Question : Setting up of Model Science Labs

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up model science labs across the country to inculcate scientific temperament among students and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the number of districts that are to be covered for setting up model science labs in the first phase, State-wise;
(c) whether this programme will be conducted through intervention of existing programmes such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan programmes and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether IT giants such as Google and Intel are likely to be roped in this mission and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether Government also proposes to launch phase II of the programme targeting the higher education sector and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) The Central Government has launched the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA), a convergent framework across SSA, RMSA and Higher Education which aims to encourage children towards learning Science and Mathematics and to develop a sense of curiosity and interest in inside and outside classroom activities related to Science and Mathematics. One of the interventions under RAA is strengthening of school Science and Mathematics laboratories.

(b) Under RAA framework, there is no such target fixed. RAA framework provides for strengthening of School Science laboratories based on set standards. The Higher Education institutions which will act as mentoring institutions to the schools can help and guide State Governments/UTs and schools to build appropriate and modern science laboratories.

(c) Yes, Madam. Listed activities/components of Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan, including strengthening of Science Laboratories would be funded under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. In case of collaborative initiatives with Ministry of Science and Technology and Department of Higher Education institutions, funds would be pooled with their schemes and norms.

(d) Intel has shown interest for building technological capacities of girl children and Google has planned the ‘Code to learn’ contest.

(e) The RAA framework already has a provision for involvement of Higher Education Sector as mentoring institutions for the neighbourhood schools to improve student engagement through Science and Mathematics activities in these schools.
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