SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday informed the Assembly that a Regional Science Centre will be established in Jammu, while a Sub-Regional Science Centre is being developed in Srinagar at a total sanctioned cost of Rs 18.20 crore with funding support from the Government of India.
The details were shared by the Science and Technology Department during the discussion on demands for grants.
The proposed Regional Science Centre at Jammu envisages setting up of a science museum, planetarium, innovation hub and science and technology incubator, along with indoor and outdoor scientific exhibits aimed primarily at students.
The government stated that the centre is intended to have both educational and recreational appeal for the larger student community. The matter of land procurement has been taken up with the District Administration, Jammu, and site development will be initiated subsequently. A token provision of Rs 1 lakh has been earmarked at this stage.
The Sub-Regional Science Centre at Srinagar has been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 18.20 crore, comprising Rs 14 crore as capital cost and Rs 4.20 crore as corpus fund.
The Government of India will fund 100 per cent of the capital cost of Rs 14 crore. Out of the Rs 4.20 crore corpus fund, the UT government will bear 80 per cent amounting to Rs 3.36 crore, while the remaining 20 per cent—Rs 84 lakh—will be contributed by the Centre.
The UT government has already released its share of Rs 3.36 crore to the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Government of India.
In addition, the UT government is required to bear Rs 1.91 crore towards land and site development as per the approved DPR. Of this, Rs 1.24 crore has been utilised by the R and B Department, Kashmir during 2024–25.
Against an approved allocation of Rs 68 lakh for 2025–26, an expenditure of Rs 68 lakh is anticipated for completion of remaining land development works, including construction of an embossed board gate, walkways and allied infrastructure.
The government also informed the House that a Science Innovation Dissemination Centre is being established within the premises of the Sub-Regional Science Centre Srinagar at a total cost of Rs 2.79 crore.
The facility is aimed at creating infrastructure for promotion of innovation and incubation, besides providing boarding and lodging facilities for scientists and researchers visiting the UT in connection with scientific events and activities.
Against an approved allocation of Rs 1.50 crore for 2025–26, the anticipated expenditure is Rs 1.50 crore for establishment of the centre.
The government stated that the proposed science centres are intended to promote scientific temper, innovation, and experiential learning among students while strengthening science communication and outreach infrastructure in the Union Territory.
