(a) whether the Government have taken any steps to
popularize the science programme in the country;
(b) whether NCERT and NSCM have got any role in the
programme;
(c) if so, whether necessary structure for the purpose
like science park, energy park have been provided;
(d) if so, the details in this regard; and
(e) if not the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ( PROF. RITA VERMA )
(a): Yes, Sir. The Government is providing financial
assistance under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme -
‘Improvement of Science Education’ to States/UTs and
eligible Voluntary Organisations, to improve the quality of
science education and also scientific temper as envisaged
in the National Policy on Education, 1986. Government has
also set up a National Council for Science & Technology
Communications in 1982, with the objectives of popularizing
science & technology and stimulating scientific temper
amongst different sections of the population. The Council
has undertaken National campaigns such as Bharat Jan Vigyan
Jatha(1987), Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha(1992), Children’s
Science Congress(since 1993 - now in its 10th year) to
popularize science in urban and rural areas.
(b): The National Council for Educational Research and
Training has been pursuing the programme of popularization
of science through projects/programmes such as exhibitions,
publication of books/journal etc. The National Council of
Science Museums, Kolkata, an autonomous organisation
attached to the Deptt. of Culture has been set up with the
objective to popularise science and technology in cities,
urban and rural areas for the benefit of students and for
the common man and has been organising exhibitions,
seminars, popular lectures, science camps and various other
programmes.
(c) to (e) : NCERT is establishing a Science Park at
NCERT campus, New Delhi. So far 17 models have already
been installed in the Park. Instructions for each model to
guide the visitors are under preparation. The project is
an on-going one, in which the existing models will be
further improved and new models will be added from time to
time. The Department of Culture is also contemplating to
evolve norms for setting up of Science Cities in various
States. The Science Park is proposed to be one of the main
constituent of the Science City. The Science Park will be
developed to offer science education in a park environment
where learning will be through play, fun and enjoyment like
parabolic reflectors to carry voice to a large distance,
levers and pulleys to lift load easily. In addition, it
shall contain animals, water bodies with ducks and fishes,
cactus corner, green house etc.