The very objective of establishing the Science and Technology Councils in various states and union territories of the country was to promote research and development, identification of technologies and creating scientific awareness as per local needs. Looking at this primary objective, the Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC) was established in the year 1987 under the Science & Technology Department of the Government of Assam with the objectives to formulate S&T policies, formulate and execute S&T programmes and schemes, promotion of R&D in the field of Science, Technology & Environment, advise deferent state’s departments and public bodies in the field of science, technology & environment and create scientific awareness.

Since its inception, ASTEC has been trying to build a scientific environment through its various initiatives such as promoting R&D works in various research laboratories and educational institutions, promotion of S&T entrepreneurs’ development, identification appropriate technology and their demonstrations, various scientific awareness and environmental conservation and education programmes, using remote sensing technology for natural resources managements, etc. through its three divisions, viz. Science & Technology, Environment and Assam Remote Sensing Application Centre.

One of the big challenges before the scientific community now is to attract the brilliant students to the field of basic scientific research. In recent times a big void has been created in scientific brilliance in various reputed research institutions of the country. Inappropriate science teaching at school level, availability of more lucrative avenues, lack of proper appreciation of the hard work of the scientists, etc. may be some of the many reasons for reluctance of the brilliant students to take up basic science as career. Considering the urgent need to promote basic science, ASTEC has decided to take up comprehensive orientation of the science teachers of the state, in phases, with a well thought out module to make science teaching more attractive, methodical and need based. ASTEC is also in the process of establishing one Science Centre in the name of Aryabhatta Science Centre (ASC) in every development block of the state.  ASCs will be an important mean for continuous improvement in science education at schools.

At present ASTEC has taken initiative to prepare an S&T Vision Document for the State of Assam and consultations with the practicing scientific community has already been started. The document will cover all the sectors of science, technology and environment giving specific goal to fulfill the local S&T needs. The document will take a final shape in the State Vision Council constituted by the State Science & Technology Department. Once the State Vision Document is ready, we will be able to take up scientific programmes in the state with identified priorities and specific goals.

Recently the Government of Assam has initiated various schemes and programmes to promote S&T in the state in a big way. Establishment of a Biotechnology Park, two more planetariums, few more Science Centres, etc. are some of such new initiatives.

All these initiatives will be meaningful only through participation of entire scientific community, non-governmental organizations and people in general.