Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh presents award for child-safety innovation
Chhattisgarh’s young innovators are bringing laurels to the state: School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav
Raipur (thestates.news) |Krishna Agrawal, a student of Jindal Public School in Raigarh district, has brought pride to Chhattisgarh by winning third prize at the 12th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC-2026) in New Delhi. His project, Flip Electric Iron for Child Safety, was recognised for its innovative approach to preventing injuries caused by hot irons. The award was presented by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh.
School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav congratulated Krishna on his achievement, describing it as a proud moment for Chhattisgarh.
Young talent making a mark in science and technology
School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav congratulated Krishna Agrawal on his achievement, describing it as a proud moment for Chhattisgarh. He said students in the state had immense talent, creativity and scientific potential. Krishna’s practical innovation, he added, demonstrated how students from Chhattisgarh could make a mark at the national level in science and technology.
The minister also congratulated Krishna’s parents, teachers and the school on the achievement and wished him a bright future. He expressed confidence that Krishna’s success would inspire other students in Chhattisgarh to pursue science, research and innovation.
Encouraging innovation through education
The School Education Minister said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, is working to improve educational standards while nurturing scientific curiosity and creative thinking among students. He stressed that student-led innovations addressing everyday challenges can deliver practical benefits to society and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
A safety feature to protect children from hot irons
Krishna developed the Flip Electric Iron for Child Safety to reduce the risk of burns, particularly among young children, from unattended electric irons. The model features an automatic flipping mechanism that turns the hot surface upwards when the iron is left unattended. For added protection, the model also includes an automatic shut-off function that activates after 30 seconds, along with a child-lock mechanism. Its affordable design aims to make the safety features practical for everyday household use.
Selected among the top 62 innovations
Krishna’s project was selected among the top 62 innovations from approximately 80,000 ideas submitted from Chhattisgarh. It has also been featured in the INSPIRE Awards–MANAK 2026 compilation. The initiative, associated with the Department of Science and Technology and the National Innovation Foundation–India, seeks to identify and encourage scientific talent among school students. It gives young innovators an opportunity to showcase their ideas and gain recognition at the national level.
