Considering the gradual decline in the interest level of young students to pursue careers in the field of S & T in the country, there is a pressing need to strengthen STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) education by creating additional infrastructure for hands-on and engaging activities, especially in non-formal mode of education. There is also a need to have an adequate level of awareness of science and technology in society.
The successive science policies of the Government of India have emphasised the popularisation and awareness of science and technology and creation of infrastructure for activity-based learning for the masses, especially the young generation. There is also a need to broaden the knowledge base of the people on science, technology and current global issues for sustainable development of the society and considered decision making. Since India has to progress in the knowledge economy era, it has to develop an innovative society through creation of facilities for engagement, creativity and innovation.
Furthermore, India is going to have a youth population of around 60-65% by 2020 and the future rests on its ability to harness their creative potential. There is a growing need to develop a culture of innovation and problem solving skills amongst the youth to enable them to engineer solutions in food, water, healthcare access, education and affordable housing; and find environment friendly energy sources. These solutions which are important to benefit a large section of society will be crucial for bridging the widening disparity in the country. A strong innovation eco-system is very important for creating an innovation society which facilitates the birth of new ideas and also provide platforms for the successful exploitation of these ideas.
Development of Science Cities/ Science Centres and Innovation Hubs in different parts of the country has been a focus area of activities of Ministry of Culture. National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous organization of Ministry of Culture is the implementing agency to set up science cities/centres and Innovation Hubs.
Science City
A Science City is aimed to be a popular tourist attraction of the location. It provides an experiment based immersive learning ambience to inculcate a spirit of inquiry, foster creative talent and create scientific temper in the community as a whole. It is characterised by its two pronged channel of communication - exhibits and activities. While the exhibits, both indoor and outdoor, are mostly interactive, the demonstrations and training programmes are also fully participatory and help children and the adults alike to learn the basics of science through fun and enjoyment. It will be large in dimension with a focus in frontier areas of Science and Technology and edutainment and shall be financially self-sustainable. It shall be conceptualized in such a manner that it is attractive and useful to students, families, tourist and general public. It will use state-of-the-art communication tools and technology in its presentation.
Science Centre
A Science Centre provides the scope of doing science' adopting a hands-on approach for which it offers to the visitor a number of experimental options through which they can discover the scientific concept themselves. Such mode of education has so far proved to be very effective in supplementing formal science education in our country.
Innovation Hubs
Innovation Hubs would be co-located in the existing Science Cities/Science Centres, science museums and non-formal educational institutions that promote creativity & inspire innovations. This co-location would not only promote more effective utilization of these centres, but would redefine their usage and role in fostering problem solving and project based learning and provide hands on / practical learning and engagement in the process of science, technology and innovation. The hubs would serve as springboards for new ideas and innovation and thus helping the society and economy to face future challenges and meet rising aspirations of the growing population.
The Science City/Science Centre will have primarily the following objectives:
The Innovation Hub will have primarily the following objectives:
I. Population:
Sr. No. |
Category |
Location |
1. |
Science City |
To be located preferably in those places where no major Science Centre exists. However, in locations where footfall to the science centre is substantial the science centre could be upgraded to a Science City or a separate Science City could be set up in State capitals or the largest city of the State provided that the Science City is viable and financially self-sustainable. |
2. |
Science Centre (Category-I) |
To be located in a city/town with a population of 15 lakhs or more. |
3. |
Science Centre (Category-II) |
To be located in a city/town with a population between 5 and 15 lakhs. |
4. |
Science Centre (Category-III) |
To be located in a city/town/locations with a population less than 5 lakhs. |
5. |
Innovation Hubs |
To be preferably co-located in the existing Science Cities/Science Centres, science museums, non-formal education institutions that promote creativity & inspire innovations. |
II. Land:
Sr. No. |
Category |
Area required |
Remarks |
1. |
Science City |
At least 25 acres of; However to do justice to exhibits, facilities especially those requiring open spaces and future expansion 30 acres would be preferable. Minimum 7 acres |
Preferably centrally located, easily accessible, fully developed, without any lowlying area and of fairly regular shape, secured (with boundary wall) without any encumbrances
|
2. |
Science Centre (Category-I) |
Minimum 7 acres |
-do- |
3. |
Science Centre (Category-II) |
Minimum 5.0 acres For NE region, hilly terrains and island territories. 2.5 to 3.0 acres will be acceptable provided the land is having good vicinity & accessibility. |
-do- |
4. |
Science Centre (Category-III) |
Minimum 2.0 acres |
-do- |
5. |
Innovation Hub |
Minimum 1.0 acres |
To be preferably co-located in the existing Science Cities/Science Centres, science museums, non-formal education institutions that promote creativity & inspire innovations.
|
III. Project Cost
a. Science City
Location |
Capital Cost |
Corpus Fund |
Total Project Cost |
All locations (other than NER including Sikkim, Hilly Terrain and Island territories) |
147.00 |
44.00 |
191.00 |
NER including Sikkim |
177.00 |
53.00 |
230.00 |
Hilly Terrain and Island Territories other than location in NER including Sikkim |
177.00 |
53.00 |
230.00 |
Location |
Capital Cost |
Corpus Fund |
Total Project Cost |
All locations (other than NER including Sikkim, Hilly Terrain and Island territories) |
23.00 |
7.00 |
30.00 |
NER including Sikkim |
27.60 |
8.40 |
36.00 |
Hilly Terrain and Island Territories other than location in NER including Sikkim |
27.60 |
8.40 |
36.00 |
Location |
Capital Cost |
Corpus Fund |
Total Project Cost |
All locations (other than NER including Sikkim, Hilly Terrain and Island territories) |
11.70 |
3.50 |
15.20 |
NER including Sikkim |
14.00 |
4.20 |
18.20 |
Hilly Terrain and Island Territories other than location in NER including Sikkim |
14.00 |
4.20 |
18.20 |
Location |
Capital Cost |
Corpus Fund |
Total Project Cost |
All locations (other than NER including Sikkim, Hilly Terrain and Island territories) |
2.70 |
0.80 |
3.50 |
NER including Sikkim |
3.25 |
1.00 |
4.25 |
Hilly Terrain and Island Territories other than location in NER including Sikkim |
3.25 |
1.00 |
4.25 |
Location |
Capital Cost |
Recurring Cost for 3 years (@ 0.20) |
Total Project Cost |
All locations |
1.80* |
0.60 |
2.40 |
The funding pattern of Science Cities, Science Centres and Innovation Hubs will be variable. Funds will be provided as per the three categories discussed below:
The Science Cities/Science Centres/Innovation hubs set up under the scheme shall be monitored on the basis of the following Outcome Evaluation indicators:
Science Centres/Cities:
The science centres/cities should strive to achieve the following over a period of 5 years from opening:
Innovation Hubs:
After opening, the innovation hubs should strive to achieve the following:
In addition, the IHs should also strive to:
State Governments/Union Territories and the Societies / Authorities promoted by the State/UT Govts. for the purpose of Science City/Science Centre/Innovation hubs shall be eligible for financial assistance from the GOI as per the norms.
Proposals with DPR may be submitted for consideration to
M-Il Division, Ministry of Culture,For the complete scheme guidelines, click here.
Source : Ministry of Culture
Last Modified : 6/23/2024
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