ATAL Lab Tranche 3 Guidelines: How to Apply?

Summary

The landscape of Indian education is undergoing a remarkable transformation, shifting from traditional rote learning to a more dynamic, hands-on approach. At the forefront of this revolution is the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship initiative by the Government of India designed to cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students.

A cornerstone of this mission is the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools across the country. These labs are vibrant workspaces where young minds can give shape to their ideas, experiment with cutting-edge technology, and develop critical 21st-century skills. 

With many schools having successfully set up their ATLs with the initial grants, the journey doesn't stop there. To ensure these innovation hubs continue to thrive, AIM provides subsequent rounds of funding.

This brings us to the latest opportunity: the third tranche of financial support. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ATL Lab Tranche 3 Guidelines, eligibility, and the step-by-step application process to help your school secure the necessary funding to sustain its innovation journey. 

What is Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) Tranche 3?

In the context of government funding, a "tranche" refers to a portion or an installment of the total grant. The ATL financial support is disbursed in these tranches to ensure that schools meet compliance requirements and utilize the funds effectively over time.

Therefore, ATL Tranche 3 is the third installment of the Grant-in-Aid provided to schools that already have an established and functional Atal Tinkering Lab.

This funding is not for setting up a new lab but for sustaining and upgrading the existing one. The primary objective of Tranche 3 is to empower schools to:

• Maintain and upgrade lab equipment: Technology evolves rapidly. This fund allows schools to purchase new tools, replace worn-out equipment, and ensure the lab remains relevant with the latest technology like robotics, IoT, and AI.
• Replenish consumables: Ongoing robotic projects and experiments consume materials. Tranche 3 ensures a steady supply of essential consumables, allowing students to experiment without interruption.
• Organize activities and workshops: The grant supports the organization of innovation challenges, STEM competitions, workshops, and speaker sessions, keeping the student community engaged and inspired.
• Cover operational costs: A portion of the funds can be used for the operational and maintenance expenses of the STEM lab, ensuring its smooth functioning.

Securing this third tranche is crucial for the long-term success of an ATL. It ensures that the lab doesn't just become a one-time installation but remains a dynamic and resourceful hub of innovation for years to come. The ATL Tranche 3 Guidelines are designed to help schools manage these funds effectively and achieve their innovation goals.

Who is Eligible for ATL Tranche 3?

Before diving into the application process, it is essential to determine if your school meets the ATL Tranche 3 eligibility criteria. AIM has laid out specific requirements to ensure that the funding is directed towards schools that have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the ATL program. Here are the key eligibility conditions:

• Existing ATL School: Only schools that have already been selected for an ATL and have received the first and second tranches of the grant are eligible to apply for Tranche 3.
• Time-Lapse: A crucial criterion is the time elapsed since the receipt of the previous tranche. Schools typically become eligible for Tranche 3 only after two years from the date they received the Tranche 2 funds. This ensures that schools have had adequate time to utilize the previous grant.
• Fund Utilization: Schools must have properly utilized the funds from Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 according to the guidelines provided by AIM. This needs to be substantiated with proper documentation.
• Active Lab: The ATL must be fully functional and actively used by students. The school needs to show evidence of regular activities, projects, and workshops being conducted in the lab.
• Compliance and Reporting: The school must be compliant with all the reporting requirements, including regular updates on the ATL dashboard and submission of all necessary documents for the previous tranches.

Meeting the ATL Tranche 3 eligibility criteria is the first and most important step. Schools are advised to review the official announcements on the AIM portal for any updates or changes to these conditions.

How to Apply for ATL Tranche 3: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for Tranche 3 is conducted online through the official AIM portal, making it transparent and accessible for all eligible schools. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to navigate the ATL online application:

1. Login to the AIM Portal: Begin by visiting the official AIM website and navigating to the ATL portal. Log in using your school’s registered credentials (U-DISE code and password) that were used for previous applications. 
2. Navigate to the Tranche 3 Application: Once logged in, find the section for subsequent tranche applications. From the drop-down menu, carefully select "Tranche 3" to proceed with the correct application form.
3. Review the Guidelines: Before you start filling out the form, thoroughly read the latest ATL Tranche 3 Guidelines available on the portal. This document contains critical information about fund utilization, documentation, and compliance that you must adhere to.
4. Fill the Application Form: The application form will require you to provide detailed information about the current status of your ATL. This typically includes:
   1. Details of activities, workshops, and competitions conducted.
   2. Student participation data and success stories.
   3. Future plans for the lab, including new initiatives and projects.
   4. An updated inventory of lab equipment.
5. Upload Required Documents: This is a critical step in the ATL online application. You will need to upload scanned copies of all the necessary documents. Ensure they are clear, properly attested, and in the specified format. A detailed list of documents is provided in the next section.
6. Submit and Track: After filling in all the details and uploading the documents, review the entire application one last time to check for any errors. Once you are confident, submit the form. After submission, you can track the status of your application through the portal.

It is highly recommended to complete the application well before the last date to avoid any last-minute technical glitches or delays. 

Required Documents for ATL Lab Tranche 3 Application 

Proper documentation is the backbone of a successful Tranche 3 application. The AIM and NITI Aayog ATL teams scrutinize these documents to verify compliance and fund utilization. Here is a comprehensive list of the documents you will need to prepare: 

• Utilization Certificate (UC): This is one of the most important documents. The UC, in the prescribed Form GFR 12-A, must reflect the total utilization of funds from both Tranche 1 and Tranche 2. 
• Audited Statement of Account: You need to provide an audited statement of expenditure for the funds received in the previous tranches. This statement should be certified by a Chartered Accountant and must clearly show how the grant was spent. 
• Bank Statement/Passbook: An attested copy of the bank statement or passbook for the ATL-specific bank account is required. This must show all transactions related to the grant, and the unspent balance shown must match the figures in the UC and the audited statement. 
• Interest Return Acknowledgement: Any interest earned on the grant amount must be returned to the government through the Bharat Kosh portal. The receipt generated from this transaction needs to be submitted as proof. 
• Tax Exemption Declaration: A declaration stating the school's tax-exempt status in the prescribed format is also required. 
• Supplementary Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and Contact Sheet: You will need to submit an updated MoA and a contact sheet with the current details of the school principal and the ATL-in-charge. 
• ATL Lab YouTube Video Link: To provide a dynamic view of your lab's activities, you are required to create and upload a short video to YouTube showcasing the lab infrastructure, student projects, and overall environment. The link to this video must be included in the application. 

Gathering and preparing these documents in advance can make the application process much smoother. 

Key Guidelines for Fund Utilization 

Receiving the Tranche 3 ATL Grant-in-Aid comes with the responsibility of using it wisely and in accordance with the ATL Tranche 3 Guidelines. NITI Aayog has set clear rules to ensure the funds directly contribute to enhancing the innovation ecosystem in the school. Key points include: 

• Permissible Expenses: The funds are primarily to be used for the procurement of new equipment, tools, and consumables for the lab. A portion can also be allocated to operational and maintenance costs, as well as for organizing STEM-based activities, workshops, and competitions for students. 
• Record Keeping: It is mandatory for schools to maintain a detailed record of all expenses incurred from the grant. This includes proper bills, vouchers, and entries in a stock register. These records are essential for future audits and for applying for subsequent tranches. 
• Reporting on the ATL Dashboard: Schools are required to provide regular updates on their activities and fund utilization on the official ATL dashboard. This transparency is a key component of the ATL Tranche 3 Guidelines. 
• No Diversion of Funds: The ATL Grant-in-Aid must be used exclusively for the ATL and its related activities. The funds cannot be diverted for any other purpose, such as paying salaries or funding non-ATL school events. Adherence to the ATL Tranche 3 Guidelines is crucial for maintaining eligibility. 

Why Applying for Tranche 3 is Important 

Applying for and receiving the Tranche 3 funding is more than just a financial transaction; it is a vital step in future-proofing your school's innovation hub. Here’s why it is so important: 

• Sustains the Momentum: The initial excitement of a new lab can fade over time. A fresh infusion of funds allows you to introduce new technologies and activities, keeping students engaged and the innovation momentum alive. 
• Upgrades Infrastructure: Tranche 3 provides the financial muscle to upgrade your lab with the latest equipment. This ensures that your students are working with tools and technologies that are current and industry-relevant, giving them a competitive edge. 
• Enhances Learning Opportunities: With additional funds, you can organize more workshops, invite guest speakers from the industry, and subscribe to online learning platforms. This broadens the learning horizons for your students. 
• Encourages Participation in Competitions: The grant can be used to support students in participating in regional, national, and even global innovation challenges and competitions. This exposure is invaluable for their growth and confidence. The Atal Innovation Mission actively promotes such participation. 
• Builds a Stronger Innovation Ecosystem: A well-maintained and active ATL becomes the heart of the school's innovation ecosystem. It fosters a culture of curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration that benefits the entire school community. Following the ATL Tranche 3 Guidelines ensures this ecosystem is robust and sustainable. 

Conclusion

The Atal Tinkering Lab initiative is a visionary step towards transforming India into a nation of innovators. The announcement of Tranche 3 funding offers a golden opportunity for schools to reinforce their commitment to this vision. By providing the necessary financial support to maintain and upgrade these labs, the government is ensuring that the flame of innovation continues to burn brightly in the minds of our students.

For schools that meet the eligibility criteria, this is the time to act. Diligently follow the guidelines, prepare your documentation, and submit your application on time. Securing this grant will not only empower your students with the tools and skills they need for the future but will also solidify your school's reputation as a center for excellence in modern education. Embrace this opportunity to continue nurturing the next generation of creators, innovators, and leaders who will shape the future of India.