The Government has said that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed and operationalised a wide range of space-based applications to benefit all sections of society, including the welfare of the Scheduled Caste community.
Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
The Minister said that key space application areas include satellite-based Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, crop acreage and production forecasting, agrometeorological advisories for farmers, crop insurance support, geospatial support for flagship government programmes, tele-education, telemedicine, the Vessel Communication and Support System, and disaster management support.
Mr. Singh noted that ISRO has established robust awareness and capacity-building programmes to promote the use of space technology for societal, governance, and disaster management purposes, enabling decision-makers to operate effectively at the grassroots level.
He added that these initiatives are designed to be inclusive and accessible to targeted beneficiaries across the country.
The Minister further said that the benefits of Earth observation, satellite communication, and navigation applications, particularly in terms of improved connectivity and navigation services, are reaching SC farmers, students, and disaster-prone regions within satellite coverage areas.
He also highlighted that the Department has undertaken several measures to ensure the inclusive use of space technology, including the implementation of flagship initiatives such as Digital India, the BharatNet Programme, the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and the PM e-VIDYA scheme for tele-education.
