The State Council of Science Technology and Environment

The State Council of Science Technology & Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya was constituted by the Government of Meghalaya on the 30th January, 1995 and was registered under the Meghalaya Societies Registration Act, 1983. The Council was established with a mission to ensure effective utilization of science & technology for all round development of the State and its main function is to identify, formulate, execute/coordinate and follow-up programmes/schemes for the State on various aspects of science & technology.

To ensure effective utilization of Science & Technology for all round development of the State.

To identify, formulate, execute/coordinate and follow up the programmes/schemes for the state on various aspects of Science and Technology.

To formulate State policies on various aspects of Science & Technology which are in the interest of the State and the country.
To prepare Science and Technology plans for the State.
To execute / implement schemes on Science and Technology of the State Govt, Govt. of India, North Eastern Council and other concerned Departments/Bodies.
To provide directions for the popularization of science and Technology in the State, especially amongst students and youth.
To advice the State Govt. on policies and measures to promote Science & Technology and its utilization for achievement of socio-economic objectives.
To promote closer co-operation between various scientific agencies on one hand and the developmental agencies and departments of the state Government on the other.
To take necessary steps which are relevant to the application of Science & Technology to the specific problems of the State.
To establish or assist in the establishment of the infrastructure, institutions, organization,etc. necessary to achieve the aforesaid objectives.

In spite of rich natural resource base and the opportunities that come along with it, substantial population of the State particularly in the rural areas has to still grapple with very low incomes. Clearly it portrays the case of poverty amidst plenty. About half the people of Meghalaya live below the poverty line (Meghalaya State Planning Board, 2009).

The State’s rural population is heavily dependent upon the natural resources for livelihood support. However, pressure on natural resources due to increased needs, unsustainable resource utilization, etc. warrant putting in place a developmental framework that ensures sustainable livelihoods, gainful employment opportunities, and inclusive growth. Thus these is a present need to set-up an incubators centre to enhance the entrepreneurship skills of the youth in the state with special focus on local resources. The State plans to set-up an Incubator to foster new ideas towards entrepreneurship in areas of native skills such as blacksmithy, pottery, handicraft and natural dyes.