The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has joined hands with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to establish 75 Space Labs in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across 19 states in India.
This venture, supported by BPCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund amounting to ₹12 crores, aims to bridge educational gaps and introduce tribal students to cutting-edge learning opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Each Space Lab will be equipped with state-of-the-art scientific tools such as star tracker telescopes, launch vehicle models, solar system demo kits, and more, all designed with technical guidance from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These labs are set to benefit over 50,000 tribal students, fostering their curiosity and potential in the field of space sciences.
This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to create inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for marginalised communities. It is a significant step toward mainstreaming tribal students into India’s scientific and technological advancements.
