Education
UP Govt Launches Astro Labs in Government Schools to Boost Scientific Learning
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state is rolling out astro labs in government schools at the block level, aiming to strengthen scientific thinking and curiosity among school children, especially in rural areas.
According to a statement issued by the government, these labs—named Amrit Kaal Learning Centres—are being developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model and are already operational in several districts.
The initiative is designed to give students access to real-time, hands-on learning experiences using tools like Dobsonian telescopes, VR headsets, microscopes, light experiment kits, and anatomical models. These tools go beyond textbook learning, allowing students to explore astronomy, gravity, light, and the physical world through direct experimentation.
Officials say the initiative has already made significant impact. In Ballia district, for example, science labs have been established in all 17 blocks to make science more engaging and inquiry-driven.
Ballia District Magistrate Mangla Prasad Singh said the labs are aligned with the state’s broader goal of making science accessible and meaningful. “These labs are designed to foster experiential and inquiry-based learning,” he noted.
Chief Development Officer Aojaswi Raj added that each lab costs between ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh, including both the equipment and teacher training. The inclusion of orientation sessions, video guides, and mentorship support for teachers ensures that the labs are used effectively in classrooms.
“These labs have sparked genuine curiosity among children, who now ask questions, observe the night sky, and explore concepts far beyond the standard curriculum,” said Raj.
The program is part of a larger effort to bridge the gap between urban and rural education. With access to advanced tools and teacher support, children in villages are beginning to imagine careers in space science, inspired by stories like that of Indian-origin astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
The UP government hopes this initiative will help build a future-ready generation, where aspiration is not defined by geography, and the boundaries of scientific exploration begin right from the classroom.
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