Meghalaya Minister Alexander Laloo Hek met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh to discuss strengthening science, technology and innovation interventions for tribal communities in the Northeastern region. The meeting focused on expanding Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to support holistic development of Scheduled Tribe communities through technology-enabled livelihood support. Officials discussed modalities for deeper outreach and engagement with community networks.

The DST initiative aims to address last-mile delivery and adoption of technology in tribal regions through partnerships between scientific institutions, local stakeholders and community networks. The Department has established 53 STI Hubs across states and union territories, including tribal and Northeastern regions, to link scientific innovation with community development and livelihood generation. Discussions examined how hubs can promote grassroots innovation, capacity building and locally relevant technology deployment.

The Union Minister emphasised that the Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to ensure science and technology benefits reach remote, tribal and underserved regions and that innovation-driven initiatives can transform livelihood opportunities, skill development, entrepreneurship and quality of life. He encouraged greater participation from Northeastern states in the STI Hub initiative and proposed that detailed proposals and programme components be examined with DST officials for future collaboration and expansion. The meeting reviewed potential programme components and next steps.

Alexander Laloo Hek highlighted Meghalaya's potential for innovation-led community development and sought stronger institutional linkages between central scientific bodies and local stakeholders to increase outreach. The Ministers agreed to pursue follow-up consultations and practical measures to deepen engagement and to explore technical assistance, training and demonstration projects aligned with local needs. Hek invited the Union Minister to visit Meghalaya in connection with upcoming public welfare and development initiatives.