The Union Government has denied giving assistance to the proposed Sub-Regional Science Centre at Khandapada, the birthplace of legendary astronomer Pathani Samant, under the Science Cities Scheme. However, the State Government has a plan to establish four such centres, including one at Khandapada, with its own funds.
Science and Technology Minister Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy informed this in the Assembly on Thursday. He said the Union Culture Ministry in a letter dated February 26, 2016 informed that the proposed Sub Regional Centre at Khandpada can’t be provide funds under the scheme under the current guidelines. Now, the State Government has made a provision of Rs 2 crore in the State Plan to set up four Sub Regional Science Centres. One of them would be set up at Umadevi Chhak, Khandapada, the Minister said.