Pushkar Singh Dhami: In line with the announcement by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026 has been released by the Department of Information Technology, Energy and Science Technology. The objective of this policy is to develop Uttarakhand as a major center of science, technology and information technology by promoting science and technology based development and innovation in the state.
The new policy emphasizes on effective use of science and technology to address local needs and challenges by encouraging research, innovation and scientific thinking. The policy aims to move the state towards sustainable development keeping in mind economic growth, social inclusion and environmental balance. For effective implementation of this policy, an advisory body will be formed at the state level, which will do the work of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the policy. Along with this, decentralized institutional system will be developed to promote research and innovation activities.
Under the policy, a comprehensive collaborative mechanism will be developed to strengthen collaboration between various stakeholders at the state, regional and national levels. A State Level Coordination Committee will also be constituted to ensure establishment of Science, Technology and Innovation (A) units in various departments of the State Government, PSUs, private sector companies and start-ups. Under the policy, easy access to scientific information, research findings and resources will be ensured for all stakeholders. Data generated from publicly funded research will be digitally stored and made securely and easily accessible to all stakeholders. Access to research and science archives will also be available through the “One Nation, One Membership” initiative of the Government of India. To realize the concept of “Self-reliant Uttarakhand”, special encouragement will be given to indigenization and localization of technology.
Solutions tailored to local needs
Under the new policy, local technical solutions will be developed as per the needs of the state and traditional knowledge systems will also be linked with modern research and innovation. Also, necessary infrastructure will be developed to promote science, technology and innovation education in educational institutions. Capacity building programs will be conducted for students, researchers and teachers. According to the new education policy, state-of-the-art teaching-learning centers will also be established for skill development of teachers. To promote science communication and public participation, work will be done to establish Science City, Science Centre, Planetarium, Atal Tinkering Lab, Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratories, Astronomical Observation Association and Center of Excellence in the state.
Collaboration between scientists, experts
The new policy has given special importance to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, drones, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). Besides, research and development work related to space technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, digital technology, food-water-energy security and disaster management will also be encouraged. Under the new policy, dialogue and collaboration between grassroots level innovators, scientists and technical experts will be promoted. For this, workshops, joint research projects, fellowships and scholarships will be conducted. A special engagement portal will also be developed for the scientific community of the state.
Innovation Observatory
Apart from this, Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory will be established in the state, which will be a centralized digital repository of information related to all schemes, programmes, grants and incentives. Modern online learning platforms will be developed to promote research and innovation and innovators will be provided assistance in patent, copyright, intellectual property rights and other legal processes. Uttarakhand Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026 will prove to be an important step towards science-based development, research, innovation and technological self-reliance in the state and will provide new energy in building a developed and strong Uttarakhand.
Emphasis on solving challenges
Uttarakhand State Council of Science and Technology (UCOST) is functioning as the nodal agency for science dissemination in the state. Director General of UCOST, Prof. According to Durgesh Pant, Uttarakhand is currently facing many challenges like natural disasters, climate change as well as increasing pressure on the Himalayan ecosystem. The new policy will establish better coordination between science and technology institutions, research institutions, academicians, industries and innovators to address these challenges. According to Prof. Durgesh Pant, this policy will ensure inclusive and equal participation in the field of science and innovation by providing equal opportunities to women, residents of rural and remote areas, marginalized communities and persons with disabilities.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Uttarakhand Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026 is an important document to take our state forward towards a knowledge, research and innovation-based economy. Our objective is not only to expand science and technology, but also to connect it with common life, good governance, disaster management, education, agriculture, health and employment generation. This policy will provide a common platform to youth, researchers, startups, scientists and grassroots innovators. Also, to integrate traditional knowledge and modern technology. Through coordination, the creation of a self-reliant and developed Uttarakhand will get new momentum.”
