Science labs for 50 model schools in Patna

Bihar government is planning to collaborate with IIT Patna for the purpose. The estimated cost of the project, which will be executed in two phases, is INR 79,649,900 

In order to address the problem of acute shortage of teachers of science subject and adequate lab facilities in government schools, the Bihar government is planning to collaborate with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna. The aim is to set up science laboratories in the 50 model higher secondary schools in two phases at an estimated cost of INR 79,649,900, said Director, Secondary Education, Manoj Kumar. 

Schools with good student enrolment will get the facility first

As per a report published in Hindustan Times, in the first phase, seven model higher secondary schools with high student enrolment will be equipped with science laboratories. A sum of INR 10,531,400 has been earmarked for it. In the second phase, 43 Patna-based model schools will get the facility at an estimated cost of INR 69,118,500. 

A teacher of Patna University said, “Scientific temper in students is developed in Class 9 to 12 and hence it is a positive move by the government to provide lab experience to students at this stage with work. It needs to be a prerequisite in all secondary and higher secondary schools as it makes science learning interesting and absorbing.” 

The Director, Secondary Education, said the need to improve science education in schools and equip them with modern labs was being felt and therefore 50 model schools with proper infrastructure and good student enrolment have been identified for setting up modern labs. “The government decided to use the expertise of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) to improve the condition and discussions have also been held. An agreement will soon be signed in this regard,” he added. 

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