Maharashtra Government Plans to Set Up Science and Innovation Activity Centers throughout the State under a ₹192-Crore Initiative
### Title: Maharashtra's Expansion of Science and Innovation Activity Centres (SIAC) to Promote STEM Education
The Maharashtra government has unveiled plans to expand its Science and Innovation Activity Centres (SIACs) across the state, renaming the initiative in honour of the esteemed astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Narlikar. This move is aimed at boosting STEM education and hands-on learning, particularly benefiting students in rural areas [1][3].
The state government anticipates an expenditure of approximately Rs 192 crore over the next five years for this initiative. This funding will be used for the establishment of new centres and technology labs [1][3]. The expansion plan will unfold over this five-year period, during which 23 new districts will receive SIACs, and 28 new technology labs will be established [3][5].
The SIACs, initially launched by the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission (RGSTC) in 2015, are currently operational at six locations across Maharashtra [3]. The initiative will involve collaboration with notable science institutions and educational partners to ensure effective implementation. This partnership is crucial for aligning the program with the National Education Policy 2020 and enhancing scientific skill development among students [1][3].
Currently, the SIACs provide hands-on experience with modern technologies, experiments, models, robotics, 3D printing, coding, and more [1]. The centres have trained 2,728 teachers since their inception [1]. The number of beneficiaries of student-centric programs at the SIAC centres is 60,980 [2].
The SIACs offer equal opportunities to students in rural areas, with the government aiming to establish centres in the remaining 23 districts and 28 new technology labs over the next five years [1]. The centres have already welcomed over 2,76,838 visitors since their inception [1].
The SIACs are designed to develop scientific understanding and skills, foster curiosity, creativity, and communication abilities. They align with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, including experiential and inquiry-based learning, promoting scientific thinking and innovation, introduction to STEM education, career guidance and skill development, and strengthening the link between schools and communities [1].
- The expansion of Science and Innovation Activity Centres (SIACs) in Maharashtra, now renamed afterDr. Jayant Narlikar, aims to enhance STEM education and hands-on learning for students, especially those in rural areas.
- The Maharashtra government plans to invest around Rs 192 crore over the next five years to set up new SIACs and technology labs, as part of the expansion plan that will see 23 new districts and 28 new technology labs added.
- The SIAC program's effective implementation will rely on collaboration with prominent science institutions and educational partners, ensuring alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 and improving scientific skill development among students.
- Since their inception, the SIACs have provided students with hands-on experience in modern technologies, experiments, models, robotics, 3D printing, coding, and more, training 2,728 teachers and serving 60,980 students.
- The goal of the SIACs is to provide equal opportunities for students in rural areas, with plans to establish centres in the remaining 23 districts and 28 new technology labs over the next five years, catering to over 2,76,838 visitors since their opening.
