Ministry of Culture's Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science Status Update
The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, serves as the nodal agency for implementing the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS). This flagship initiative aims to foster scientific temper and awareness across India, particularly among students, while portraying the growth of science and technology and their application in industry and human welfare.
Financial Expenditure
The actual expenditure incurred by NCSM under SPoCS during the last three financial years shows significant variation in allocations and releases. In FY2023-24, against an approved allocation of ₹61.50 crore, ₹42.17 crore was actually released. FY2024-25 saw ₹18.67 crore released against a ₹20.00 crore allocation. The most recent completed year, FY2025-26, recorded the highest activity with ₹117.58 crore released against an approved allocation of ₹117.68 crore.
Visitor Statistics and Infrastructure
As of March 31, 2026, the Science Centres established under SPoCS have attracted a total of 1,68,55,110 visitors, including students. These centers conduct science-based educational activities, exhibitions, demonstrations, innovation programs, and outreach initiatives aimed at promoting scientific temper and encouraging student participation.
Established Infrastructure
The scheme has established 28 Science Centres across various states and union territories, with the earliest being Science Centre, Port Blair in A&N Islands (May 30, 2003) and the most recent being Science City, Guwahati in Assam (March 10, 2026). Additionally, 51 Innovation Hubs have been established nationwide, with the National Science Centre, Delhi being the first (January 23, 2014) and Regional Science Centre, Chalakudy in Kerala being the most recent (March 2, 2026).
Ongoing Projects
Multiple ongoing and approved projects are underway across various states, including Science Centres and Digital Planetariums in Arunachal Pradesh (Namsai and Dirang), Guwahati Science City Phase-II in Assam, projects in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka (Shivamogga, Yadgiri, Raichur, Chikkamagaluru), Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Rajasthan (Ajmer, Kota, Udaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur), Telangana, Tripura, and Uttarakhand.
This information was formally presented by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on August 6, 2026.