Sikkim got its first ever Science Centre at Marchak, about 15 km from Gangtok. While inaugurating the centre, the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling dedicated it to the people of Sikkim.

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and State Science and Technology Department spent Rs 3.06 crores on the project, which is the last in the chain of such centres being set up by NSCM for the northeastern States.

According to the Chief Minister, the establishment of the Centre would profusely help in igniting the minds of thousands of countrymen to make the society, state and the nation stronger and more confident through scientific quest and technological invention.

Mention was also made on the State Government’s keenness to work for the development of Science and Technology sector in the State. A full-fledged Science and Technology Bhawan is all set to commence shortly at Gangtok, he further informed.

The Director of BITM, National Council of Science Museums, Dr. Jayanta Sthanapati on his part applauded the Chief Minister for contributing Rs 1.06 crores for the Centre.

In the north east, the first science museum was established at Guwahati in Assam in 1994. Thereafter Aizawl (Mizoram) set up its first science museum in 2003 followed by Kohima (Nagaland) and Imphal (Manipur) in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Shillong (Meghalaya) and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) got their museums in 2006.