(a) whether the Government proposes to set up more science
cities in the country including in the State of Kerala;
(b) if so, the details thereof, location-wise;
(c) the expenditure likely to be incurred thereon, city-wise; and
(d) the details of the eligibility criteria for setting up of such science cities?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (KUMARI SELJA)
(a) to (d): National Council of Science Museums, an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture is
responsible for establishment of Science Centres (including Science Cities) based on proposals received
from the concerned State Governments, subject to fulfillment of norms. No request has been received from
Government of Kerala for establishment of Science City in that State.
In the approved norms an estimated expenditure of Rs.50 crores is incurred for establishment of a Science
City. Other salient features of the approved norms are as under:-
i) The location of the Science City should be either a State Capital or an important city of the State having
a sizeable population of not less than 50 lakh inclusive its vicinity;
ii) While deciding location for a Science City, the primary concern shall be to ensure that it can draw at
least 10 lakh visitors per year;
iii) The new Science Cities are set up preferably only in those places where no major Science Centre exists.