Fazilka, January 21: The Punjab Government’s Punjab State Council for Science and Technology has launched a new initiative to empower grassroots innovators (innovation at the ground level). Under this initiative, applications are being sought from individuals who have made new discoveries related to new products and processes. Those whose innovations can address the needs or challenges of individuals or society are invited to apply. This information was provided by Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, IAS.
The Deputy Commissioner mentioned that selected innovators will be awarded a cash prize of up to ₹1 lakh, and they will be given an opportunity to showcase their technology at the national and state levels. Intellectual property protection will be ensured, and coordination will be provided to enhance authentication and scalability. She stated that farmers, students (from schools, colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, or diploma holders), self-employed individuals like artisans and mechanics, homemakers, industrial workers, and anyone from rural or urban areas can apply. Applications can be submitted online through the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJhGSLY_jcDd8tatFfjwTiXH3spET923XH7Z3BFeH4rFc-7Q/viewform?usp=send_form.
She further mentioned that in the last two years, the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology has been consistently working to empower grassroots innovators in Punjab. Over the past two years, more than 1,000 innovations have been identified at the grassroots level, out of which 16 selected innovators have been honored at state-level events. This initiative is being implemented with the support of the National Innovation Foundation, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. For more information, Dr. Alkeesh, Principal Scientific Officer, Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, can be contacted via email at alkesh.kandoria@punjab.gov.in. She appealed to the people of the district who have made innovations for the benefit of society to apply for this initiative.