Overview

• The five-year scheme allocates Rs 192 crore to establish centres in the remaining 23 districts and develop 28 new technology labs.
• The initiative is officially renamed for Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, who died on May 20 in Pune at age 86, in tribute to his cosmology research and science outreach.
• The programme supports NEP 2020 and Article 51A’s call for scientific temper by focusing on robotics, 3D printing, coding and inquiry-based learning for students across rural and urban areas.
• A dedicated professional team of curators, engineers and retired officials will oversee operations in collaboration with the Nehru Science Centre, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Muktangan Exploratory and Vigyan Ashram.
• Since their 2015 launch, existing SIACs have attracted 276,000 visitors, trained 2,728 teachers and involved nearly 61,000 students in experiential science activities.