Karnataka is preparing to widen its Telescope Distribution Scheme beyond institutions under the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KRIES), Science and Technology Minister N.S. Boseraju said on Thursday. A proposal seeking additional funds will be placed before the Chief Minister during the next budget meeting.
Boseraju was speaking at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, where he inaugurated a training programme for KRIES teachers on operating and maintaining the telescopes provided to their schools. The initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to strengthen astronomy-based learning.
Under the scheme, 833 residential schools and PU colleges have received telescopes at a total cost of ₹3 crore. Boseraju noted that no other government department in the country had undertaken a project of this scale and expressed hope of extending telescope distribution to more schools next year.
Emphasising the need to foster scientific temper and rational thinking, he said strengthening science education is essential in an era driven by knowledge and innovation. He added that the government’s goal is not just to distribute instruments but to ensure teachers are fully trained to use them in classrooms.
The hands-on workshop aims to help teachers integrate regular sky observations into school activities and encourage students to explore astronomy. The department also released its 2026 astronomical calendar, listing monthly celestial events to support effective use of the telescopes.
Senior officials from the department and the planetarium were present, along with around 90 KRIES teachers.