**Summary:**
The Science and Technology Department of the Lakshadweep Administration is planning a phased upgrade of the existing planetarium on Kavaratti Island. An assessment indicated the need to modernize the planetarium's infrastructure and content, specifically the projection system, computers, and software. The estimated cost for the first phase, focusing on upgrading existing computers and hardware, is approximately Rs. 2,12,01,442. The Science and Technology Department of the Lakshadweep Administration will determine the implementation timelines and responsible agency.
In related efforts to strengthen Science and Technology education in Lakshadweep, the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is conducting outreach programs. These programs include the National Children's Science Congress and Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge (MANAK). These initiatives target students aged 10-17, encouraging them to use Science and Technology to address local challenges.
This information was provided 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 on August 20, 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Science Technology: The Indian government ministry responsible for science and technology policy and research.
Kavaratti Island: The location of the planetarium, located in Lakshadweep, India.
Lakshadweep Administration: The governing body of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep in India.
Science and Technology Department: A department within the Lakshadweep Administration responsible for science and technology initiatives.
National Children's Science Congress: An outreach program conducted by the Department of Science and Technology to encourage young students in science.
INSPIRE MANAK: lnnovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired ResearchINSPIRE Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and KnowledgeMANAK, an outreach program by the Department of Science and Technology.
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.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the written reply was presented.
Ministry of Science & Technology
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PLANETARIUM AT
KAVARATTI ISLAND
Posted On: 20 AUG 2025 4:22PM by PIB Delhi
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.
***
NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2158383)