Tribal affairs ministry, BPCL set up 75 space labs in tribal schools across India
In a major push to strengthen science and technology education among tribal students, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in partnership with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), has established 75 Space Labs in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across 18 states, benefiting more than 50,000 students.
The initiative, implemented through BPCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme with an investment of nearly Rs 12 crore, aims to provide tribal students with access to advanced scientific learning infrastructure and hands-on exposure to space science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs operates Eklavya Model Residential Schools to provide quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe students, supporting their academic, personal and professional development. Currently, 499 EMRS are functional across the country, serving as centres of excellence for tribal education.
Officials said the newly established Space Labs are designed to promote experiential learning and spark scientific curiosity among students by introducing them to concepts in astronomy, satellite technology, planetary sciences and space exploration.
The project has been implemented through agencies recognised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Each laboratory is equipped with a range of scientific models and educational tools, including replicas of the LVM3 launch vehicle and Earth Observation satellites, static models of PSLV, HRLV, IRNSS and GSAT missions, astronomy exhibits, tabletop scientific demonstration models, star-tracker telescopes, CanSat working models, STEM learning kits and curated educational resources on India’s space programme.
According to officials, the laboratories will enable students to engage in practical experiments, simulations, model-based demonstrations and observational activities, helping them develop analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and innovation-oriented learning capabilities.
The initiative is expected to bridge educational gaps by bringing advanced STEM infrastructure to remote and tribal regions, ensuring that students receive learning opportunities comparable to those available in urban educational institutions.
Education experts believe that early exposure to scientific disciplines can encourage inquiry-based learning and help students build strong foundations for higher studies and careers in emerging fields. The Space Labs are also expected to create awareness about career opportunities in aerospace, astronomy, geospatial sciences, meteorology, artificial intelligence, satellite technology and scientific research.
Officials noted that the programme could significantly boost participation by tribal students in science exhibitions, astronomy camps, innovation challenges and other national-level scientific events, increasing their representation in India’s growing science and technology ecosystem.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking and equitable access to quality education. It is being viewed as an important step toward empowering tribal youth with the knowledge, skills and exposure needed to contribute to India’s future scientific and technological advancement.
By expanding access to cutting-edge educational resources in underserved regions, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and BPCL aim to foster a new generation of innovators and scientific thinkers from tribal communities, strengthening both educational inclusion and national development.
