Shillong: The office of the deputy commissioner of Ri Bhoi district has said the State Council of Science, Technology & Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya, has announced a call for proposals under its sponsored programme on the theme ‘Science & Technology for Socio-Economic Benefit in Meghalaya’.The SCSTE, an autonomous body of the Govt of Meghalaya under the planning, investment promotion & sustainable development department, is inviting innovative short-term projects of six months’ duration aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges in the state through practical applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“The initiative seeks to leverage local talent and expertise to promote sustainable development and generate tangible benefits for the people of Meghalaya,” an SCSTE statement said.The programme is open to school and college students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, research scholars registered for MPhil or PhD programmes, as well as individuals under the open category, which includes unemployed youth, grassroots innovators, NGOs, registered societies, retired academicians or government employees, and any citizen of Meghalaya with a viable project proposal.“Financial assistance will be provided by SCSTE with support ranging 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, and up to Rs 1 lakh for applicants under the open category,” the official statement said.“The proposed projects must focus on practical, innovative and sustainable solutions that can deliver measurable socio-economic benefits to communities across the state,” the statement said.Proposals may be submitted in areas such as 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, and other interdisciplinary STEM fields addressing local challenges.The last date for submission of proposals is on or before March 16, 2026. Applications may be submitted either offline at the SCSTE Office in Shillong or online through the official website www.scste.org.The selection process will be conducted in two stages, beginning with screening by an expert committee followed by presentation and final evaluation.“Financial assistance will be released in two instalments subject to satisfactory progress,” the statement added.
