, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) and the
Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) have established a
briquetting unit in Champawat, Uttarakhand. This unit converts fallen pine needles into bio-briquettes,
providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels. Located in the Energy Park of Champawat,
the facility has a production capacity of 50 kgs per hour. The initiative also includes the distribution
of 500 improved cookstoves to rural households, aiming to reduce household pollution by 70% and
promote energy efficiency. By utilizing pine needles, the project addresses forest fire risks and offers
livelihood opportunities particularly empowering local women.
Image 11: Aadarsh Champawat Initiative by UCOST A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 30
TSCOST’s Bio-Waste Digester Reduces Costs and Carbon Footprint in Schools-
TSCOST has developed a bio-waste digester that converts 75 kg of daily food and vegetable waste
into methane gas for cooking in hostels. With a 15 cubic metre capacity, it can save 7-8 LPG cylinders
or 2-3 tons of firewood per month, reducing both costs and carbon emissions. Initially seeded
with cow dung, the digester uses hostel bio-waste to generate gas. Each school can save `40,000-
`50,000 monthly. After successful pilots at National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj
(NIRDPR), National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal, and Centre for Cellular and Molecular
Biology (CCMB) Hyderabad, the State government has approved installation in 18 more welfare
schools and hostels.
Image 13: Paddy Straw Management
Initiative by PSCST A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 31
Image 12: Visual of Biodigester System at Work
The Paddy Straw Management Initiative by the Punjab State Council for Science & Tech-
nology (PSCST) is a pioneering effort to address stubble burning through sustainable resource
utilization and technological innovation. Punjab became the first state to establish dedicated paddy
straw briquetting and pelletization plants and to mandate the partial replacement of coal with paddy
straw pellets (minimum 20%) in select industries. This initiative supports India’s sustainable energy
goals by facilitating the use of paddy straw pellets in industrial applications, particularly brick kilns and
thermal power plants. Currently, 42 pelletization plants are operational or in development, meeting a
demand of 12 lakh tonnes per annum (TPA) and supplying 9.5 lakh TPA. Complemented by resource
guides, an FAQ booklet, and expert contributions to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Appraisal Committee, the program also emphasizes skill development through worker training and
engages in international collaborations with International Centre for Integrated Mountain Devel-
opment (ICIMOD) for regional technology demonstration. The initiative has generated significant
socio-economic benefits, including local employment, enhanced farmer income, a `1000 crore boost
to the state GDP, and reduced carbon emissions—positioning Punjab as a leader in climate-resilient
agricultural waste management.
A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 32 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 33
4
Major Issues and Challenges A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 34
The consultations conducted by the NITI Aayog have highlighted several critical challenges faced by
the State S&T Councils. These challenges encompass funding constraints, governance inefficiencies,
workforce shortages, and limited collaboration with key stakeholders, to name a few. Addressing
these issues is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of S&T Councils and ensuring that they
contribute meaningfully to the scientific and technological progress of their respective states.
The major issues identified during the NITI Consultative meetings and the Workshop are as follows:
4.1 Weak Governance Structure and Delays in Decision-Making
One of the major challenges confronting State S&T Councils is the governance structure. Many states
fail to convene regular meetings of their governing councils, leading to delays in decision-making and
sluggish implementation of key initiatives. The absence of a well-defined governance framework has
resulted in fragmented policy execution, with considerable variations across different states. Additionally,
prolonged timelines further hamper the efficiency of councils, as bureaucratic delays in processing
approvals often result in missed opportunities for timely scientific advancements. Central government
approval processes for projects and funding disbursements are also frequently delayed, impacting the ability
of state councils to execute their mandates effectively. Further, only some of the councils have dedicated
executive leadership to steer the various activities, which is an essential component for efficiency and
accountability. The absence of a dedicated, result-oriented and accountable scientific leadership is a major
weakness of majority of the State S&T Councils.
4.2 Inadequate Financial Resources and Utilization Issues
Financial resources pose another significant hurdle for State S&T Councils. The disparity between the
state and central share of funding, over reliance on core grants creates an uneven landscape, limiting
the resources. In some councils, there is also a notable discrepancy between sanctioned funds and their
actual utilization, often caused by procedural inefficiencies and cumbersome approval processes. The
irregular and delayed release of budget allocations has further restricted the operational capabilities
of the State S&T Councils, affecting their ability to launch and sustain critical research programs.
Those states where the state funding has been better, the councils could do a much better job in
promoting Science and Technology advancements. The absence of suitable opportunities for project-
based grants further limit the capabilities of the State S&T Councils.
4.3 Shortage of Skilled Manpower and Work Culture Concerns
Limited manpower is a persistent issue affecting the efficiency of State S&T Councils. Many states
struggle with a shortage of primarily scientific personnel, as numerous sanctioned positions remain
unfilled due to financial constraints or administrative bottlenecks. This lack of adequate staffing
not only affects research output but also limits the ability of councils to undertake large-scale
initiatives. Some councils have stated that the work culture in smaller research institutions and
colleges remains a concern, as the quality of submitted proposals is often suboptimal due to the lack
of skilled personnel and research-oriented training. Therefore, in order to build a stronger research
ecosystem in the state institutions, there is a pressing need to empower the State S&T Councils with
suitable and competent scientific manpower to make necessary interventions. Additionally, capacity-
building programs aimed at enhancing technical skills and research methodologies must be prioritized
to improve the overall effectiveness of state-led initiatives. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 35
4.4 Weak Inter-Institutional Linkages and Collaboration Gaps
Poor inter-institutional linkages further exacerbate the challenges faced by the State S&T Councils. The
State S&T councils have not harnessed the potential support structure available with various central
government departments in an effective way. International collaborations also remain underdeveloped,
limiting exposure to global best practices and cutting-edge technological advancements. The inability to
secure substantial funding for research and innovation initiatives further restricts the scope of work
undertaken by these councils. Without strong linkages with institutions at various levels, many promising
research projects fail to reach their full potential, remaining confined to academic circles rather than being
translated into practical applications. Lack of relevant linkages also restrict the ability of the State S&T
Councils in making relevant STI interventions in the state.
4.5 Lack of Industry Engagement and Relevant Sub-structures
A key shortfall in the current system is the poor industry connection of State S&T Councils. Unlike
centrally funded research institutions that maintain better engagement with private sector players, many
state councils have minimal involvement with industries. This results in lost opportunity for knowledge
sharing, attracting resources, and working collaboratively for state specific S&T needs. The absence of
state-based tech-transfer facilitation centres has only exacerbated the issue, as many councils lack the
necessary infrastructure to bridge the gap between research and industry needs. This disconnect has
led to an underutilization of scientific capabilities and advancements in the state, limiting their potential
impact on economic and technological growth.
4.6 Regulatory and Administrative Bottlenecks
Structural and regulatory bottlenecks also hinder the seamless functioning of State S&T Councils.
The financial rules and regulations governing fund utilization need to be streamlined, as
many councils face rigid bureaucratic procedures that slow down expenditure approvals. There is a
need for a common enabling operational framework for all State S&T Councils, which
can provide uniform standards, improve efficiency, and ensure better coordination across states.
Furthermore, the irregular convening of governing council meetings continues to stall decision-
making processes, impacting the timely implementation of initiatives. A more efficient and transparent
administrative mechanism, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and performance oriented
and accountable leadership, is essential to ensure the smooth operation of State S&T Councils. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 36 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 37
5
Need for a Long-Term Strategy
and Policy Continuity A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 38
Building on the insights from the consultations held, and the deliberations in the national workshop,
the NITI Aayog has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges and
strengthen the State S&T Councils, in terms of their capabilities and functions. It focuses on a
multi-pronged approach, including governance reforms, enhanced financial resources and autonomy,
improved manpower planning, and stronger institutional linkages. A structured, long-term strategy
will be key to reinforcing the role of State S&T Councils in fostering innovation and technology-led
development.
Moving forward, targeted efforts should be made to ensure sustained funding, policy continuity,
enhanced industry engagement, and capacity-building initiatives to unlock the full potential of
statedriven S&T initiatives. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for a standardized operational
framework across all S&T Councils to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and establish
uniform standards. By addressing these issues holistically, the State S&T Councils can evolve into
more dynamic institutions, fostering scientific research and driving socio-economic progress of the
respective states as well as the country. The recommendations outlined the next section can help the
councils significantly in their journey towards becoming more effective. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 39
6
Recommendations for
Strengthening the State
S&T Councils A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 40
Through a comprehensive process of stakeholder meetings, one-on-one discussions, and the S&T
Council workshop, NITI Aayog has identified possible steps to be taken by different stakeholders to
strengthen State S&T Councils. These recommendations cover various aspects of structure, functioning
and support mechanisms for State S&T Councils. These recommendations will help transform the
functioning, role, and capabilities of the State S&T Councils, so that they are empowered and play a
more relevant role in the overall growth of the S & T ecosystem of the respective states.
6.1
Structural Reforms in Governance Structure
A major area of concern identified through discussions in consultative meetings and the workshop
relates to structuring and functioning of the Governing body of the councils. Not only are their
meetings in general irregular, their composition also needs to change so as to make them more
effective. Similarly, some changes are also required in the composition and role of the executive
committee of the councils. The major recommendations are as below:
Governing Council
The Governing Body of the councils must be slightly restructured and expanded so as
to make it more capable of taking informed policy decisions and strategic planning. The Governing
Council may continue to be chaired by the Chief Minister or the S&T Minister of the state, as the
case may be; however, it must be expanded to include more expertise.
It is recommended that the Governing Council, in addition to relevant senior officials from the state
government, including the Chief Secretary of the state, and others senior officers, preferably those
heading departments like S&T, Information Technology, Environment and Forest, Education, Planning,
Finance etc., must include:
a. at least two directors/ Heads of a central government institution/ laboratory located in the
state, such as those administered by DST/DBT/CSIR/ MEITY, etc.
b. at least two Vice Chancellors of a central or state university located in the state,
c. at least one head of a relevant PSU located in the state,
d. at least one representative from the state chapter of any major industry association like CII/
FICCI/ ASSOCHAM/ NASSCOM,
e. at least two distinguished/ eminent scientists residing in the state who are preferably also
fellows of any of three national science academies,
f. at least two senior officers from central government organizations like NITI Aayog/ DST/
DBT, and
g. a full-time executive director appointed for a fixed tenure of 3 to 5 years as member secretary.
The diverse representation in the Governing Council will not only enrich it, but will also help establish
linkages and foster collaboration with relevant departments at central level as well as academia
and industry. The expanded body will also provide for better understanding of state specific S&T
needs and priorities, and at the same time better aligning the state initiatives with national priorities.
Representation from Industry and other relevant departments/ institutions will help attract additional
resources to support various activities of the councils. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 41
The Governing Council must meet at least once every year, though one meeting every six-months
would be more effective.
Executive Committee
The executive committee of the councils must function with a performance-driven approach,
emphasizing measurable outcomes, strategic execution, and accountability. Strong, visionary
leadership is crucial to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the council
effectively contributes to the state’s scientific and technological progress. However, this calls for a
slight restructuring of the composition of the Executive Committee.
It is recommended that the Executive Committee:
a. must be chaired by a full-time Executive Director, appointed for a fixed tenure of 3-5 years.
The Executive Director must be a distinguished scientist/ academician/ Science administrator/
Industry leader having expertise in the area of S&T. The position of Executive Director must
be equivalent in pay and rank to Vice Chancellor of a University, and must be filled through
an appropriate search/ selection committee constituted for the purpose by the chairman of
the Governing Council,
b. should have at least 5 external members, preferably from S&T/ academic institutions located
in the state, having special knowledge in different areas of S&T,
c. up to 5 officers from the state government representing relevant departments like planning,
finance, etc., and
d. up to 5 senior scientific officers working full time in the council.
The role of Executive Director is crucial as s/he is expected to provide scientific and administrative
leadership to the council. The existing practice, in many states, of manning the position of Executive
Director/ Member Secretary by a career bureaucrat of the state, having no expertise in the area of S&T,
must be avoided. The Executive Committee, composed as above, will help foster a multidisciplinary,
holistic, and accountable approach to decision-making and execution of major activities of the council.
The Executive Committee must meet at least once every six months so as to ensure timely and
effective planning and execution of different programs and schemes.
6.2 Financial Support and Resources
The different councils across the country have varied budgets and resources available to support
different activities. Appropriate funding is crucial to successful and effective execution of different
initiatives and activities. The consultation process helped in identifying the need for a strategic re-
look on the provisions of financial support from state government and central departments/ agencies.
The following are the major recommendations in this regard:
a. Adequate Financial Resources: State governments should provide adequate financial
resources to the councils to enable them carry out the regular activities effectively and to
initiate new activities in advanced and emerging areas of S&T. It would be desirable that each
state allocates at least 0.5% of GSDP on S&T. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 42
b. From Core to Project-based grants: The Department of Science and Technology,
Govt of India, should only provide project-based grants to different councils, based on their
capabilities and performance. The provision of core annual grants may be discontinued, except
for continued support to smaller councils in NE region and UTs.
c. Widening the Financial Support Structure: The Councils must explore wider funding
opportunities available with different departments of the central government for activities
related to the overall mandate/ allocation of the respective departments. The NITI Aayog
can help councils in establishing such linkages with departments/ agencies in the central
government.
d. Linkages with Industry & PSUs: The Councils should also explore establishing linkages
with Industry bodies, PSUs, and other possible support agencies in the state for attracting
support and financial resources for different activities. Such linkages will indirectly help
promote university-industry interaction in different activities of the councils.
e. Collaboration with Universities and Institutions: The Councils should strive to foster
collaboration with Universities and R&D institutions within the state to carry out collaborative
activities and attract financial resources from various such agencies. Such collaborative projects
will not only strengthen the academia and government collaboration, but will also provide
for greater opportunities for collective efforts towards overall scientific and technological
growth of the state.
f. Performance Based Grants: To promote accountability, encourage innovation, and catalyse
excellence across State S&T Councils, a provision of performance-based grants may be
introduced. These grants may be allocated based on well-defined performance indicators that
assess both quantitative and qualitative outcomes of each Council’s activities. To operationalize
this, a robust performance evaluation framework can be developed by the NITI Aayog in
consultation with the States/ UTs.
The recommendations will not only help strengthen the councils in terms of financial resources
but will also open newer opportunities of establishing different linkages and collaborations for joint
activities and long-term financial sustenance. Over time, it can also support a more balanced national
ecosystem by helping underperforming states identify and adopt best practices from others, thus
reducing regional disparities in science and technology development, and ensuring overall accelerated
scientific and technological growth of the state.
6.3 Human Resources
It has been observed that councils not only have varied manpower policies, but many of them are
often understaffed, including many sanctioned positions not filled for long. Promotional avenues for
scientific staff are also very limited and irregular. It will be inconsistent to expect the highest level of
performance from the staff in such circumstances. Therefore, there is a definite need of addressing
these issues. The wider consultation has helped to arrive at following major recommendations in this
regard: A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 43
a. Suitable Scientific and Non-scientific Manpower: The Councils must maintain a 70:30
ratio of scientific to non-scientific personnel, ensuring a research-driven workforce while
maintaining necessary administrative and operational support.
b. Regular Positions: The councils should have a core manpower strength to drive the major
activities of the councils in an effective and accountable manner. All such positions should be
fully supported by the state government, ensuring financial stability and commitment.
c. Career Progression Opportunities: The Councils must work towards creating well-
defined career progression opportunities for regular manpower of the council, through an
appropriate policy. The existing models in scientific departments in central government may
be pursued and adapted by the councils. Adopting such a policy will provide clear growth
pathways, performance-based advancements, and competitive incentives to ensure a dynamic
and committed workforce. A suitable career progression policy is essential to attract, retain,
and motivate skilled professionals within the council.
d. Project-based Positions: The Councils may maintain additional manpower specific to
funded projects for specific purposes, to augment overall execution capabilities. Efforts
towards wider funding from different agencies will help significantly augment project-based
positions in the councils.
e. Transitory Provision: The Councils may take suitable actions for transition of manpower
currently supported by central government departments/ agencies as a regular staff of the
council/ state government. This will help maintain continuity and institutional memory. The
dependence on support from central government departments/ agencies should be minimized
over the next few years, except possibly in the NE region and UTs.
f. Faculty & Researcher Secondment: To enhance expertise and collaboration, 10-20 faculty
members and researchers from universities and research institutions in the state and outside
should be seconded to the council for periods of 1-3 years. This will not only help in having a
bigger human resource pool to drive different initiatives and activities, but will also facilitate
knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen the link between
academia and government. These interactions and coordinated efforts may also help in better
understanding the S&T needs of the state and a more effective planning and execution.
g. Short-term and Honorary Engagements: To leverage experience, expertise, the council
may engage retired scientists, preferably Director level and above, from premier research
institutions such as CSIR, DRDO, DAE, DST, DBT laboratories for fixed-tenure roles. These
professionals may bring vast technical knowledge, mentorship capabilities, and strategic
insights, enhancing the council’s research and policy initiatives. By integrating expertise of
retired scientists into the council’s ecosystem, the state can harness their wide experience to
accelerate scientific progress of the state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 44
6.4 State-Focused Role & Institutional Sub-structures
To maximize impact, S&T Councils should adopt focused roles and interventions tailored to the
specific needs, priorities, and strengths of the state. There is a clear opportunity as well as need for
state councils to position themselves as the central point for all STI initiatives and interventions in
the state, so that coordinated actions can be taken for most effective outcomes. This approach will
ensure organic growth, strategic collaborations, and synergy-building across different sectors. The
key recommendations in this regard are as follows:
a. S&T Need Mapping of the State: Each council should make efforts to identify state-
specific S&T needs of the state. Identification of state specific S&T interventions will help
instituting more focused initiatives and efforts which will address local needs. State-specific
sectoral policies may be developed for overall development of the state. Such an approach will
foster bottom-up innovation by supporting grassroots initiatives, local startups, and indigenous
knowledge systems.
b. Institutional Substructures: Each council must work towards setting up relevant
institutional sub-structures to initiate, guide and support relevant activities in different S&T
sectors. These substructures may include a network of Patent Facilitation Centre, Technology
Readiness Level (TRL) Assessment Cell, Technology Transfer Cell, Incubation Cell, Natural
Resource and Biodiversity Cell, Emerging Technology Cell, etc. These sub-structures in the
council will provide the necessary support to scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs in the
state to contribute effectively towards overall scientific and technological growth of the state.
c. Connecting the Dots: The sub-structures proposed above should link with similar structures
in R&D institutions and labs, and Universities located in the state to create a comprehensive
and integrated effort supporting the whole STI ecosystem in the state. These linkages will
also act as a bridge between academia, industry, and government to drive innovation in the
state and build synergies.
d. STI Information Cell: The councils should develop a STI Information Cell to create, manage
and maintain relevant STI databases and repositories. This Cell may be the main focal point for
providing data to state, central and other agencies about the STI indicators of the state. The
NITI Aayog in coordination with NSTMIS, DST may help building capacity in councils in this
regard. Creating such cells may provide opportunity to generate evidence for policy making
and making focused interventions at various levels.
e. Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Cell: The councils should play a lead role in effective implementation of the SSR and CSR
initiatives in the state. The councils should coordinate and integrate the resources and
capabilities of various institutions and stakeholders to address the state-specific challenges/
needs through S&T intervention while also promoting scientific awareness and thinking among
the general public. This will foster a sense of collective ownership among various stakeholders
and institutions, encouraging them to rise above individual interests and work collaboratively
for the greater good of the state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 45
The role update of state councils may play a key role in establishing linkages and collaboration
with relevant stakeholders and instituting coordinated efforts for accelerated growth of the STI
ecosystem of the state.
6.5 Redefining Programs and Activities
The councils at present engage in a variety of activities, ranging from supporting R&D projects to
science popularization and awards and fellowships. With change in time, overall improvement in
education and awareness of citizens, and changing national and state priorities; it is necessary to have
a relook at the ongoing activities. The most relevant activities may be continued, and some newer
ones may be initiated. This will help the councils in playing a relevant and effective role in the STI
ecosystem of the states. These activities may be coordinated by the relevant cells of the council. The
major activities that may be considered by the councils for initiation/ execution are as follows:
a. R&D Project Support: Many councils provide financial support to different institutions for
carrying out R&D projects in different areas of S&T. However, often the fund available for the
purpose is not adequate and as a result only few projects are supported and that too with
small grants. It is recommended that R&D project support should preferably be provided
only to state government and private academic and R&D institutions of the state, to provide
greater opportunities to researchers in these institutions. Support to central government
institutions (such as IITs, NITs, CUs, Central Govt institutions etc.) should be extended only
for projects that are specific to the needs of the state.
b. Awards: Some state councils have a provision of awards to recognize significant
accomplishment and contribution of scientists and researchers in the state. These awards may
be made annual and included as a regular feature of the activities of the council. Appropriate
number of state level awards, preferably at three levels (on the lines of Rashtriya Vigyan
Puraskar) may be instituted by each council.
c. Fellowships, Scholarships, Internships and Travel Grants: The Councils may earmark a
part of their grants to provide an appropriate number of fellowships/ scholarships to selected
meritorious young researchers. A small program of summer internship may also be considered,
largely in collaboration with R&D institutions and Academic Institutions in the state. A limited
number of travel grants may also be instituted to partially support bright young researchers to
present their research work at relevant forums.
d. State level STI Conclave: Many councils are currently organizing National Science Day,
National Mathematics Day. It is recommended to consolidate the resources to organize a
state level STI Conclave, possibly around national science day or national technology day. Such
a conclave may be organized either at a central location in the state or in a decentralized
manner as a set of coordinated activities across the states. The Council must collaborate
with relevant departments in the state (such as Education, Information Technology etc.) to
mobilize sufficient resources and ensure wider participation of institutions in the state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 46
e. Science Popularization Activities: Several councils are currently organizing a wide
range of science popularization activities. These include Community Radio & Podcasts, Lab
on Wheels, Astronomy camps etc. These activities may be continued subject to the level of
interest shown by participants. The Councils should plan and coordinate an appropriate social
media engagement strategy to widely disseminate such activities, along with regular updates
on scientific and technological advances made by different actors in the state, particularly to
engage the young generation.
f. Science City and Science Centres: Many state councils are instituting and managing
science cities, regional science centres across different locations of the state. These efforts
no doubt play an important role in catalysing interest of the young generation in Science and
Technology. Efforts may be made to standardize the content/ exhibits of such centres, at the
same time keeping enough provision for state specific material. Some possible improvements
may include creating 3-d landform models of the state, 3-d maps of natural resources of the
state etc. The content/ exhibits should be reviewed at regular intervals to maintain their
relevance with changing time.
g. Collaborations and Linkages for newer activities: The councils can play a more effective
role through increased collaboration and wider linkages with different institutions. Efforts
may be made to do collaborative R&D Projects with institutions in the state, to organize
capacity building activities in the areas of patent awareness, TRL assessment and technology
commercialization. The Councils may also work with institutions to start innovative activities
like University/Institute Open Day, Walk with Scientists etc.
h. Mapping Activities for Natural Resource Management: The Councils may actively work
towards activities related to mapping landforms, forest and agriculture cover, water bodies,
biodiversity, and other critical systems of the state. These activities may seek support from relevant
central and state departments and must involve collaboration with relevant institutions.
6.6 Collaboration and Linkages
In the present STI ecosystem, collaboration and team efforts are a crucial requirement for accelerated
growth and impactful outcomes. Instituting collaboration and linkages with multiple stakeholders,
ranging from central departments and agencies to academia, Industry and enterprises in the region
can help in coordinated efforts and multiplied benefits. It is, therefore, recommended that state
councils should institute linkages and collaboration with following entities:
a. Central Govt Departments and Agencies: STI activities and resources are no longer
confined to a specific department or agency. The state councils in their role as central point
for coordinated STI ecosystem growth of the state should foster collaboration with all major
relevant agencies at the central level. These may include linkages with DBT, MEITY, CSIR,
MOEFCC, MOC, MOE, DPIIT etc., in addition to the existing strong linkage with DST. Relevant
connections with RuTAG, MANTHAN and PSA Clusters may also be explored. Such links can
help create a significant resource as well as knowledge pool in the councils. The NITI Aayog,
as a body working closely with states, can play a coordination role in this regard. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 47
b. Industry and PSUs: The Councils should establish greater connections with Industrial units
and PSUs located in the states and should also set up ties with relevant Industry associations.
These connections can help generate additional financial and material resources for the
councils to support the different activities.
c. R&D Institutions and Universities: The Councils must actively engage with R&D
institutions located in the state as well as collaborate with universities situated in the
state. These collaborations can be in the form of knowledge exchange as well as working
collaboratively on research and development projects. These collaborations can bring in ideas,
knowledge, manpower, and enhanced resources for overall STI growth of the state.
The proposed linkages and collaborations can play a major role in enhanced resources and capabilities
of the councils, thereby accelerating the coordinated growth of the overall STI ecosystem of the
state and country. Further, the proposed substructures in State S&T Councils should play an active
role in organizing relevant activities in a collaborative manner for the overall STI growth of the state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 48
Table 4: Summary of Recommendations
S. No.Topic Recommendation
Action/
Implementation By
1.
Structural
Reforms in
Governance
(Reference
section 6.1)
To expand the Governing Council by including
representation from central government
departments, R&D institutions/ laboratories,
Universities in the state, industry associations
in the state, PSUs in the state, and Science
Academies.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
State S&T Councils must have a full-time
executive director appointed for a fixed tenure
of 3 to 5 years. The position should be equivalent
to Vice Chancellor of a state university and
the incumbent must provide scientific and
administrative leadership in an accountable
manner. The practice of giving charge to career
Bureaucrats should be avoided.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
The Executive Committee may also be expanded
to include relevant officials from the state
government as well as external members.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
The Executive Committee must meet at least
twice a year.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
2.
Financial
Support and
Resources
(Reference
section 6.2)
State S&T Councils must be provided with
adequate financial resources to carry out various
activities and make meaningful interventions in
the STI ecosystem of the state. It is desirable that
each state should allocate at least 0.5% of GSDP
as S&T budget.
State Government
The practice of core grants by the central
government should be replaced with Project-
based grants, except in case of State S&T Councils
in NE region and UTs.
Department of
Science & Technology
(DST), GOI.
The financial resources available with councils can
be enhanced significantly by widening the support
structure. State S&T Councils may approach different
central government departments for project-based
grants, can collaborate with PSUs in the state and
establish linkages with Industry and Academic
Institutions in the state to explore tapping resources
in a collaborative manner.
State S&T Councils,
Central Govt
Departments,
Industry Associations
and NITI Aayog
A provision of performance-based grants for State
S&T Councils may be introduced.
DST, GOI and NITI
Aayog A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 49
3.
Human
Resources
(Reference
section 6.3)
State S&T Councils must maintain a minimum
number of scientific and administrative/ support
staff, preferably in a 70:30 ratio of scientific to
non-scientific staff.
State S&T Councils,
and DST, GOI
The regular positions in State S&T Councils
must be fully supported by the state. Additional
project-based positions may be created as per the
need and financial support available for various
externally supported projects.
State Government
and State S&T
Councils
A well-defined career progression plan for regular
manpower of the State S&T Councils must be
instituted.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
and DST, GOI
Suitable actions may be taken for transition of
manpower currently supported by the central
government (mainly by DST, GOI) as a regular
staff of the council/ state government. DST, GOI
should not support any regular manpower in the
State S&T Councils except in case of councils in
NE region or UTs.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
and DST, GOI
The scientific capabilities of State S&T Councils
may be significantly expanded by using methods
like Faculty and Researcher secondment, and
utilizing the services of senior level retired
scientists from central govt and R&D/ Academic
Institutions in the state.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
4.
State-Focused
Roles &
Institutional
Substructures
(Reference
section 6.4)
State S&T Councils should make active
contributions to identify state-specific S&T needs
and may act as a central focal point for guiding and
enriching the STI ecosystem of the state.
State Government,
State S&T Councils
State S&T Councils must establish relevant cells
(e.g., Patent Facilitation, TRL assessment, Tech
Transfer, Second Level Incubation, BioDiversity,
CSR/SSR etc.) and must establish active linkages
and integration with academia, R&D institutions,
and industry bodies in the state.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
NITI Aayog
The councils should develop a STI Information
Cell to create, manage and maintain relevant
STI databases and repositories. This Cell may
be the main focal point for providing data to
state, central and other agencies about the STI
indicators of the state.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
DST, GOI and NITI
Aayog A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 50
5.
Redefining
Programs and
Activities
(Reference
section 6.5)
State S&T Councils should provide suitable
financial support to R&D and academic
institutions of the state to carry out R&D
projects in relevant areas. R&D project
grants should preferably be provided to state
institutions. Support to central government
institutions in the state should be considered
only when the project concerned is on a state
specific subject.
State S&T Councils,
State Government
Appropriate number of state level awards at
three levels (on the lines of Rashtriya Vigyan
Puraskar) may be instituted by each council.
Similarly appropriate fellowships may be
considered subject to availability of funds.
State Government,
State S&T Councils
Each SSTC should host an annual STI Conclave,
in a collaborative manner, possibly by pooling
resources from multiple sources. The ongoing
science outreach programs may be updated
with time to make them more relevant and
expand their reach. Each Council should actively
use social media platforms to reach the young
audience.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
DST, GOI
State S&T Councils should partner with relevant
institutions in the state for mapping natural
resources in the state and provide other S&T
specific information to relevant stakeholders.
State Government,
State S&T Councils,
cc, GSI, ISRO,
The Science City and Centres in the state
are a very relevant resource for science
popularization and attracting young children to
science. However, the content and exhibits in
such centres must be regularly updated, keeping
in mind state specific aspects. Possibilities of
running them in PPP mode may be explored.
State S&T Councils,
NCSM and Ministry
of Culture
States can document Traditional Knowledge
(TK) by engaging local communities,
collaborating with academic institutions, and
creating digital repositories. Field surveys and
technology like mobile apps can aid in capturing
and preserving TK. Legal protections, such as
Geographical Indications (GI) and Patents, can
safeguard and provide economic benefits to
knowledge holders
State S&T Councils,
AYUSH, MOEFCC A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 51
6.
Collaboration
and Linkages
(Reference
section 6.6)
The state councils in their role as central point
for coordinated STI ecosystem growth of the
state should foster collaboration with all major
relevant agencies at the central level. These may
include linkages with DBT, MEITY, CSIR, MOEFCC,
MOC, MOE, DPIIT etc., in addition to the existing
strong linkage with DST. Relevant connections
with RuTAG, MANTHAN and PSA Clusters may
also be explored.
State S&T Councils,
and Suitable Ministry/
Department as per
project alignment
(such as DST, DBT,
MEITY, DSIR, DAE,
MoES, DPIIT, PSA
Office etc.)
The Councils should establish greater connections
with Industrial units and PSUs located in the
states and should also set up ties with relevant
Industry associations.
State S&T Councils,
PSUs and Industry
Associations
The Councils must actively engage with R&D
institutions located in the state as well as
collaborate with universities situated in the
state. These collaborations can be in the form
of knowledge exchange as well as working
collaboratively on research and development
projects.
State S&T Councils,
R&D and Academic
Institutions in the
state. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 52 A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 53
7
Charting the Road Ahead:
Towards a Robust and Future-
Ready S&T Ecosystem A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 54
NITI Aayog in its pivotal role of collaborating with state governments under the principle of
cooperative and competitive federalism, drives various initiatives for the growth and development of
the States. Within the Science and Technology (S&T) division, these initiatives include the development
of performance indices, strengthening state councils through the Roadmap Initiative, and promoting
the ease of conducting scientific endeavors at both the national and state levels along with others. By
focusing on all these measures, NITI Aayog aims to bolster state-level capabilities, thereby enabling
the nation to advance collectively.
The key focus should be to transform State S&T Councils from a conventional government
department to a dynamic and capable professional S&T ecosystem. To translate this roadmap into
meaningful action, a structured and collaborative implementation strategy must be adopted. A key
enabler in this regard may be formation of a core group comprising senior-level officers from relevant
stakeholder ministries, scientific institutions, and state governments, and coordinated by NITI Aayog,
to facilitate, coordinate and oversee the implementation of the recommendations. This group could
be entrusted with the role of prioritizing actions, developing coordinated efforts for execution, and
overall monitoring and evaluation.
As a next step, efforts may also be directed toward developing model guidelines and standard
frameworks for performance evaluation, resource utilization, and institutional governance. These
will help reduce administrative asymmetries and improve consistency across State S&T Councils. In
parallel, capacity-building initiatives and peer-to-peer learning mechanisms should be institutionalized
to enable councils to learn from successful models in funding, innovation management, and industry-
academia collaboration. A dedicated strategy for mobilizing and blending resources from central and
state governments and private sector contributions will be essential to ensure financial sustainability
and programmatic continuity.
Importantly, a dynamic and responsive monitoring mechanism must be put in place to assess progress,
identify challenges, and incorporate mid-course corrections. This forward-looking and integrated
approach will not only strengthen the institutional foundations of State S&T Councils but also unlock
their full potential in contributing to regional innovation, strategic capability development, and national
transformation. NITI Aayog remains committed to growth and development of the STI ecosystem
in the state and their application and will be doing its best to work with S&T council and deliver its
best. By doing so, India can build a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy aligned with the
vision of a Viksit Bharat. A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 55
APPENDIX A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 56
Appendix I:
Details of the Consultative Meetings at NITI Aayog
Date Zone Name of the CouncilRepresented by
31.01.2025 West
Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology
Commission, Maharashtra
Dr. Narendra Shah,
Member Secretary
Department of Science & Technology,
Rajasthan
Shri Rakesh Parihar,
Research officer
Gujarat Council for Science and Technology
(GUJCOST)
Dr. Narottam Sahoo,
Advisor & Member Secretary
Goa State Council for Science & Technology
(GSCST)
Mrs. Brenda Fernandes,
Chief Scientist & Member Secretary
13.02.2025 Central
Bihar Council on Science & Technology
Dr. Anant Kumar,
Project Director
Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and
Technology (MPCOST)
Shri Tasneem Habib,
Advisor, Former Chief Scientist &
ED, MPCST
Uttarakhand State Council for Science
Technology
Prof. Durgesh Pant,
Director General
Council of Science and Technology Uttar
Pradesh
Shri Radhey Lal,
Joint Director
14.02.2025 South
Karnataka State Council for Science and
Technology (KSCST)
Dr. U T Vijay,
Executive Secretary
Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and
Technology
Prof. Dr. S. Vincent,
Member Secretary
Telangana State Council of Science &
Technology
Dr. Sunke Rajendra Prasad,
Member Secretary
Puducherry Council for Science & Technology
Shri Laxminarayana Reddy,
Director
24.02.2025 North
Haryana State Council of Science &
Technology
Dr. Deepak Gupta,
Chief Scientific Engineer
Himachal Pradesh Council for
Science Technology and Environment
(HIMCOSTE)
Shri Shubham Dhiman,
Sr. Technical Assistant
Punjab State Council for Science and
Technology (PSCST)
Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi,
Joint Director
Department of Science & Technology
& Renewable Energy (S&T&RE),
Chandigarh
Shri T C Nautiyal,
Secretary A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 57
25.02.2025East
Arunachal Pradesh State Council for
Science & Technology (APSCS&T)
Shri C D Mungyak,
Director cum Member
Secretary
Manipur Science and Technology
Council (MASTEC)
Dr. Kh. Rakesh,
Director
State Council of Science Technology
& Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya
Shri Gunanka D.B.,
IFS, Member Secretary
Nagaland Science and Technology
Council (NASTEC)
Shri Kekuneil LTU,
Scientist B
Assam Science Technology &
Environment Council (ASTEC)
Shri. Jaideep Baruah,
Director, ASTEC
Mizoram Science, Technology &
Innovation Council (MISTIC)
Shri Samuel Lalmalsawma,
Senior Scientific Officer
Sikkim State Council of Science and
Technology
Shri D G Shrestha,
Principal Director, DST Sikkim
The councils which could not participate in the consultative meetings include:
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Daman & Diu
Chhattisgarh
Jharkhand
Kerala
Andhra Pradesh
Lakshadweep
Andaman & Nicobar
Delhi
Jammu & Kashmir
Odisha
Tripura
West Bengal A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 58
Appendix II:
Details of the Workshop on ‘Empowering State S&T Councils
held at Vigyan Bhavan’
Time Session NameTime Slot Speaker Role
09:30 – 10:30 Inaugural Session
09:30 – 09:42
Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh,
Sr. Adviser (S&T),
NITI Aayog, GoI.
Welcome Address
and Theme
09:42 – 09:57
Dr. Rajesh S Gokhle,
Secretary, Department of
Biotechnology, GoI.
Remarks
09:57 – 10:12
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood,
Principal Scientific Adviser,
GoI.
Remarks
10:12 – 10:30
Dr. V.K. Saraswat
Member (S&T),
NITI Aayog, GoI
Chairperson’s
Address
10:30 – 10:35
Release of the Discussion paper “Towards a
Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils”
10:35 – 10:45 Group Photograph
10:45 – 11:15 High Tea
11:15 – 12:15
Technical Session
1
STEM at the
Core: Cultivating
Statewide
Research and
Innovation
11:15 – 11:30
Prof. T.G. Sitharam,
Chairman, AICTE
Session Chair
11:30 – 11:45
Dr. Anita Aggarwal,
Head, SEED and State S&T
Programme, DST
Special Address
11:45 – 11:55
Dr. Narendra Shah,
Member Secretary, Rajiv
Gandhi Science and
Technology Commission,
Maharashtra
State S&T
Council -
Maharashtra
11:55 – 12:05
Shri Radhey Lal,
Joint Director, Council of
Science and Technology,
Uttar Pradesh
State S&T
Council - Uttar
Pradesh
12:05 – 12:15
Dr. Biman Chandra Barua,
Executive Director, Assam
Science Technology &
Environment Council
State
Council-Assam A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 59
12:15 – 13:00
Technical
Session
2
Science for
All: Engaging
Minds Through
Science Centres,
Planetarium, and
Remote Sensing
12:15 – 12:25
Shri U N Sharma,
Additional Surveyor
General of India
Session Chair &
Speaker
12:25 – 12:35
Shri Sanjay Kaul,
Joint Secretary, Ministry of
Culture, GoI.
Special Address
12:35 – 12:44
Dr. Narottam Sahoo,
Advisor & Member
Secretary, Gujarat Council
for Science and Technology
State Council -
Gujarat
12:44 – 12:53
Shri Tasneem Habib,
Advisor, Former Chief
Scientist & ED, Madhya
Pradesh Council of Science
and Technology
State Council -
Madhya Pradesh
12:53 – 13:00
Prof. A Sabu,
Member Secretary,
Kerala State Council For
Science Technology and
Environment
State Council-
Kerala
13:00 – 14:00Lunch
14:00 – 15:00
Technical
Session 3
Advancing
Innovation: The
Role of Patent
Information
Centres and
other structures
14:00 – 14:12
Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur,
Director, Indian Institute of
Technology, Jammu
Session Chair
14:12 – 14:22
Shri Unnat Pandit,
Controller General of
Patents, Designs and
TradeMarks
Special Address
14:22 – 14:32
Cdr. Amit Rastogi (Retd),
Chairman & MD, National
Research Development
Corporation
Special Address
14:32 – 14:41
Prof. Dr. S. Vincent,
Member Secretary, Tamil
Nadu State Council for
Science and Technology
State Council -
Tamil Nadu
14:41 – 14:50
Shri Samuel Lalmalsawma,
Principal Scientific
Officer, Mizoram Science,
Technology & Innovation
Council
State Council -
Mizoram
14:50 – 15:00
Dr. U T Vijay,
Executive Secretary,
Karnataka State Council
for Science and Technology
State Council-
Karnataka A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 60
15:00 – 15:50
Technical
Session 4
Connecting
the Dots:
Linkages and
Best Practices
for Inclusive
Development
15:00 –
15:12
Dr. Parvinder Maini,
Scientific Secretary, PSA
Office
Session Chair
15:12 –
15:22
Dr. Rashmi Sharma,
Head, NCSTC & SHRI
Cell, DST
Special Address
15:22 –
15:32
Prof. Durgesh Pant,
Director General,
Uttarakhand State Council
for Science Technology
State Council -
Uttarakhand
15:32 –
15:42
Shri Pritpal Singh,
Executive Director, Punjab
State Council for Science
and Technology
State Council -
Punjab
15:42 –
15:50
Dr. Deepak Gupta,
Chief Scientific Engineer,
Haryana State Council of
Science & Technology
State Council –
Haryana
15:50 – 16:55
Discussion and
Engagement
Session
Widening
the Horizon:
Expanding
the Activities
and Linkages
for Sustained
Growth
15:50 –
15:55
Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh,
Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog
Session Chair
15:55 –
16:05
Prof. Vd. Rabinarayana
Acharya,
Director General, CCRAS,
M/o AYUSH
Expert Remarks
16:15 –
16:25
Ms. Khushboo Mirza
Sci/Engr-SF, Regional
Remote Sensing Centre,
Department of Space
Expert Remarks
16:25 –
16:35
Dr. R S Maheskumar,
Scientist G, MoES
Expert Remarks
16:35 –
16:45
Shri Siva Prasad Polimetla
Head, ER&D Initiative,
NASSCOM
Expert Remarks
16:45 –
16:55
Dr. Ashish Mohan,
Executive Director, CII
Expert Remarks
16:55 –
17:05
Dr, Parveen Arora
Associate Head and
Scientist G
Expert Remarks A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils | Science and Technology Division | NITI Aayog 61
17:05 – 17:30 Closing Session
17:05 –
17:15
Shri S. Krishnan,
Secretary, Ministry
of Electronics and
Information Technology
(MeitY)
Remarks
17:15 –
17:27
Dr. V.K. Saraswat
Member (S&T), NITI
Aayog
Valedictory
Address
17:27 –
17:30
Dr. Thyagaraju B.M.
Deputy Adviser, NITI
Aayog
Vote of Thanks
17:30 onwardsHigh Tea NOTE AUTHORS
Dr. V. K. Saraswat
Member (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh
Senior Adviser (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Dr. Ashok A Sonkusare
Deputy Adviser (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Dr. Thyagaraju B.M.
Deputy Adviser (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Ms. Naba Suroor
Consultant (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Ms. Simarjot Kaur
Consultant (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
CONTRIBUTORS
Mr. Yeshansh Srivastava
Intern (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Ms. Aditi Sarode
Intern (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
Mr. Raghav Trivedi
Intern (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge the valuable inputs from State S&T Councils and appreciate the participation of
government officials in the national workshop. Designed by: