Maharashtra's government plans to expand its Science and Innovation Activity Centres (SIACs) across the state, renaming the initiative after astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Narlikar. This move, announced by IT and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, aims to establish Maharashtra as a leading science state in India
IT and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar. File Pic.
The Maharashtra government is set to expand its Science and Innovation Activity Centres (SIACs) across the state, naming the initiative after renowned astrophysicist Dr Jayant Narlikar, Minister Ashish Shelar announced on Thursday, reported news agency PTI.
The initiative aims to position Maharashtra as a science-forward state within India, the IT and Cultural Affairs Minister stated in the legislative assembly.
The centres, originally launched by the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission (RGSTC) in 2015, are currently operational at six locations across the state.
Meanwhile, under the new plan, an additional 23 districts will receive SIACs, alongside 28 new technology labs, over the next five years. The state anticipates an expenditure of approximately Rs 192 crore for this initiative, Shelar said, reported PTI.
"The government will expand the SIACs across the state and name the initiative after Dr Jayant Narlikar," he confirmed.
Eminent astrophysicist Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, who gained international acclaim for the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity, passed away in Pune on May 20th at the age of 86.
Moreover, a reknowned figure in Indian science, Dr Narlikar was widely recognised for his pioneering contributions to cosmology, his efforts to popularise science, and for establishing premier research institutions in the country.
"Promoting scientific temper is a fundamental duty under the Indian Constitution. These centres aim to ignite the curiosity and innovation among school students and society at large," Shelar stated.
Moreover, the programme is designed to support the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by focusing on STEM education, hands-on learning, robotics, 3D printing, coding, and scientific skill development.
According to PTI, Even rural students will also benefit from equal access to modern scientific tools and mentorship, the minister added.
Meanwhile, the existing centres have already seen significant participation, with 2.76 lakh visitors, 2,728 teachers trained, and nearly 61,000 students involved in activity-based programmes, he said.
Additionally, the centres are currently functional in Warananagar, Pravaranagar, Amravati, Satara, Baramati, and Devrukh, with work underway in Nanded, Akola, and Parbhani, the minister confirmed.
The centres are being developed in collaboration with institutions such as the Nehru Science Centre, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Muktangan Exploratory, and Vigyan Ashram, and will be operated in partnership with capable educational institutions, he said, reported PTI.
A dedicated professional team, including curators, engineers, and retired officials, will be appointed for effective implementation and oversight, Shelar added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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