PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PLANETARIUM AT KAVARATTI ISLAND

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PLANETARIUM AT KAVARATTI ISLAND

The Science and Technology Department of theLakshadweep Administration has a proposal to phase by phase upgradation of the existing planetarium at Kavaratti Island. An assessment was carried out regardingthe need for modernization of the planetarium infrastructure and content. Theservice report in this regard suggests upgradation of the existing planetariumprojection system, computers, and software. The estimated cost of the first phaseof upgradation of existing computers and hardware is approximately Rs.2,12,01,442/- (Rupees two crore twelve lakh one thousand four hundred and forty-two).The timelines and implementing agency is to be decided by the Science andTechnology Department of the Lakshadweep Administration.

ln order to strengthen Science and Technology in Lakshadweep,the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is conducting outreach programs, viz. National Children’s Science Congress and lnnovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research(INSPIRE) – Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge(MANAK) in different schools of Lakshadweep. These programs encourageyoungstudentsin the age group of 10-17 to explore and solve local problems throughScience and Technology.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.