The State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya, has invited applications for short-term science and technology projects that aim to address real problems faced by communities across the state. The initiative is designed to encourage practical ideas that can create direct social and economic benefits for people in both rural and urban areas.The call for proposals has been announced through the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi district under the theme “Science and Technology for Socio-Economic Benefit in Meghalaya.” Officials said the programme focuses on projects that can be completed within six months and that clearly show measurable results at the community level. The emphasis is on workable solutions rather than purely academic or theoretical research. SCSTE, which functions as an autonomous body under the Planning, Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development Department of the Government of Meghalaya, is encouraging participation from a wide range of applicants. School students, college students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, M.Phil. and PhD scholars, and ordinary citizens with practical ideas are all eligible to apply. The open category has also been extended to unemployed youth, grassroots innovators, non-governmental organisations, registered societies, retired academicians, retired government employees, and other residents of the state who have strong and workable proposals.
Funding support will vary depending on the category of applicants. School students can receive financial assistance of up to Rs 20,000 for their projects. College students can receive grants of up to Rs 1.5 lakh, while research scholars are eligible for support up to Rs 2 lakh. Under the open category, selected applicants can receive funding up to Rs 1 lakh. Officials said the funding structure has been designed to encourage participation from different sections of society and to ensure that innovative ideas are not held back due to lack of financial support. The council has identified several priority areas where proposals are especially encouraged. These include agriculture and life sciences, environmental science and engineering, health and biomedical innovation, digital technologies, infrastructure development, validation of traditional knowledge, STEM-based livelihood initiatives, disaster communication systems, and ecological restoration. Authorities also stated that interdisciplinary projects that combine multiple fields of science and technology to solve local challenges will be given due consideration during evaluation. Applicants are required to submit proposals that clearly describe the objective of the project, the method of implementation, the expected outcomes, and the likely socio-economic benefits for the local community. Officials emphasised that projects should demonstrate how they will produce visible and measurable impact rather than only experimental results. The council expects that the programme will lead to practical innovations that can be scaled up or adopted in other districts if found successful.
The selection process will be carried out in two stages. In the first stage, proposals will be screened by an expert committee to ensure that they meet the required technical and social impact criteria. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to present their projects before a review panel for final assessment. Projects that receive approval will be funded in two instalments, with the second instalment being released after satisfactory progress of the work is verified.The last date for submission of proposals is March 16, 2026. Interested applicants can submit their proposals online through the official website of SCSTE or offline by visiting the council’s office in Shillong. Authorities have urged students, researchers, innovators, and community organisations across Meghalaya to make full use of the opportunity and come forward with ideas that can directly improve local livelihoods, environmental conditions, public health, and technological development in the state.