Meghalaya's SCSTE Launches Call for STEM Proposals to Drive Socio-Economic Progress
In a significant move to harness local innovation, the State Council of Science, Technology & Environment (SCSTE) in Meghalaya has announced a call for proposals under its sponsored programme titled 'Science & Technology for Socio-Economic Benefit in Meghalaya'. This initiative, as confirmed by the office of the deputy commissioner of Ri Bhoi district, aims to leverage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to address pressing challenges in the state.
Empowering Local Talent for Sustainable Development
The SCSTE, an autonomous body under the Government of Meghalaya's planning, investment promotion, and sustainable development department, is inviting short-term projects with a duration of six months. These projects are designed to provide practical applications of STEM to tackle socio-economic issues, fostering sustainable growth and tangible benefits for communities across Meghalaya. According to an official SCSTE statement, the programme seeks to tap into local expertise to promote development that directly impacts the people.
Eligibility and Financial Support Details
The programme is open to a wide range of participants, including:
- School and college students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
- Research scholars enrolled in MPhil or PhD programmes
- Individuals under the open category, such as unemployed youth, grassroots innovators, NGOs, registered societies, retired academicians or government employees, and any Meghalaya citizen with a viable proposal
Financial assistance will be provided on a tiered basis:
- Up to Rs 20,000 for school students
- Up to Rs 1.5 lakh for college students
- Up to Rs 2 lakh for research scholars
- Up to Rs 1 lakh for applicants in the open category
Projects must focus on innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions that deliver measurable socio-economic benefits, as emphasized in the statement.
Focus Areas and Submission Guidelines
Proposals can be submitted in diverse fields, including:
- Agriculture and life sciences
- Environmental science and engineering
- Health and bio-medical innovation
- Digital technology solutions
- Engineering and infrastructure development
- Traditional knowledge validation
- STEM-driven livelihood initiatives
- Disaster communication systems
- Ecological restoration
- Other interdisciplinary STEM areas addressing local challenges
The deadline for submission is on or before March 16, 2026. Applications can be submitted offline at the SCSTE Office in Shillong or online via the official website www.scste.org.
Selection Process and Funding Disbursement
The selection will involve a two-stage process: initial screening by an expert committee, followed by presentations and final evaluation. Financial assistance will be released in two instalments, contingent upon satisfactory progress of the projects, ensuring accountability and effective implementation.
This initiative underscores Meghalaya's commitment to fostering innovation and addressing socio-economic gaps through science and technology, potentially paving the way for transformative community benefits.
