Short Note – Rashtriya Aavishkar Abhiyan

The Rashtriya Aavishkar Abhiyan (RAA) is a nationwide campaign launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). It aims to expand the reach of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) from the school level onwards to have an interest in both inside the classroom and outside the classroom activities.

What is RAA?

It aims to create an environment of innovation, free thinking, and spirit of enquiry amongst the students of age group 6-18 years.

There are also endeavors to create and nurture schools as incubators of grass root innovation.

It is steered at the national level by the National Steering Committee (NSC) which is co-chaired by the Secretary of Department of School Education & Literacy and the Secretary of Department of Higher Education.

At the state level, it is steered by the State Level Steering Committee (SLSC). It will be headed by the State/UT Education Secretary.

Higher Education Institutions (HEI) will be encouraged to mentor schools in their immediate vicinity.

The RAA aims to promote science by conducting Science Exhibitions, organizing Book Fairs & Quiz Competitions.

It aims to have exposure/study visits for students to Higher Education institutions, the participation of students in Inter-school/State/National level Science & Maths Competitions/Olympiads, strengthening of School Science and Mathematics laboratories.

The use of teaching-learning equipment and material including Digital models and use of technology in Science and Mathematics teaching.

What lies ahead?

The RAA will go a long way in establishing India as a knowledge hub for the world. RAA will also promote the interest of girl child in the STEM fields.