'50 pc of schools in State lack labs'

The numbers are more dismal on the national-level with at least 80 percent of the schools lacking basic science laboratories, said NCERT Director G Ravindra.

He was addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the 18th State-level Children’s Science Meet at the Regional Institute of Education, here on Friday.

Expressing concern at the unavailability of infrastructure in schools, Ravindra said there is a wide disparity between the facilities available to rural and urban students.

While objecting to the request made by certain sections demanding the removal of science and maths from the curriculum, Ravindra said such a development would be “disturbing”. He urged students to protest such a demand, by showcasing their scientific ideas at science meets.

Recalling an incident when he visited a school in Sandur in Bellary district, he said students there failed to ask teachers any questions. “Students should be motivated to ask questions by their educators to improve their rational thinking and to bring in participatory approach from teachers,” Ravindra said.