**Summary:**
In response to a question regarding the establishment of a modern planetarium or Space Science Centre in Bihar, the Ministry of Space, Government of India, stated that there are currently no active proposals for such a project (as of August 6, 2025). However, the Department of Space indicated its willingness to support such initiatives if proposals are submitted by relevant stakeholders.
While a dedicated planetarium or Space Science Centre is not currently planned, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has implemented several educational outreach programs in Bihar to promote science and space education. These programs include YUVIKA, Space Tutors, and the "Space on Wheels" mobile exhibition. The "Space on Wheels" program, in particular, has reached approximately 30,000 individuals across 20 locations in Jharkhand and Bihar, encompassing villages, towns, and educational institutions. The aim of these initiatives is to inspire students and cultivate an interest in space science and technology in the region.
Key Entities Referenced
Bihar: A state in India, mentioned in the context of establishing a planetarium or Space Science Centre.
LOK SABHA: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question was raised.
PRIME MINISTER: The head of the Government of India, to whom the question is addressed.
DR. JITENDRA SINGH: Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions and in the Prime Minister's Office, who provided the answer.
Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO: The space agency of India, responsible for launching educational outreach programs.
YUVIKA: An educational outreach program by ISRO to inspire and train students in space science and technology.
Space on Wheels: An ISRO mobile exhibition initiative to promote space exploration across India.
Telangana: A state in India where ISRO's Space on Wheels program was showcased.
Jharkhand: A state in India where ISRO's Space on Wheels program was showcased.
O.I.H.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF SPACE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2964
TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 06, 2025
PLANETARIUM OR SPACE SCIENCE CENTRE IN BIHAR
2964. SHRI RAJESH RANJAN:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government proposes to establish a modern
planetarium or Space Science Centre in Bihar;
(b) if so, the current status thereof along with the budget
allocations and time-frame proposed for the same;
(c) if not, whether the Government proposes to launch such a
project in future to promote science and space education in
backward region like Bihar so that school students and youth
can develop scientific temper and interest in space science;
and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC
GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
****(a) & (b)
As of now, there are no such proposals to establish modern
Planetarium/ Space Science Centre in Bihar. However, Department
will act positively and support such initiatives for establishment of
modern planetarium in Bihar if such proposals will be received from
concerned stakeholder(s).
(c) & (d)
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
launched several educational outreach programs across various
states, including Bihar, to inspire and train students in space
science and technology & promote science and space education in
Bihar state. Notable initiatives include YUVIKA, Space Tutors &
Space on Wheels bus. ISRO has been inspiring young minds and
fostering curiosity about space science through its innovative
"Space on Wheels" outreach program. This mobile exhibition
initiative brings the wonders of space exploration directly to
students and communities across India, making science accessible
even in remote areas. Recent events in states like Telangana,
Jharkhand and & Bihar have showcased ISRO's commitment to
engaging the public with interactive displays and educational
content.
Recently, in Jharkhand and Bihar, the Space on Wheels program
reached an impressive 30,000 individuals, covering villages, towns,
and educational institutions in 20 different locations, ensuring that
the excitement of space exploration transcends geographical
barriers.
****