In a significant move to bolster scientific learning and foster innovation among the youth, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced the establishment of two new science centers equipped with planetariums in Namsai and Dirang. The announcement comes as part of the state government’s broader commitment to modernizing educational infrastructure and cultivating a scientific mindset among students across the region.
The Chief Minister made the announcement during his visit to Dera Natung Government College in Itanagar on Thursday, where he inaugurated three major infrastructure projects: a new administrative block, a prefabricated badminton-cum-judo hall, and a recreation hall. These additions are designed to address critical infrastructure gaps and provide students with a holistic environment that supports both academic and extracurricular growth.
Addressing the gathering, which included students, faculty, and administration, CM Khandu emphasized the government’s sustained efforts to bridge the gap in higher education. He noted that the new science centers, once completed, will serve as hubs for curiosity and learning, specifically utilizing planetariums to introduce students to the wonders of astronomy and advanced scientific concepts.
“We aim to build a culture of learning and innovation, sparking curiosity and scientific thinking among our children,” the chief minister stated. He urged the student body to leverage these emerging opportunities, emphasizing that the focus should be on skill-based knowledge. He encouraged the youth to aspire to become “job creators rather than job seekers,” pointing to the state’s ongoing initiatives in sectors such as hydropower, startups, and entrepreneurship.
The inauguration at Dera Natung Government College is part of the state’s “Mission Shikshit Arunachal 2029,” an initiative aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The mission focuses on simultaneously upgrading physical infrastructure and implementing academic reforms to bring education standards in the state in line with global benchmarks.
Beyond the new science centres, CM Khandu also highlighted the integration of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the education sector. He assured the students of continued government support, reiterating that prioritizing education and healthcare remains the top agenda for the state’s development.
