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India’s development journey has increasingly focused on ensuring that the benefits of science and technology reach communities at the grassroots level. While several livelihood schemes and welfare programmes have created economic opportunities over the years, the role of scientific and technological interventions in improving the quality, sustainability, and resilience of livelihoods has often remained limited. Addressing this gap, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, has launched Mission सह-SANKALP (Science and Advanced Networks for Knowledge-driven Action for Livelihood Promotion), a national initiative aimed at integrating science and technology solutions with sustainable livelihood systems.
Mission सह-SANKALP represents a whole-of-government approach that seeks to connect research institutions, ministries, implementation agencies, innovators, and local communities through a common platform. The mission is aligned with the recommendations of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), which emphasised the need to use science, technology, and innovation (STI) interventions to strengthen sustainable livelihood systems and improve quality of life.
At its core, the mission aims to ensure that scientific knowledge and technological innovations move beyond laboratories and become practical tools for addressing on-ground challenges faced by communities. The initiative focuses particularly on rural and aspirational regions, where sustainable livelihood opportunities can significantly improve socio-economic conditions and strengthen resilience against poverty and climate-related vulnerabilities.
One of the key aspects of Mission सह-SANKALP is its emphasis on deployment-ready and demand-driven technologies. Instead of introducing technology in isolation, the mission seeks to understand the actual needs of implementing agencies and communities before identifying suitable interventions. This approach is expected to make scientific solutions more practical, adaptable, and scalable for real-world conditions.
The mission plans to pilot interventions across around 120 sites, including villages under programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) and selected Aspirational Blocks identified by NITI Aayog. These pilot initiatives are expected to create replicable models for technology-driven rural transformation. The broader objective is not only to improve livelihoods but also to build systemic resilience by addressing multiple dimensions of poverty through science-based solutions.
Mission सह-SANKALP also highlights the importance of coordination among different stakeholders. Several ministries and departments are participating in the initiative, including those associated with rural development, social justice, biotechnology, earth sciences, and micro, small and medium enterprises. By bringing together scientific institutions and implementation agencies, the mission aims to bridge the gap between innovation and field-level adoption.
An important resource developed under the mission is the Mission सह-SANKALP Resource Book, (https://psa.gov.in/CMS/web/sites/default/files/publication/SANKALP%20A%20resource%20book%20for%20empowering%20rural%20livelihood%20through%20Science%20and%20Technology_compressed.pdf ) which contains a curated collection of 357 ready-to-use science and technology interventions contributed by participating ministries and departments. The resource book is designed to make innovation more accessible and actionable. QR-code-based access to innovators and technologies further supports easier dissemination and adoption of solutions across regions.
The mission also places strong emphasis on evidence-based decision-making, technology requirement analysis, and capacity building. Dedicated efforts are being made to assess the feasibility of technologies, support pilot implementation, and facilitate wider adoption through coordination mechanisms and stakeholder engagement. The integration of local knowledge systems with scientific interventions is another significant component, recognising the importance of community participation and indigenous practices in sustainable development.
As part of its implementation strategy, Mission सह-SANKALP has also invited proposals under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) to promote STI-based livelihood interventions that can strengthen the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Caste communities. The initiative aligns with broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflects a growing focus on inclusive and equitable development through science and technology.
The launch of Mission सह-SANKALP comes at a time when India is increasingly leveraging innovation and emerging technologies to address developmental challenges. By creating stronger linkages between scientific research, policy frameworks, and grassroots implementation, the mission seeks to build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem that supports livelihood enhancement and community empowerment.
In the long run, Mission सह-SANKALP is expected to serve as an important platform for translating scientific advancements into practical societal impact. Through collaboration, technology deployment, and capacity building, the mission aims to contribute towards a more resilient, self-reliant, and sustainable rural economy in India.