Ranchi: Innovative minds can get a platform to display their creations for the world to see, courtesy Ranchi Science Centre, a 4,200sqft museum on a 13-acre campus in Chiroundi on Morabadi outskirts.

Inside Ranchi Science Centre, they are putting up a Jharkhand Innovation Gallery to display bright ideas, the centre's director J.S.P. Gupta said. The move is aimed at giving a platform to innovators, tickle interest in science among schoolchildren and promote Jharkhand's intellectual potential among visitors both from the state and outside.

"Be it a student, researcher, farmer, technician, or commoner, if you think you have created anything innovative, just send us a proposal with details at jcst2018@gmail.com. Our committee will scan, scrutinise and vet the idea after which we will give the ideator space for public display. There is no dearth of space," Gupta said about the centre under the state higher and technical education department.

He added that the innovation gallery was set up near the 3D theatre on the centre's ground floor. "Currently, we can accommodate 25-30 creations (models) but depending on entries, we can make provision for more space," he said. I have often seen even a mechanic or a farmer comes up with good devices based on principles of science for daily use. But, such things don't get exposure or display. Now, we will give a platform to all such creations. It will also help motivate others, specially children who come to our museum to connect and relate with science," he said.

He added experts would vet the ideas.

"We have a seven-member committee comprising experts from BIT-Mesra, Ranchi University and National Institute of Foundry Forge Technology (NIFFT) for the purpose. Once we get entries, we will hold meetings and start approving space," Gupta said.

The science centre gets 200 visitors on weekdays while the number rises on weekdays. Entry fee is currently Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children but authorities are mulling to double it soon.

Ranchi Science Centre has recently written to tourism department and Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) to link the place with existing tourist circuit and start bus services, respectively.

"This can be an interesting tourist destination. We requested the tourism department to include it in their circuit package tours. Reaching the place is no problem for those who own vehicles. A few autos run depending on passengers, but we have requested RMC to consider introducing the city bus service on this stretch linking Karamtoli-Kanke via Chiroundi, which will increase footfall."