Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for Inclusive Socio-economic Development
Social Justice & Development
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
UPSC frequently examines the role of science and technology in national development, particularly its application for inclusive growth, poverty alleviation, and empowering vulnerable sections like tribal communities. Government initiatives and policies in this domain are key.
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) encompass the systematic application of scientific knowledge, technological tools, and innovative approaches to address societal challenges and foster economic growth. In the context of inclusive development, STI interventions are crucial for empowering marginalized communities, improving their quality of life, and bridging socio-economic disparities.
Facts & tables
- Focus
- Aims at socio-economic development of disadvantaged sections, including Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- Mechanism
- Utilizes appropriate interventions of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
- Goals
- Improved quality of life, enhanced livelihoods, community empowerment, and sustainable development.
- Implementation
- Implemented PAN India through competitive, merit-based projects by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Welfare Schemes & Social Policies |
| Conceptual area | Emerging Information Technologies |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Department of Science and Technology (DST) | Implements |
| Ministry of Science and Technology | Oversees |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- DST drives STI for socio-economic development of disadvantaged sections.
- Focuses on improving quality of life and livelihoods, especially for STs.
- Projects are action-oriented, location-specific, and merit-based.
- Aims to empower communities through technology adoption for local needs.
- Strengthens human capacities, institutional capacities, and technology deployment.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Purpose or function of a policy tool |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions |
| 2019 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2018 | Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question |
| 2015 | Conceptual understanding, Definition-based questions |
| 2013 | Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions |
Timeline
-
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Conceptual area
-
Emerging Information Technologies
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2013
Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2015
Conceptual understanding, Definition-based questions
-
Prelims 2018
Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question
-
Prelims 2019
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Purpose or function of a policy tool
-
Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- BASED INTERVENTIONS
Government leverages Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) through schemes like those by DST to drive socio-economic development for disadvantaged groups, including Scheduled Tribes, by fostering local solutions, strengthening capacities, and improving livelihoods.
See also
Past papers
2013–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- BASED INTERVENTIONS
Government leverages Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) through schemes like those by DST to drive socio-economic development for disadvantaged groups, including Scheduled Tribes, by fostering local solutions, strengthening capacities, and improving livelihoods.
Try these PYQs
Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ?
1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2018, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination.
2. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains — built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology.
3. The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organisation set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act was passed by the Parliament of India in 2016, not 2018. It aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and places a legal obligation on governments to ensure non-discrimination and accessibility. It also mandates reservations for PwDs, such as increasing the quota to 4% in government employment and 5% in higher education. Statement 2 is Correct: The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) was launched in 2015 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). It focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains: built infrastructure (barrier-free public buildings), transport systems (accessible railways, airports, and roads), and information and communication technology (accessible government websites and digital ecosystems). Statement 3 is Incorrect: The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a Central Public Sector Undertaking registered as a not-for-profit company to provide concessional financial assistance to promote entrepreneurship, self-employment, and higher education among PwDs. However, it was set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, not the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Therefore, the correct option is B.
Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if -
Economic Growth vs. Economic Development: An increase in absolute and per capita real GNP signifies economic growth, which means the overall production of goods and services in a country is expanding. Economic development is a broader concept that goes beyond just increasing production. It encompasses factors like
1. Improved living standards for citizens
2. Reduction in poverty and unemployment
3. Increased literacy and education levels
4. Improved healthcare and infrastructure If poverty and unemployment are increasing even with economic growth (GNP increase), it suggests the benefits of growth are not being shared widely. This indicates a lack of true economic development.
Consider the following statements:
1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organization.
2. The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs in Government
of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect. The India Sanitation Coalition was launched on June 25, 2015, at FICCI, New Delhi. ISC is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together the private sector, government, financial institutions, civil society groups, media, donors/bilateral/multilateral, experts, etc., to work in the sanitation space to drive sustainable sanitation through a partnership model. It is not funded by WHO. Statement 2 is incorrect. The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is India’s premier urban think tank, shaping the urban narrative since its establishment in 1976, it not an apex body. It is an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act.
Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
✅ Statement I: Correct
*RGM aims to conserve indigenous breeds, benefiting small farmers and landless labourers by improving animal productivity.* ✅ Statement II: Correct
*Launched in December 2014, the mission promotes scientific breeding, genetic upgradation, and conservation of indigenous breeds.* Correct Answer: (C) Both Statements I and II are correct.
With reference to the National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements :
1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity.
2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programs and schemes throughout the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to justice for all in India. Statement 1 is correct: NALSA's primary objective is to offer free and competent legal services to the underprivileged sections of society. This empowers them to navigate the legal system and fight for their rights, regardless of their financial background. Statement 2 is correct: NALSA functions as the apex body, setting guidelines and frameworks for State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) to implement legal aid programs and initiatives throughout the country. These SLSAs operate at the state level to deliver legal services to the public.
Show 3 more PYQs
Which of the following statements with respect to the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is/are correct ?
1. The period of its implementation is 1st April, 2021 to 31st March, 2026.
2. The key objective of the Revamped RGSA is to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.
3. The share of the Central funding for the Revamped RGSA is 100% for all States and Union Territories.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for implementation from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2026 (co-terminus with the 15th Finance Commission period), not from 1st April 2021. Statement 2 is Correct: The primary objective of the revamped scheme is to develop and enhance the governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) so they can effectively deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It focuses on the localization of SDGs at the grassroots level through inclusive local governance. Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Revamped RGSA is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, meaning the funding is shared between the Centre and the States. It is not 100% centrally funded for all States and UTs. The sharing pattern is 60:40 (Centre:State) for general category States, and 90:10 for North-Eastern States, Hilly States, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. 100% Central funding applies only to other Union Territories and specific Central components of the scheme. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?
Land reform is a broad term: - It refers to an institutional measure directed towards altering the existing pattern of ownership, tenancy, and management of land. - It entails redistribution of the rights of ownership and/or use of land away from large landowners and in favour of cultivators with very limited or no landholdings. - At the time of independence, ownership of land was concentrated in the hands of a few. This led to the exploitation of the farmers and was a major hindrance towards the socio-economic development of the rural population. - Equal distribution of land was therefore an area of focus of Independent India's government. Laws for land ceilings were enacted in various states during the 50s & 60s, which were modified on the directives of the central government in 1972.
Which one of the following best describes the main objective of ‘Seed Village Concept’?
A seed village, wherein trained group of farmers are involved in the production of seeds of various crops and cater to the needs of themselves, fellow farmers of the village and farmers of neighbouring villages in the appropriate time and at an affordable cost is called a seed village.