
In a remarkable step towards improving the quality of education in government schools, the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration has taken an inspiring initiative. On Wednesday (June 2, 2025), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the HCL Foundation to introduce digital learning tools and mobile STEM labs across 72 government schools in the district. This collaboration is expected to change the way students learn and interact with science and technology.
Out of the 72 selected institutions, 12 schools will get mobile STEM labs, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The aim is to provide hands-on learning experiences and boost students’ interest in these crucial subjects. These schools include both primary and secondary institutions, with 54 primary and 18 secondary schools benefiting from the programme.
The agreement was announced during a formal ceremony, presided over by district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma. During the event, Verma also inaugurated the mobile STEM and digital labs. These labs are specially designed to bring advanced digital learning tools to students from Class 6 to Class 10. The labs will offer interactive sessions, practical workshops, and real-time experiments, making learning more exciting and effective.
Mobile STEM labs are not just vehicles with equipment. They are complete learning environments on wheels. They are usually vans or buses fitted with smart devices like tablets, laptops, robotics kits, science models, and internet connectivity. These moving laboratories can visit different schools and help students learn through group activities, experiments, and project demonstrations.
According to Verma, this partnership with HCL Foundation is a significant step towards improving the educational ecosystem of the district. He noted that the mobile labs will spark curiosity and innovation among students. More importantly, they will ensure that students from remote or underprivileged backgrounds get access to quality education and modern tools that were previously beyond their reach.
Basic education officer Rahul Pawar also praised the initiative, calling it a crucial milestone. He said that this step would strengthen foundational and digital learning in government schools. He added that the mobile STEM labs would make learning more inclusive, engaging, and relevant for today’s generation.
The mobile labs are expected to be a game changer. They provide a platform for creative thinking, problem-solving, and developing 21st-century skills among students. These are the skills needed in today’s competitive world. The initiative also hopes to bridge the gap between urban and rural education by making digital resources accessible to all.
Nidhi Pundhir, the Director of the HCL Foundation and the global head of CSR at HCLTech, also shared her excitement about the partnership. She mentioned that mobile labs would not only help students learn better but would also allow them to dream bigger. With the help of technology, students can now explore their potential and find new opportunities for growth.
This initiative is a ray of hope for thousands of students who have big dreams but limited means. By bringing modern education tools directly to schools, especially in rural areas, the government is making a strong statement. It shows a commitment to equity in education and a belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the best learning opportunities.
Insightfully, the mobile STEM labs project is not just about science and technology. It is about empowering students, inspiring teachers, and transforming classrooms into spaces of creativity and innovation. As this project takes shape in Gautam Budh Nagar, it sets an example for other districts in the country to follow. With such bold steps, India is moving forward toward a future where education is not a privilege for a few but a right for all.