Funds for Vijayapura mini planetarium and residential schools approved: Minister M B Patil

Bengaluru

The cabinet meeting has given administrative approval to spend a total of Rs 56.88 crore on the construction of a sub-regional science centre and mini planetarium in Vijayapura and two hostels in Babaleswar and Vijayapura, said District In-charge Minister MB Patil.

Giving information about this, he said, in the 2015-16 budget, it was announced to set up sub-regional science centres and mini planetariums in many parts of the state, including Vijayapura. But due to various reasons, it could not be implemented. Now, a revised estimate of Rs 12.88 crore has been prepared, which has been approved in the cabinet meeting held on Thursday. This project will be implemented through the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society.

So far, Rs 1.44 crore has been spent on the work of this project in Vijayapura. The cost is Rs 44 crore. The planetarium will have a dome, projection system, indoor and outdoor science exhibitions, audio system, air conditioning system. Through this, the understanding of science among the students of the district will be increased. He said that he has drawn the attention of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to implement this project that had been on his mind.

Dr BR Ambedkar Residential School in Mamadapura and  Residential Pre-University College in Vijayapura,   have also received the green light in the cabinet meeting to provide Rs. 22 crore each for their own building, totaling Rs. 44 crore.   Both these residential schools are reserved for Scheduled Caste students, and a total of 500 students, 250 each, are studying here. Now, since these are in rented buildings, it has not been possible to provide infrastructure, Patil said.