Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Science and Technology addressed Lok Sabha Question No. 1773 on July 30, 2025, regarding the Strengthening, Upscaling Nurturing Local Innovations for Livelihood (SUNIL) program. The response details project proposals received from Andhra Pradesh, support provided to Knowledge Institutions (KIs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), funds allocated and disbursed, and impact assessments of the scheme. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) implements the SUNIL program through its Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division.
Key Points / Main Content:
Project Proposals from Andhra Pradesh:
* DST received 40 project proposals from Andhra Pradesh under the SUNIL program during March-April 2025.
* These proposals are currently under evaluation.
Support to KIs and NGOs:
* 7 KIs and 7 NGOs have received support under the SUNIL program in the last five years.
* State-wise details of implementing agencies and funds disbursed are provided, including amounts for 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Funds Allocation and Utilisation:
* A total of Rs. 610.84 Lakhs has been disbursed for project implementation.
* Implementing agencies have utilized Rs. 529.14 Lakhs.
Impact Assessment:
* Projects are monitored through Annual Performance Reviews, Group Monitoring Workshops, and Field Visits.
* Preliminary feedback indicates positive outcomes in capacity building, skill enhancement of Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
* Enhanced livelihood opportunities, income diversification, adoption of efficient technologies, and support to grassroots innovations were observed.
Impact Analysis:
Implementing Agencies (KIs and NGOs):
* Impact: Responsible for implementing projects under the SUNIL program, receiving funding, and participating in monitoring and evaluation activities.
* Action Required: Continue project implementation, utilize disbursed funds effectively, participate in performance reviews and monitoring, and provide feedback on project outcomes.
Department of Science and Technology (DST):
* Impact: Oversees the implementation of the SUNIL program through the SEED Division, evaluates project proposals, disburses funds, and monitors project progress.
* Action Required: Continue evaluating proposals from Andhra Pradesh, disburse funds to selected projects, conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of projects, and incorporate feedback into program design.
EWS Communities:
* Impact: Intended beneficiaries of the SUNIL program, expected to benefit from capacity building, skill enhancement, livelihood opportunities, and improved socio-economic conditions.
* Action Required: Participate actively in project activities, utilize skills and knowledge gained through the program, and adopt new technologies and practices to improve livelihoods.
Key Entities Referenced
Strengthening, Upscaling Nurturing Local Innovations for Livelihood SUNIL programme: A scheme implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through its Science for Equity, Empowerment Development (SEED) Division, aimed at strengthening and upscaling local innovations for livelihood enhancement.
Department of Science and Technology DST: A department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, responsible for implementing the SUNIL programme.
Science for Equity, Empowerment Development SEED Division: A division within the Department of Science and Technology (DST) that implements the SUNIL programme.
State of Andhra Pradesh: An Indian state from which 40 project proposals were received under the SUNIL programme.
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: City in Uttar Pradesh where Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group is located, an implementing Knowledge Institution (KI) for the SUNIL programme.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: City in Uttar Pradesh where Banaras Hindu University is located, an implementing Knowledge Institution (KI) for the SUNIL programme.
New Delhi, Delhi: City in Delhi where Society For Development Alternatives is located, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) supported under the SUNIL scheme.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1773
ANSWERED ON 30/07/2025
STRENGTHENING, UPSCALING & NURTURING LOCAL INNOVATIONS FOR
LIVELIHOOD SCHEME
1773. SHRI KESINENI SIVANATH:
Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has received any project proposals from the
State of Andhra Pradesh under the Strengthening, Upscaling & Nurturing Local
Innovations for Livelihood (SUNIL) programme, if so, the details thereof
including status of approval or implementation;
(b) the details of the number of Knowledge Institutions (KIs) and Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that have received support under the
SUNIL scheme during the last five years, State-wise;
(c) the total funds allocated and disbursed under the SUNIL programme
during the last five years, Year and State-wise, along with details of utilisation
by the implementing agencies;
(d) whether any impact assessment of the said scheme has been conducted
to measure its outcomes on livelihood enhancement and socio-economic
upliftment of EWS communities; and
(e) if so, the key findings thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी तथा पथ्ृ िी विज्ञान मंत्रालय के राज्य मंत्री (स्ितंत्र प्रभार)
(डॉ. जितेंद्र स हं )
(a) Yes. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), through its
Science for Equity, Empowerment & Development (SEED) Division, implements
the Strengthening, Upscaling & Nurturing Innovations for Livelihood (SUNIL)
programme. DST received 40 proposals from State of Andhra Pradesh under the
recent ‘Call for proposal’ launched during March-April, 2025. The proposals
received under the call are being evaluated as per the extant process of the
Department.
(b) to (c): Under SUNIL programme, 7 Knowledge Institutions (KI) and 7
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as project implementation partners
have been supported during the last five years. The details of state-wise
Page 1 of 2implementing agencies and funds disbursed under the SUNIL programme are as
under:
Amount Released (Rs. in
Lakhs)
S. No. State Name Implementing KI & NGO
2024- State wise
2023-24
25 Total
1. Gorakhpur Environmental Action
Uttar Group, Gorakhpur
1. 85.95 - 85.95
Pradesh 2. Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi
1. Society For Development
Alternatives, New Delhi
2. Delhi 64.89608 74.00 138.896
2. Indian Institute of Education,
Pune
1. People's Science Institute,
3. Uttarakhand Dehradun 93.975 - 93.975
2. ICAR KVK, Dhanauri, Haridwar
1. Vigyan Ashram, Pune
4. Maharashtra 2. Savitribai Phule Pune 53.6253 40.00 93.6253
University, Pune
1. University of Agricultural
Sciences, Dharwad
5. Karnataka 2. Society for Community 62.3332 - 62.3332
Participation & Empowerment,
Dharwad
1. N B Institute of Rural
6. Tripura Technology (NBIRT), Tripura 77.42759 26.00 103.428
2. Visva Bharti University, Tripura
1. Maharana Pratap University of
Agriculture and Technology,
7. Rajasthan Udaipur 20.00 12.64 32.64
2. Consumer Unity and Trust
Society (CUTS), Jaipur
DST disbursed an amount of Rs. 610.84Lakhs till date for implementation of
these projects and Rs.529.14 Lakhs was utilized by implementing agencies.
(d) to (e): The projects supported under SUNIL programme are monitored
regularly through Annual Performance Review, Group Monitoring Workshops
and Field Visits to assess the progress and outcomes. Preliminary feedback
from Expert Committee, Implementing Institutions & Principal Investigators
indicates positive outcomes and impact in terms of capacity building and skill
enhancement of EWS. Review further suggests enhanced livelihoods
opportunities, income diversification via agri-tech & poultry, bamboo, water-
efficient agriculture, adoption of ergonomically efficient technologies, support
to grassroots innovations & sustainable S&T based rural enterprises in
implemented areas.
*****
Page 2 of 2