Odisha govt plans to make science popular

BHUBANESWAR: The state government has come up with a plan to popularise science and technology among schoolchildren as well as teachers with an aim to improve the overall standard of education in the state.
Called 'Popularisation of Science and Technology Programme", the proposal has been prepared by the Odisha Science Academy and sent to the science and technology department for approval.
According to the proposal, various activities will be taken up at the school and field-level such as the Science Talent Award for high school students and Science Excellence Award for the high school science teachers, among others.
Pramod Chandra Mishra, the president of the academy, has forwarded the proposal to the secretary of science and technology department requesting him to sanction it for the greater benefit of the budding scientists of the state. "A proposal has been prepared and sent to the government seeking approval of the same. It will not only prove to be helpful for the young scientists, but also the teachers and farmers of our state," Mishra said.
The academy has also proposed to start an Innovation Award for the traditional farmers, horticulturists and those who undertake animal husbandry.
This apart, there is a proposal to start another award called Innovation for High School Students. "These award programmes are meant to encourage the students to take up science education seriously," an official said.
It must be noted here that apart from the new proposal, the department has initiated other programmes such as setting up of science parks, planetariums in different districts to foster a scientific temper among students.