Girls in 746 KGBVs to benefit from astronomy labs

Lucknow: To empower girls from marginalised communities, Central govt has set up astronomy labs in 746 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas by approving Rs 29.8 crore for the project under Samagra Shiksha. Each KGBV will receive Rs 4 lakh for astronomy labs, through which girl students will gain real-time knowledge of space science and astronomy.

The initiative, said a govt spokesperson, is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Nari Shakti' (women empowerment) and ‘Viksit Bharat' (developed India), being promoted actively in UP. Success of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission and the active involvement of 54 women scientists infused new energy into the initiative.

The planetarium-style labs will enable exploration of solar system, planets, satellites and phenomena like solar and lunar eclipse and showcase models of spacecraft, missiles, space transport systems and ISRO missions. For hands-on learning, girl students will design working models related to space science.

Besides, govt upgraded KGBVs to class 12. Currently, 476 upgraded schools are providing education from classes 9 to 12 and categorised into two types, including academic blocks with hostels. Only science stream is offered in higher secondary sections of these academic blocks. Students from classes 9 to 12 will study physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, computer science, Hindi and English.

KGBVs are developed in areas where no other govt or aided secondary school exists within a 3km radius and where land is available.

Basic education minister Sandeep Singh said, "The project will open new doors for girls in the field of space science."