376 government schools in Jammu and Kashmir now have astronomy (Aghaaz) labs thanks to approval from the Union Ministry of Education (MoE).
Details indicate that two schools from each zone have been chosen to host such laboratories during the current fiscal year.
According to the information provided, the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha J&K and IIT Kanpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the creation of these laboratories.
An official notification states that “the process has already begun and these cutting-edge Astrophysics laboratories will be operational by August 2023.”
The CEOs have been urged to direct the responsible head of the schools chosen for the development of an astronomy laboratory to work with the IIT teams and provide them with all the necessary resources, including a large space for the laboratory.
“Two such model labs, one each in Srinagar and Jammu, have already been established and inaugurated by the Principal Secretary School Education Department,” the statement states.
It was also said that pupils’ interest in astronomy would grow as a result of these labs. Students may “admire the beauty of the moon, sky, and other astronomical bodies with the aid of telescopes.”
An official said that these laboratories had all essential equipment, including smart TVs and telescopes. (KNO)
