In 2003, Sastraposhini Scheme was a brainchild of Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment(KSCSTE) in association with Govt., Department Of Education, Government Of Kerala. A This program aims to make government high schools in Kerala model science laboratories and develop quality science education. The aim is to give students practical experiment learning and make them passionate about science.
As of now, more than 200 science labs are implemented under this scheme. Currently, the scheme is confined to government high schools in Kerala.
Objectives of the Programme
- Stimulate Interest in Science: Encourage students to develop a passion for science through practical experiments in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Hands-on Experience: Provide students with opportunities for observation, inference, interaction, and self-designing experiments.
- Teacher Training: Organize training programs for teachers to effectively demonstrate scientific experiments.
- Low-Cost Lab Kits: Develop affordable laboratory kits using readily available materials for a wide range of experiments.
Benefits
- Financial Support:
- ₹8 lakhs is allocated to establish Sastraposhini laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) in each school.
- KSCSTE provides a significant share of this funding.
- Teacher Training:
- Two teachers each from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology departments will receive specialized training from eminent scholars and academicians.
- Training includes scientific awareness, good laboratory practices, and practical demonstrations.
- Trained teachers will lead laboratory activities and foster innovative projects for students.
- Laboratory Resources:
- Laboratory manuals, visual experimental aids, and scientific models will be provided to selected schools.
Eligibility
- Only government high schools in Kerala are eligible to apply.
- The applying schools must meet the following criteria:
- Sufficient space to establish separate laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Qualified science teachers in all three subjects.
- A substantial number of students enrolled in the high school section.
- Administrative support from the Headmaster/Principal/Management for smooth implementation.
Application Process
Offline Application:
- Call for Proposals:
- Proposals in the prescribed format are invited every July through advertisements on the KSCSTE website and leading dailies.
- Submission of Application:
- The Principal/Headmaster must fill out the prescribed application form from the KSCSTE website.
- Forward the completed application to:
Director, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment,
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom P.O, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004.
Post-Application Process:
- School Inspection:
- The Apex Resource Group (ARG) or an Expert Committee constituted by KSCSTE will inspect the schools and evaluate the proposals.
- Sanction Letter:
- KSCSTE will issue a sanction letter to selected schools.
- The Headmaster/Principal must submit an undertaking on ₹200 stamp paper within two weeks.
- Grant Disbursement:
- An initial refurbishing grant of ₹2,00,000 will be provided to establish basic infrastructure (flooring, painting, wiring, plumbing, etc.).
- Laboratory Setup:
- KSCSTE finalizes a list of laboratory equipment (500+ items) based on the curriculum.
- Items are supplied directly to schools by authorized vendors selected via an open tender process.
- Project Completion:
- The entire project must be completed within one year from the date of sanction.
- Any delays must be reported to KSCSTE promptly.
- Inauguration:
- A public function should be organized in consultation with KSCSTE to inaugurate the Sastraposhini laboratories.
Contact Details
Scientist-in-charge (Sastraposhini Scheme)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment,
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004
Tel No: 0471-2548250
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Documents Required
- Details of the school (including infrastructure and student strength).
- Names and details of teachers to be nominated as in charge of the laboratories.
- Achievements of the school (if any).
- Details of the nearest Sastraposhini school (if applicable).
- Official bank account details of the school.
- Declaration by the head of the institution.
- Undertaking on ₹200 stamp paper (after sanction).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the Sastraposhini Scheme?
The Sastraposhini Scheme is an initiative by KSCSTE to establish model science laboratories in government high schools of Kerala, aiming to enhance science education.
Q2: What is the objective of the programme?
To stimulate interest in science through hands-on experiments, provide teacher training, and foster innovative thinking among students.
Q3: Which is the implementing agency of this programme?
The scheme is implemented by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE).
Q4: When was this programme launched?
The programme was launched in 2003.
Q5: Can only government high schools apply for the programme?
Yes, only government high schools in Kerala are eligible to apply.
Q6: What are the basic requirements for schools applying under the programme?
Schools must have sufficient space, qualified science teachers, and administrative support from the head of the institution.
Q7: How much is spent to establish Sastraposhini laboratories in a school?
A total of ₹8 lakhs is allocated per school for setting up Physics, Chemistry, and Biology laboratories.
Q8: Which subject teachers are eligible for training under the programme?
Two teachers each from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology departments of the selected schools are eligible for training.
Q9: When will the applications be invited for the programme?
Applications are invited every July through advertisements on the KSCSTE website and in leading newspapers.
Q10: How can schools apply under the programme?
Schools must submit a prescribed application form to the Director of KSCSTE by post.
Q11: Where should the application form be submitted?
Applications should be sent to:
Director, KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom P.O, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004.