Lok Sabha Question No. 2584 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Science and Technology Demonstration Centres
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2584 TO BE ANSWERED ON 3/1/2018

## SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTRES

2584. DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN: DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT: SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO: SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó Ùðüëðó be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  develop  science  and  technology  demonstration  centres  in  all districts to impart scientific temper among students and people;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the locations identified for the purpose;
- (c) the benefits likely to accrue therefrom;
- (d) whether any special science and technology projects/schemes are proposed in various States; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI Y.S. CHOWDHARY)

òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó +ÉÉè® ÑðöÆãðó òãðìððÐð ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó

(gÉÉÒ ´ÉÉ<Ç. AºÉ. SÉÉèvÉ®ÉÒ)

(a)  to  (e):      No,  Madam.  However,  Department  of  Science  &  Technology  (DST),  Government  of  India,  has initiated  'Hands-on STEM & Innovation Demonstration' programme. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics  (STEM)  and  innovation    demonstration  activities  comprise  of  Science  fairs,  melas,  expositions, mobile science exhibitions, lecture-demonstrations, interactive media, visits to S&T establishments like labs and industry, motivational talks, hands-on-STEM activities, and so on. These events, whether stationary or mobile, including mobile science exhibitions,  serve to utilize the expertise of resource persons trained/being trained by National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC). Different kinds of demonstrations on a variety of themes of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and also environment, health, medicine, etc. are held across the nation each year. The activities expose a large number of people to topical issues. There are also activities benefiting people related to S&T in daily life; S&T behind cutting-edge capabilities; and so on besides  talks  on  career  in  S&T.  Support  is  also  extended  across  the  nation  for  capacity  building,  scientific awareness and exposure on these realms including  hands-on activities, science in toys & games, quizzes, solve a puzzle, mathematical games & activities, ask a good question, short design/redesign, spot-the-odd-one, draw a future, painting, presentations, etc., besides skits and street plays, e.g. nukkad natak, on select themes.

Moreover,  proposals  for  establishment  of  Science  Centres/Science  Cities  received  from  the  State Govt./UTs  are  considered  by  National  Council  of  Science  Museums  (NCSM)  with  approval  of  Ministry  of Culture, GoI, based on the approved norms of the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPOCS) 2017 including land, commitment of fund, viability and feasibility study.

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