Parliament Question: Proposal for Planetarium in West Bengal

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4346 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026 PROPOSAL FOR PLANETARIUM IN WEST BENGAL 4346. SHRI SAUMITRA KHAN: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes to establish a modern planetarium or Space Science Centre in West Bengal; (b) if so, the current status thereof along with the budget allocations and the proposed time-frame 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 West Bengal, 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) National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) is one of the primary centres of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space (DOS). NRSC has the mandate for establishment of ground stations for receiving satellite data, generation of data products, dissemination to the users, development of techniques for remote sensing applications including disaster management support, geospatial services for good governance and capacity building for professionals, faculty and students. NRSC operates through multiple campuses to meet national and regional remote sensing data and applications needs of the country. Accordingly, Government has established a Regional Remote Sensing Centre (RRSC) in Kolkata, West Bengal for promoting remote sensing applications. Further, ISRO has also set up Space Technology Cell at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, West Bengal to carry out research activities in the areas of Space Technology and applications. Establishment of a modern planetarium or Space Science Centre in West Bengal is to be conceptualized at an appropriate stage. (c) & (d) DOS/ ISRO is operating six mobile space museums titled ‘Space on Wheels’, aimed at reaching to the rural part of the country. Space on Wheels have covered more than 24 states across the country. This initiative has been well received by the student community and thegeneral public and it continuous to play a significant role in ISRO’s outreach activities. DOS/ ISRO remains committed to further expanding such initiatives across the country for the benefit of students, science enthusiasts and the public at large. Further, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has conceptualized Antrakish Prayogshala (Space Labs) programme, first of its kind initiative aimed at creating state-of-art Space Laboratories within Indian academic institutions, in different zones across the country duly ensuring balanced regional representation. ****