Meghalaya Minister discusses expanding STI Hubs for tribal communities in the Northeast with Union Minister Jitendra Singh

📌 Summary:

• Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Alexander Laloo Hek called on Union MoS (IC) for Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh, to discuss strengthening Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) interventions for tribal communities in the Northeast
• Discussions centred on expanding the reach of STI Hubs implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) for the holistic development of Scheduled Tribe communities through science-based interventions and technology-enabled livelihood support
• STI Hubs are designed to address last-mile challenges in the delivery and adoption of technology solutions in tribal regions, through partnerships involving scientific institutions, local stakeholders and community networks
• The initiative promotes grassroots innovation, capacity building and the deployment of locally relevant technologies suited to regional requirements
• The DST has established 53 STI Hubs across States and UTs, including several in tribal and Northeastern regions
• The Union Minister encouraged greater participation from Northeastern States and suggested that detailed proposals be examined for future collaboration and expansion

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS1 (Society) — tribal development and empowerment; GS2/GS3 — use of science and technology for the inclusive, last-mile development of marginalised communities.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• STI Hubs are implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST)
• The DST has established 53 STI Hubs across States and UTs
• STI Hubs target the development of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities

🔑 Key Term: STI Hubs — Science, Technology and Innovation Hubs established by the DST to connect scientific innovation directly with community development and sustainable livelihoods, especially for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe populations.