Uttarakhand STI Policy 2026 Focus on Mountain Disaster Management
Source:dd-india ↗
Why It Matters
State-level policies on science, technology, and innovation are crucial for the UKPSC PCS Prelims as they frequently feature in questions regarding state organizations (such as UCOST), regional development schemes, disaster management, and educational infrastructure in Uttarakhand.
Summary
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the 'Uttarakhand Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026' (STI Policy-2026) to steer the state towards a knowledge-driven, research-oriented, and innovation-based economy. Officially released by the Department of Information Technology, Good Governance, and Science & Technology, the policy focuses on integrating science with everyday life, disaster management, agriculture, education, healthcare, and governance. The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), led by Director General Prof. Durgesh Pant, acts as the nodal agency. Key components of the policy include a State-Level Coordination Committee to set up STI units across departments, digital archiving of public-funded research, access to journals under the 'One Nation, One Subscription' initiative, and establishing a centralized 'Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory'. Additionally, the state plans to build Science Cities, Planetariums, AI labs, and Teaching-Learning Centres aligned with the National Education Policy, with a strong focus on emerging technologies and inclusive participation.
Key Points
- The Department of Information Technology, Good Governance, and Science & Technology officially released the Uttarakhand Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026 (STI Policy-2026) under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
- The policy aims to transition Uttarakhand into a knowledge-driven, research-oriented, and innovation-based economy by integrating science and technology with good governance, disaster management, healthcare, agriculture, and employment.
- A State-Level Coordination Committee will be established to create Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) units across government departments, PSUs, private companies, and startups, overseen by a state-level advisory body.
- Data generated from publicly funded research projects will be digitally archived, and stakeholders will gain access to scientific journals via the central government's 'One Nation, One Subscription' initiative.
- To foster scientific interest and infrastructure, the policy plans the establishment of Science Cities, Science Centres, Planetariums, Atal Tinkering Labs, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratories, Astronomy Observation Associations, and Centres of Excellence across the state.
- State-of-the-art Teaching-Learning Centres will be established in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) to enhance teachers' capabilities.
- Special emphasis is placed on emerging technologies such as AI, Blockchain, Robotics, Drones, AR/VR/MR, space technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and disaster management.
- The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), headed by Director General Prof. Durgesh Pant, serves as the nodal agency for implementing the policy and promoting science across the state.
- The policy prioritizes inclusive and equitable participation by ensuring equal opportunities for women, rural and remote area residents, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities.
Important Terms
One Nation, One Subscription initiative
A central sector scheme approved in 2024 to provide country-wide, single-payment digital access to over 13,000 international scholarly journals and databases for academic and government R&D institutions in India.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Governance) & GS Paper III (S&T); tests knowledge of digital governance and research accessibility initiatives.
Uttarakhand Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026
A state policy released in 2026 aiming to transform Uttarakhand into a knowledge-driven economy by integrating traditional Himalayan knowledge with modern technologies like AI, drones, and mountain-centric disaster management frameworks.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (S&T/Disaster Management); tests state-level policy approaches to technological development, ecological conservation, and regional innovation.
Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST)
An autonomous body established in November 2002 under the Department of Information Technology, Good Governance, and Science & Technology, serving as the nodal agency to promote scientific research, environmental conservation, and technology-driven development in Uttarakhand.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (S&T and Environment); tests knowledge of state-level institutions implementing environmental research and regional technology development.
Survey of India
Established in 1767, it is India's oldest scientific department and national mapping agency under the Department of Science and Technology, responsible for geodetic control, topographic mapping, and demarcation of external boundaries.
UPSC context
GS Paper I (Geography) and GS Paper III (Internal Security); tests understanding of cartography, national boundaries, and geospatial policy.
National Education Policy
A comprehensive national framework (with the latest iteration in 2020) designed to transform India's educational system, promoting multi-disciplinary learning, early childhood care, research-driven education, and vocational training.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Social Justice/Education); tests critical awareness of national educational reforms and research promotion in schools.
Atmanirbhar Uttarakhand
A state developmental vision aimed at achieving economic self-reliance by promoting indigenous technology development, localizing industrial solutions, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern innovation tailored to Himalayan state priorities.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Economic Development/State Policies); tests state-level initiatives promoting self-reliance and sustainable regional growth models.
Prelims Trap
The Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) is implemented under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
SPoCS is actually a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture, implemented by the National Council of Science Museums, making the ministry association a frequent trap.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the 'One Nation, One Subscription' (ONOS) initiative?
- Core Objective: Aims to provide country-wide access to high-impact international scientific journals for all government-funded research and academic institutions.
- Nodal Coordinator: Coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Centre, an autonomous inter-university centre of the UGC.
What is the Survey of India and its mandate?
- Historical Origin: Established in 1767, it is India's oldest scientific department and serves as the national survey and mapping organization.
- Administrative Control: Operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and is headquartered in Dehradun.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Mountain ecology + Disaster risk mitigation
Linking regional STI policies with the Sendai Framework highlights how state-specific drone and AI deployment mitigates Himalayan landslide risks.
Federal science policy + Educational equity
State-level STI policies aligning with central initiatives like ONOS and NEP 2020 show how cooperative federalism helps bridge the rural-urban digital divide.
2026 Prelims may test the odd pairing of the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) with its parent Ministry of Culture.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following is incorrectly matched about Central Government Institutes located in Uttarakhand?
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Headquarters of which of the following is located in Dehradun, the Capital of Uttarakhand ?
- 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below : Statement 1 : The State Council for Climate Change (SCCC) of Uttarakhand was established in the year 2011. Statement 2 : The responsibility of preparing Uttarakhand Action Plan on Climate Change (UAPCC) was given to the State Revenue Department.
