Karnataka plans sub-regional science centres in districts.

The Karnataka Government will set up sub-regional science centres at district level, according to SR Patil, Karnataka Minister for Science and Technology. These centres are being set up in addition to the three regional science centres already planned in the state.

Reviewing the progress of works related to the establishment of a regional science centre in Mangalore, Patil said that the Government has already begun the process of the establishment of three regional science centres in the state. In addition to this, 10 sub-regional science centres are planned at district levels, he said.

The objective of the science centre is to create scientific temper among students and public on science related matters.

The Dharwad Regional Science Centre, which was established at a cost of Rs. 10.50 crore, was inaugurated in 2012.

He said that the Mangalore Pilikula Regional Science Centre, which is being established at a cost of Rs. 11.50 crore, will be inaugurated by the Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, and the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shripad Yasso Naik, next month, he said.

The third regional science centre will be established in Mysore at a cost of Rs.14.50 crore. All these three regional science centres are being taken up with financial assistance from the State and Central Governments.

However, the sub-regional science centres at the district level will be set with financial assistance from the State Government. The Government will set up two centres each every year at a cost of Rs. 3.6 crore, he said.

The Government will also set up a 3D planetarium at a cost of Rs. 24.50 crore at Pilikula in Mangalore.

HBL