Nellore: Though there are schemes funded by Niti Aayog to improve knowledge and skills of high school students, both private trusts and government-run schools have failed to make use of the schemes. For instance Niti Aayog offers Rs 20 lakh to schools across the country to establish Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) under Atal Innovation Mission with a vision to ‘Cultivate one million children in India as Neoteric Innovators.’
The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity and improve creativity and imagination in young minds and to inculcate skills such as design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning and physical computing among others. Young children will get a chance to work with tools and equipment to understand the what, how and why aspects of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
Although there are almost 400 high schools in the district only three government high schools located at Iskapalli, Manubolu and Sullurpeta have applied for the scheme this year following an initiative taken by the district science centre. Another ZP school at Mahimaluru in Atmakur division also applied for the ATL at the instance of noted scientist and a native of the village G. Sateesh Reddy, Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister. According to District Science of Nellore district V. Radharani, ATLs can be established in schools offering Grade VI – X with minimum strength of 400 students and managed by Government, local body or private trusts/society.
The schools should be equipped with a computer lab and Internet facility, playground and provide 1,500 sq.ft space for the lab. One time establishment charge of up to Rs 10 lakh would be provided for each ATL in the first year for instruments and equipment like do-it-yourself kits, 3D printer, etc. The schools will be provided Rs 2 lakh per annum for five years towards recurring expenses. The deadline to submit applications is August 15, 2017, Mr Radharani said. Applicant schools intending to establish ATLs may visit http://www.niti.gov.in and submit their application online to the Atal Innovation Mission, Niti Aayog. Necessary documents can also be uploaded online.
