Empowering States Through Science:
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), in its report “ A Roadmap for Strengthening State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils”, has called for reforms in the funding and governance of State S&T Councils. Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are vital to national development, with both Central and State S&T Departments playing key roles. The Centre-State S&T partnership began in 1971, led by Bharat Ratna Shri C. Subramaniam, through the creation of State Science & Technology Councils (SSTCs). Initially set up in Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, SSTCs now exist in almost all States and UTs across India. SSTCs are supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology under the State Science and Technology Programme (SSTP). DST provides budgetary assistance to S&T Secretariats of States and UTs. S&T Councils also receive state government funding, though the levels vary significantly.
