Maharashtra’s Bold Step to Inspire Young Scientists
In a remarkable initiative to nurture scientific curiosity among school students, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to send 51 students annually to NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in the United States under the ‘Chief Minister Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari’ scheme.
The announcement was made by Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for School Education, who emphasized the government’s commitment to encouraging students to explore science and innovation beyond the classroom.
From Tehsil to NASA: The Selection Journey
The scheme follows a three-tier selection process through a statewide science project competition designed to identify and reward young scientific talent at every level.
- Tehsil Level: The top 21 projects will be awarded a visit to their divisional science centre.
- District Level: The top 51 projects will earn students a visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru.
- State Level: The 51 finalists will win an all-expenses-paid educational trip to NASA in the United States.
This step-by-step process aims to provide students with exposure to advanced science and technology environments, inspiring them to pursue innovation and research.
Recognizing Every Effort
“The school education department conducts science project competitions every year, and while winners are rewarded, many deserving students also put in great effort,” said Minister Pankaj Bhoyar.
He added, “We want to recognize every student who demonstrates creativity and scientific thinking. This initiative ensures that their hard work and innovative spirit receive the recognition they deserve.”
Funding and Future Prospects
According to education department officials, the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) funds will finance the tehsil and district-level tours. However, the NASA trip, with an estimated cost of ₹3 crore, requires final approval at the state level.
The proposal, already cleared by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in June 2025, is currently awaiting release of funds. “We are confident that the funds will be sanctioned soon,” an official stated.
Aiming for a Scientific Future
The objective of the ‘Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari’ scheme is to encourage students to move beyond short-term projects and engage deeply in scientific research.
“This initiative allows young minds from across Maharashtra to visit science hubs, witness innovation firsthand, and develop broader scientific perspectives for the future,” Bhoyar explained.
The government has also increased the prize money for the state-level science project competition winners from ₹5,000 to ₹51,000, underscoring its dedication to rewarding academic excellence and creativity.
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A Step Toward a Science-Led Maharashtra
The ‘Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari’ initiative reflects Maharashtra’s long-term vision of developing a new generation of innovators, researchers, and scientific thinkers.
By enabling students to experience NASA’s cutting-edge scientific environment, the state government aims to ignite curiosity, inspire innovation, and build India’s future leaders in science and technology.
