**Executive Summary**
This document presents the Government of India's response to Unstarred Question No. 1855, regarding the establishment of a planetarium and observatory in Meerut. The response acknowledges the growing interest in astronomy and space science but states that there are no current proposals to establish such a facility in Meerut. It highlights the establishment of a Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre (COSMOS) in Mysuru and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)'s role in the "Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS)". The question was answered on 11/02/2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Government Acknowledgment:** The government recognizes the increasing interest in astronomy and space science among students.
* **Role of Institutions:** Planetariums and observatories are acknowledged as playing a role in promoting scientific temper and public engagement.
* **COSMOS Establishment:** A Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre (COSMOS) is being established in Mysuru by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.
* COSMOS uses state-of-the-art, 8K resolution LED Dome planetarium technology.
* COSMOS is located at the University of Mysore near Chamundi hill.
* COSMOS advances astronomy and STEM education and uses real-time data from telescopes.
* **SPoCS Scheme:** The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) implements the "Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS)".
* SPoCS facilitates the establishment of Science Cities, Science Centres, Digital Planetariums, and Innovation Hubs.
* These establishments are based on proposals from State Governments and Union Territories.
* **Meerut Proposal:** There is currently no proposal to establish a planetarium/observatory in Meerut.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Residents of Meerut**
* **Impact:** The response indicates that there are no current plans to establish a planetarium or observatory in Meerut, which may be disappointing to those interested in astronomy and space science.
* **Action Required:** No immediate action is required, but they could potentially advocate for a proposal to be submitted through their State Government.
**Stakeholder: State Governments and Union Territories**
* **Impact:** The document highlights the opportunity for them to propose Science Cities, Science Centres, Digital Planetariums, and Innovation Hubs under the SPoCS scheme.
* **Action Required:** Consider developing and submitting proposals to NCSM if they desire to establish such facilities.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Science and Technology: Primary ministry responsible for the subject matter of the question and answer.
Meerut: Location where the establishment of a planetarium/observatory is being considered.
Department of Science and Technology: Department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, related to funding the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA): Autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, establishing a COSMOS center.
Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS): Scheme implemented by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) for establishing Science Cities, Science Centres, Digital Planetarium, Innovation Hubs.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1855
ANSWERED ON 11/02/2026
PLANETARIUM/OBSERVATORY IN MEERUT
†1855. SHRI. ARUN GOVIL:
Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to
state:
(a) whether the Government proposes to establish a planetarium
and observatory in Meerut keeping in view the interest of Indians in
astronomy which has led to significant discoveries related to planets
and constellations since ancient times and that after Scientists Shri
Rakesh Sharma and Ms. Sunita Williams travelled to space, the
interest of Indian children in space science has increased
substantially and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to establish a planetarium or
observatory in Meerut, on the lines of those existing in other parts of
Uttar Pradesh such as Lucknow, Varanasi and Prayagraj; and
(c) if so, the time by which it is likely to be established?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) to (c): The Government recognises the growing interest in
astronomy and space science in the country, particularly among
students, and the role played by institutions such as planetariums and
observatories in promoting scientific temper and public engagement
with science. A Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre
(COSMOS) is being established at Mysuru by Indian Institute of
Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru an autonomous institute under the
Department of Science and Technology with the financial support of
DST, DAE, DoS, O/o PSA and MPLADS funds of the Hon'ble Finance
Page 1 of 2Minister. The state-of-the-art, world's first, 8K resolution LED Dome
planetarium utilizes cutting-edge LED technology from RSA Cosmos
to create an immersive 360-degree viewing experience, superior to
traditional projection systems. Located at the University of Mysore
near Chamundi hill, the planetarium focuses on advancing astronomy
and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
education apart from training teachers and students in data analysis
using real-time data from telescopes.
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous
organization under the Ministry of Culture is the implementing agency
of the “Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS)”, under
which Science Cities, Science Centres, Digital Planetarium,
Innovation Hubs are set up across the country based on the proposals
received from different State Governments and Union Territories
desirous to set up Science Cities, Science Centre, Digital
Planetarium, Observatory Innovation Hub etc. However, as of now,
there is no proposal for setting up a planetarium/observatory in
Meerut.
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