Atal Tinkering Labs- Challenges, Roadblocks and Way forward


My letter to Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission

Dear Sir, Hope you are doing good.  I am a Mentor in a school in Delhi. I have written many articles, held conferences on the success of ATL model and how it's helping foster entrepreneurship and innovation among school children. However in the last 6 months, many Delhi schools have faced a lot of problems. Most of the issues are arising due to severe paucity of funds and its becoming difficult to conduct workshops and procuring equipment for labs. Please consider following issues- 1. An amount of Rs. 2 lakhs is expected each year for an ATL school but my school did not receive this grant in 2018 and 2019(currrent year) 2. There is a technical glitch in BharatKosh portal- school has deposited the interest but the amount is still showing in PFMS account even though school has no funds left. Hence school auditor is unable to audit the second financial year(2018) and PFMS uploading can't be done.  3. School ATL Incharges in most schools including my school run from pillar to post but their queries are not getting resolved. 4. Some schools have not yet received their GeM login ID/password details even after repeated requests. 5. GeM portal sells complete packages which the school does not want. If ATL students want specific equipment, they are unable to buy from GeM. Students end up buying expensive equipment on their own. Many times, student projects are stalled and workshops cannot be held. Without adequate financing, labs cannot function with desired motivation and zeal. Sir, you already might be well aware of above problems but it's my duty as a mentor to bring to your notice all issues plaguing the ATL, else our dream of making India an innovation hub and a 5 trillion dollar economy will suffer. Some possible solutions from my end are as follows- 1. Procurement from GeM portal can be made voluntary and interface with BharatKosh, PFMS portal needs to be streamlined. 2. All members need to be more responsive, truthful and proactive so as to solve all queries of teachers and ATL incharges. 3. Process needs to be simplified, made less cumbersome. 4. Teachers face rude responses from members and problems remain unsolved. Sensitivity training of staff would be welcomed. This will help in creating a healthy and sustainable Govt-Teacher-Mentor relationship in the long run. Lastly, I am uploading screenshots of ATL Incharge Delhi whatsapp group so that you can better understand the gravity of the problems.  I know sir that you are working with immense diligence and passion. Mentors are always there to support you and your vision of making a strong, self reliant and beautiful India. Jai Hind!

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