Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that two proposals for the establishment of Regional Science Centres at Dharwad and Pilikula (Mangalore) in Karnataka are pending with the Central Government for the release of their fifty per cent of equity share ; and

(b) if so, by when the Central Government’s share of equity is likely to be released?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE
( SMT. AMBIKA SONI )

(a) & (b) : Setting up of Regional Science Centre is a part of the ongoing programme of Ministry of Culture under the Science Cities scheme. Ministry of Culture has received proposals for establishment of Regional Science Centres at Dharwad and Pilikula (Mangalore) from Government of Karnataka. It has been proposed to establish Regional Science Centre at Pilikula (Mangalore) in the Annual Action Plan 2008-09 of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). The establishment of Regional Science Centre at Dharwad has been approved by the Ministry of Culture and subsequently first installment of Rs. 1.50 crore has been released by the Ministry from the Central Government’s share of Rs. 3.25 crore for the project.