A momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology (APSCS&T), Department of Science & Technology, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. This agreement heralds the establishment of a Science Centre (Category-II) and Digital Planetarium (Category-II) in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.
R. Ronya IAS, Secretary, Science & Technology & State Lotteries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This signifies the third science centre in the state, joining the ranks of Itanagar and Namsai. While the Science Centre in Itanagar is already operational, a recent MoU was inked for a science centre and planetarium in Namsai on December 18, 2023. Residents from the eastern and western regions of Arunachal Pradesh stand to benefit significantly from these upcoming science hubs.”
Samarendra Kumar, Deputy Director General (DDG), NCSM, shared insights into the initiative falling under the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. As the implementing agency, NCSM has successfully established 23 science centres nationwide. “Given the government’s commitment to the development of the northeastern region, NCSM is thrilled to contribute by setting up science centres and planetaria. Beyond being tourist attractions, these establishments play a pivotal role in nurturing a scientific mindset within society,” added A. D. Choudhury, Director General, NCSM.
The projected cost for the upcoming science centre is estimated at Rs. 26.70 crores, while the digital planetarium is budgeted at Rs. 15.60 crores. This endeavor aligns with the government’s dedication to fostering scientific education and awareness in the region.
Present at the MoU signing were C. D. Mungyak, Director cum Member Secretary, AP State Council for Science and Technology, Kajal Karmakar, Additional Resident Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Vijay Shankar Sharma, Director, NE Zone, NCSM, and Subrata Kumar Mishra, Secretary, NCSM. This collaborative effort aims to provide educational and recreational opportunities for the local community, marking a significant stride in the overall scientific development of the region.
