Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Vigyaan Gram Sankul Pariyojana

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Vigyaan Gram Sankul Pariyojana is a science and technology scheme for rural development in Uttarakhand. It groups selected villages into clusters and uses local resources to improve the livelihoods of farmers, entrepreneurs and self-help groups.

Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, funds the project. Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) runs it under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Uttarakhand. The pilot phase covers four clusters of about 60 villages in Garhwal and Kumaon, and around a lakh people are expected to benefit directly or indirectly.

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Vigyaan Gram Sankul Pariyojana - Introduction

This scheme applies scientific solutions to improve daily life in selected Uttarakhand villages. Rural areas are organized into strategic clusters so that resources are used well and the benefits reach more people.

Department of Science and Technology has committed support of about ₹6.3 crore for a period of three years for the pilot phase. The four clusters at Gaindikhata, Bazeera and Bhigun in Garhwal and Kausani in Kumaon have been chosen for the first round of work.

The scheme works on processing and value addition of local produce such as milk, honey, mushroom, herbal tea, forest produce, horticulture, medicinal and aromatic plants, and traditional craft and handloom. Solar drying, cold press extraction of apricot oil and other modern methods are used to add value to local goods and raise the income of rural families.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme helps rural development by forming cohesive clusters of villages across different districts. By looking at the local natural resources, the programme sets up specialized units. For example, if a village cluster has abundant apple orchards, the programme might set up a processing unit to help local farmers make jam, thereby improving their livelihoods through the smart use of science and technology.

Along with value addition of local produce, the scheme also plans to promote eco-tourism, naturopathy and yoga inside the clusters. These clusters act as model production, training and demonstration centres, so the approach can be repeated in other hill states once it is established.

Eligibility

Eligible people belong to the categories of selected farmers, local entrepreneurs, members of self-help groups, or the general public residing within the project area in Uttarakhand. The scheme is open to people living in the identified village clusters.

Application Process

The programme works through Gramodaya Cooperative Societies. Experienced farmers are selected from the identified village clusters to lead these societies and manage the local rollout of the scheme.

STEP 1 - Find out whether your village falls under one of the selected clusters in Uttarakhand.

STEP 2 - Contact the local Gramodaya Cooperative Society or the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) office for the registration details.

STEP 3 - Submit the required documents and follow the guidelines set by UCOST during the registration phase.

Documents

All documentation requested by the guidelines set by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) must be provided during the registration phase. The exact list depends on the category of the applicant.

References

Guidelines (Page No. 89)

Department of Science and Technology official launch details

FAQ's

Who implements the project?

The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) manages the project under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Uttarakhand.

Which areas are covered under the scheme?

The project focuses on selected villages spread across various districts of Uttarakhand. The pilot phase covers four clusters at Gaindikhata, Bazeera, Bhigun and Kausani.

Who can benefit from this project?

Eligibility extends to selected farmers, entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and the general public living in the participating areas of Uttarakhand.

How are the villages selected for the project?

Officials select villages based on the presence of natural raw materials and the feasibility of improving economic conditions through technological intervention.

What is the role of Gramodaya Cooperative Societies in the project?

Gramodaya Cooperative Societies consist of experienced local farmers who take the lead in managing project activities to make sure the specific scientific interventions reach the community well.