Modi government to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs by 2030
What's the story
In a major move to promote scientific curiosity among the youth, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced plans to set up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in the next five years.
Presenting her eighth consecutive Union Budget under the Modi government, Sitharaman said that the move is part of a larger plan to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across India.
Innovation hubs
Atal Tinkering Labs: A platform for young innovators
Atal Tinkering Labs are envisioned as spaces where youngsters can turn their ideas into reality.
The labs offer a hands-on and do-it-yourself (DIY) environment that promote innovation skills.
The initiative is part of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship program of the Modi government set up under NITI Aayog.
Skill development
Five national skilling centers to be established
Along with the Atal Tinkering Labs, Sitharaman also announced the establishment of five national centers for skilling.
The centers will be equipped with global expertise, further enhancing India's focus on skill development.
The move is seen as a significant step toward preparing the country's youth for future job markets and promoting self-reliance in various sectors.
Digital education
Government to launch Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme
The Finance Minister also unveiled the Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme, an initiative to digitize Indian language books for schools and higher education.
This move is expected to make it easier to access educational resources in various Indian languages.
It is in line with the government's ongoing efforts to promote digital learning and make education more inclusive across the country.
Infrastructure development
Infrastructure boost for IITs and nutritional support measures
Sitharaman's budget also outlines plans for infrastructure expansion in five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This is viewed as a step to bolster India's status as a global hub for technological education and research.
Further, she emphasized measures to improve nutritional support across the country, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving public health and well-being.