Question : Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programmes

(a) the sectors in which the talents of children are being enriched under the Pradhan Mantri innovative Learning Programme;
(b) the number of children selected under the said programme so far;
(c) the class upto which the said programme is beneficial for the children and whether the Government proposes to include more sectors under this programme and if so, the details thereof;
(d) the criteria for selection of the children, under the programme, and
(e) the details of the term of such programme and the activities covered under the said programme?

MINISTER OF EDUCATION

(SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL ‘NISHANK’)

(a) to (e) The Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme – DHRUV in 2019 to nurture identified talented children from across the country. The gifted and talented students were mentored in Science and Performing Arts to enrich their skills and knowledge so that they can realize their full potential and contribute to society. Under this Programme 30 students of Science group and 30 students of Performing Arts group have been selected from class 9 to 12.

The selection was carried out on the basis of meritorious performance in 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. Their selection was 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.

During the fourteen days programme the students of science group were mentored by various experts at IIT Delhi in individual group wise projects on carbon sequestration, design and fabrication of nanoscale devices and affordable particulate matter (PM 2.5 etc.) sensors and the students of performing arts group were mentored by various experts from Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Sangeet Natak Academy etc. at National Bal Bhavan on various activities like classical music and dance.
***