In a landmark initiative, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have announced plans to establish 75 Space Labs across Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in 19 states across India. These labs will be developed with technical guidance from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
EMRS institutions, established by the Government of India, aim to deliver quality education to tribal (Scheduled Tribe) students, equipping them for higher academic opportunities and employment in various professional fields. Alongside education, these schools also focus on ensuring students’ nutrition, health, and overall well-being. As of now, 470 EMRS are operational across the country.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, BPCL has committed approximately ₹12 crore to support this initiative, which aims to introduce tribal students to the fields of space science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This initiative seeks to bridge educational disparities and inspire young tribal students by offering early exposure to space sciences. It aspires to cultivate future scientists, technologists, and innovators from tribal communities. The project aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes creating inclusive and equitable education opportunities for all.
The Space Labs will be set up with the assistance of Space Tutor agencies recognized by ISRO and equipped with advanced educational tools and models, including:
- LVM3 Launch Vehicle and EO Satellite demonstration models with subsystem details
- Static models of PSLV, HRLV, IRNSS, and GSAT launch vehicles
- Tabletop models demonstrating the Solar System, lunar eclipses, moon phases, day-night cycles, seasons, a globe, and time indicators
- Star Tracker Telescope (150/750mm) and a working CanSat model
- Teaching-Learning Material (TLM) kits for Space, Science, and Mathematics
- ISRO’s Space Book and a timeline exhibit
These labs will be established in EMRS schools located in states such as Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and others.
