Maharashtra may soon give young science enthusiasts a chance to visit NASA in the United States under the newly introduced Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari scheme, pending the state government’s final approval. Announced in June 2025, the programme is designed to nurture scientific curiosity and reward students for their innovative project work, even if they don’t secure top positions in competitions.
Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar explained that while winners of science project contests at tehsil, district, and state levels are already recognised with awards, the effort of other talented students often goes unnoticed. “These students also deserve encouragement, and this scheme was framed to acknowledge their creativity,” he said. The international component alone is expected to cost around ₹3 crore, and its rollout depends on state-level funding clearance.
How the Scheme Will Function
- Tehsil level: Top 21 projects to be rewarded with visits to nearby science centres.
- District level: 51 selected projects to earn an educational trip to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru.
- State level: 51 finalists to be taken on a learning visit to NASA in the US.
While domestic visits will be funded by the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC), the overseas trip requires state sanction.
Inspiring Future Scientists
The initiative aims to inspire students to explore science beyond classrooms and competitions. “We want children to move from one project to pursuing deeper scientific research and to think of bigger ideas for the future,” Bhoyar added.
Earlier this year, the state also increased prize money for science competition winners from ₹5,000 to ₹51,000, further boosting motivation.
Approved in principle by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the scheme now awaits the release of funds. If implemented, Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari could set a benchmark for other states in promoting scientific exploration among school students.
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