The Main objectives of the state Council

To maintain liaison between Government of India and the State Government and to initiate, direct and co-ordinate research activities of Government Departments, Universities and other professional Bodies with a view to aid development of Scientific Research in the State.

To identify areas for the applications of Science and Technology to the development needs, objectives and goals of Tamil Nadu, and in particular, to the prevailing conditions of backwardness, rural, unemployment and poverty.

To advise Government on the formulation of policies and measures including technical, administrative and legal devices which will promote such application to identified needs, objectives and goals - in particular to health, education and manpower utilization with special emphasis on the development of human skills in the rural areas and in the slums, and which will promote the scientific management of the natural resources of the State.

To promote effective co-ordination and to develop and foster communication and other links between centres of scientific and technological research, Government agencies, farms and industries so that promising Research and Development work is initiated, promoted and effectively deployed in agricultural industry, in Government and elsewhere.

To initiate, support and coordinate fundamental and applied research programmes in universities. Tamil Nadu Academy of Sciences and other Scientific, academic and professional bodies in areas identified to be specially suitable for the Application of Science and Technology.

To prepare Science and Technology plans relevant to the development needs of the state and to integrate these plans with the Annual Plans of the State.

To consider, and advise Government on such other matters as are relevant to the application of Science and Technology to the problems of the State of Tamil Nadu.

To interact with the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Cabinet of the Government of India.

To promote Popularization of Science and Technology among the public by way of organizing Awareness Programmes, Training Programmes, Exhibitions, Seminars and Lectures including Audio Visual Presentation and such other activities independently and through voluntary agencies.

As per the Memorandum of Association, the state Council is headed by the president who is the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu or his/her nominee.

The State Council has for the organizational purposes a Governing body named General Council. The General Council consists of 30 members representing the Government, Scientific Research and Development Institutions, Industries, Bankers, Extension Services and Consumer Interests. The list of the members of the General Council is furnished in the ANNEXURE II. One of the members of the Council is nominated as the Vice-President.

The administration and management of the affairs of the Council are looked after by its executive committee which consists of the Vice President, six scientists/ Technologists/ Administrators representing different interests nominated by the Government of Tamilnadu,, three Ex-officio members (Government representatives) and the Member Secretary. The Government nominates the Chairman of the Executive Committee. The Vice-President is the chairman of the Executive committee.

The Schemes and Programmes of the council aim at development of Science and Technology infrastructure, manpower, research and development. Apart from these the council devotes sizable part of its funding to popularisation of Science and Technology. This particular effort has manifested in organising and supporting many Science popularisation activities particularily through Non-Governmental organisations. Adoption of Young Student Scientist Programme being implemented by the council, has identified and encouraged development of Young Students. The council organises National Childrens Science Congress (NCSC) along with an NGO, the Tamilnadu Science Forum.