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No takers for Regional Science Centre
The Regional Science Centre (RSC), which is affiliated to Andhra Pradesh State Council of Science and Technology (APCOST), has turned into a white elephant with school students not being benefitted from the centre for the past few years.
Vijayawada: The Regional Science Centre (RSC), which is affiliated to Andhra Pradesh State Council of Science and Technology (APCOST), has turned into a white elephant with school students not being benefitted from the centre for the past few years.
Highlights:
- The centre is one of the biggest destinations for students with scientific temper
- With no things to attract students, the number of visitors has come down
- “There is nothing new in the science centre and it is an outdated expo discouraging students,” opines M Mani Kumar, a parent
- A 60-seat 3D-theatre to promote science is proposed at the RSC: BVA Krishna Murthy, member secretary of APCOST.
Started in 2005, the centre is one of the biggest destinations for students with scientific temper. Though the APCOST was allocated Rs 1.67 crore in the state budget for 2017-18, a lion’s share of Rs 1.5 crore would be sufficient enough to pay salaries to the staff. A meagre amount of Rs 17 lakh has to be adjusted for the development of RSC.
With no things to attract students, the number of visitors has come down sharply. A best example to establish the fact that the centre is devoid of India’s achievements is non-inclusion of ISRO’s Mangalyaan, the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), PSLV-C37 rocket launch carrying 104 satellites and GSAT-19 in the exhibits.
The RSC was constructed at a cost of Rs 3 crore in 2005. During initial days, students from social welfare and other hostels in other parts of state were brought here to have a glance at the exhibits of science and technology. The government used to bear expenses on lodging and boarding for all such curious students. Now, the students had to return pale faced, if they visit the centre.
“There is nothing new in the science centre and it is an outdated expo discouraging students,” opined M Mani Kumar, a parent who came from Guntur along with his daughter. A 60-seat 3D-Theatre to promote science and create curiosity among kids over scientific things was proposed at the RSC.
However, the works are not started so far. “We have initiated the process and it will take time to begin works,” said BVA Krishna Murthy, member secretary, APCOST.The centre is closed on Monday. From Tuesday to Friday, it is open from 10.30 am to 5 pm. On Saturday and Sunday it is open between 10.30 am and 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs 10 for private school children and others. The entry fee is for the government school students is Rs 5.
By Noor Shaik
