CHENNAI: In an initiative to uplift the SC/ST communities in underdeveloped districts, the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) has undertaken a project to map livelihood gaps and introduce science and technology-based interventions across districts such as Theni, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Villupuram, and Kallakurichi.
The project, which combined both quantitative and qualitative data, involved proportional random sampling and interviews using a structured questionnaire.
It aimed to identify key issues affecting income, employment stability, and access to resources among rural SC/ST households.
Based on the findings, specific training and technology-based livelihood interventions were designed to enhance their income and ensure sustainable employment opportunities.
For instance, in Ramanathapuram, where fishing communities face unemployment during the breeding season, the council has introduced training on value-added fish products, artificial pearls and the installation of cold storage units.
In Theni and Dindigul, where agricultural labourers struggle with irregular work and low wages, training on dairy farming, poultry rearing, and production of biopesticides and organic manure has been provided.
Similarly, tribal populations in the hilly regions of Kodaikanal have received support for beekeeping and wild garlic value-addition, while villagers in Villupuram and Kallakurichi have been trained in millet-based food processing, organic farming, and drought-resistant crop cultivation.
The project also addresses unemployment among educated youth and women, offering training in electronics servicing, desktop publishing, tailoring, embroidery, and traditional crafts to promote entrepreneurship.
According to officials, the council initially proposed 20 training programmes to benefit 500 individuals.
However, due to the overwhelming response, it implemented 78 training sessions, covering 2,294 SC/ST beneficiaries across multiple districts.
“We have been working on this project for the last two years and now it has yielded desired results. It’s an ongoing project and will continue to help the SC/ST community in enhancing their sources of income through skill development, appropriate technology adoption, and local resource-based entrepreneurship,” said S Vincent, member secretary of TNSCST.
The council has been implementing the project with support of the local higher educational institutions, officials said.