(a) whether the Government proposes to develop science and technology demonstration centres in all districts to impart scientific temper among students and people;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the locations identified for the purpose;
(c) the benefits likely to accrue therefrom;
(d) whether any special science and technology projects/schemes are proposed in various States; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
(SHRI Y.S. CHOWDHARY)
(a) to (e): No, Madam. However, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has initiated “Hands-on STEM & Innovation Demonstration” programme. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and innovation demonstration activities comprise of Science fairs, melas, expositions, mobile science exhibitions, lecture-demonstrations, interactive media, visits to S&T establishments like labs and industry, motivational talks, hands-on-STEM activities, and so on. These events, whether stationary or mobile, including mobile science exhibitions, serve to utilize the expertise of resource persons trained/being trained by National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC). Different kinds of demonstrations on a variety of themes of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and also environment, health, medicine, etc. are held across the nation each year. The activities expose a large number of people to topical issues. There are also activities benefiting people related to S&T in daily life; S&T behind cutting-edge capabilities; and so on besides talks on career in S&T. Support is also extended across the nation for capacity building, scientific awareness and exposure on these realms including hands-on activities, science in toys & games, quizzes, solve a puzzle, mathematical games & activities, ask a good question, short design/redesign, spot-the-odd-one, draw a future, painting, presentations, etc., besides skits and street plays, e.g. nukkad natak, on select themes.
Moreover, proposals for establishment of Science Centres/Science Cities received from the State Govt./UTs are considered by National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) with approval of Ministry of Culture, GoI, based on the approved norms of the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPOCS) 2017 including land, commitment of fund, viability and feasibility study.
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