Question : DHRUV Learning Programme

(a) whether the Government has recently launched the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme DHRUV, if so, the details including its aims and objectives and the guidelines issued in this regard;

(b) whether the State Governments have been consulted in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has fixed any criteria for selection of outstanding students for the said programme and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the number of students shortlisted for the programme this year and the funds allocated for the purpose; and

(e) whether the innovative ideas developed by the students are likely to be used by the Government under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and if so, the details thereof along with the other steps taken by the Government to encourage talented students to enrich their skills and knowledge?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL ‘NISHANK’)

(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 18* FOR 18TH NOVEMBER, 2019 ASKED BY SHRI BALLI DURGA PRASAD RAO AND SHRIMATI SANDHYA RAY REGARDING DHRUV LEARNING PROGRAMME

(a) to (e) Yes Sir. The Government has recently launched the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme- DHRUV to mentor and nurture talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge so that they can realise their full potential and contribute to society. The programme was launched on 10th October, 2019 at ISRO, Bengaluru with active participation of State Governments.
Selection of 30 students of Science group and 30 students of Performing Arts group has been made by an Advisory Committee headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor in consultation with the Department of Science and Technology, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT), Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) and Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture. An estimated amount of Rs. 3.98 Crore has been allocated for the purpose this year.

All the 60 students were selected from among the students selected under various competitions/examinations i.e. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)- Manak, Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), Science Olympiad, Mathematics Olympiad, Kala Utsav and Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme etc.
During the 14 days programme, structured activities were carried out for students of Performing Arts group at National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi and for students of Science group at IIT-Delhi and during evenings, combined activities for both groups were organised. The students were mentored and nurtured by renowned mentors from IIT- Delhi, Atal Innovation Mission, NCERT, CCRT etc.

During the valedictory function on 23rd October, 2019, projects of science groups on carbon dioxide sequestration, design and fabrication of nanoscale devices, design and fabrication of novel and affordable particulate matter (PM 2.5) and carbon dioxide sensors were demonstrated by the students. Students from the Performing Arts group presented cultural performances and a joint choir of all 60 students was also presented.
***