An ambitious project of setting up the sub-regional science centre to spread scientific temperament among schoolchildren, is yet to take off in Haveri.
While similar type of facilities in Dharwad and other places have started functioning and turned out to be popular, the people of Haveri are waiting for the last nine years. The government had sanctioned this project in 2006 and also released Rs. 1.30 crore grants in two instalments. However, the money is lying unutilised till date.
MLC S.V. Sankanur, who took up this matter with the government, said it was a pity that such ambitious projects benefiting the public were being delayed. One of the main reasons was difference of opinion over selection of location, which was changed twice. But the government had promised to commence the work shortly during the monsoon session of the legislature, Mr. Sankanur said.
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R.S. Patil Hosaritti, member secretary of the committee told
Rs. 2-crore project
It was a Rs. 2 crore-project when proposed, and the State government released its share. But the Union government refused to release matching grants citing that the State had more than enough number of science centres. Besides, there was no consensus on the location chosen for the project at Devagiri, he said.
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Cost increased
“Now, the project cost has increased to Rs. 4 crore. The State government has agreed to fully fund the project and officials from Bengaluru had conducted spot inspection and finalised a new location on Karjagi road. We are hopeful that the project will take off at the earliest,” Mr. Hosaritti said.
Similar facilities set up at Dharwad and other places have become very popular
Differences over selection of location seems to have delayed the projectg