PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun Uttarakhand’s Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2026 is the foundation for a strong building based on science and technology. Stating this, Vikasnagar MLA Munna Singh Chauhan said that chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has the courage and conviction to take and execute decisions like the introduction of STIP. He said, “Science and scientific temper are important in every field- it is about critical thinking. Critical thinking is about searching for evidence and like there can be no science without evidence, no modern-day development is possible sans evidence. It is important that scientific temper must extend beyond the classrooms and become integrated with our lifestyle.” Referring to the geographic and cultural diversity of Uttarakhand, Chauhan spoke about the challenges being faced in the Himalayan State. He said that access is difficult in a large part of Uttarakhand and in such a situation, scientists, educators and innovators can play an important role in ensuring how to reach out to a person in the remote area. Uttarakhand has already taken steps to capitalise on science and technology to fill gaps. “The State government has already taken concrete steps to integrate the latest technology by facilitating services like telemedicine and teleradiology to provide medical health services especially in areas where accessibility to such facilities is difficult,” he said. The MLA also expressed confidence that the State is going to take a lead in the sphere of science, technology and innovation under Dhami’s leadership.