Preparatory action has been taken to build up this centre which is designed to contribute to the process of sustainable rural development by enabling the rural community to become the leading partner in promoting scientific  transfer  and  use  of  technology  for  socio-

economic transformation, particularly for improving the quality of the rural population with special focus on the empowering of the weaker sections; especially women. For this purpose, working contacts have been established with the National Chemical Laboratory, Maharashtra Association for Cultivation of Science, and other such local and national organizations which can help spread science and technology for rural reconstruction. A special group of scientists name STRIDE will look after this centre.