PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROGRESS OF INSPIRE PROGRAMME

Key Highlights:

• The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme systematically nurtures scientific talent across academic and research stages.
• It comprises four major components: INSPIRE MANAK, INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), INSPIRE Fellowship, and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship.
• INSPIRE MANAK promotes innovation among students aged 10-17, while INSPIRE SHE awards 12,000 scholarships annually (₹80,000/year) to meritorious students in natural/basic sciences.
• INSPIRE Fellowship supports Ph.D. research with financial aid (JRF ₹37,000/month, SRF ₹42,000/month), and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship provides ₹1,25,000/month and a ₹35 lakh research grant for postdoctoral researchers.
• The government has expanded outreach, focusing on rural, remote, and aspirational districts through awareness campaigns and mentorship with premier institutions.
• Over the last five years, the program has supported a significant number of students and young researchers, including 50,009 under INSPIRE MANAK and 24,276 under INSPIRE SHE in 2024-25.

Detailed Insights:

• The INSPIRE Programme aims to encourage meritorious students to pursue higher education and research in science, enhancing innovative research by the young generation.
• INSPIRE MANAK specifically targets school students (Classes VI-XII) to foster original ideas and scientific creativity.
• INSPIRE SHE supports undergraduate and postgraduate studies, ensuring a pipeline of talent in fundamental sciences.
• INSPIRE Fellowship provides crucial financial backing for full-time Ph.D. programs, including House Rent Allowance (HRA) and an annual contingency grant.
• INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers, typically aged 27-32, for a five-year period to establish independent research careers.
• Targeted interventions include extensive information dissemination through state and district education departments and digital platforms.
• Awareness campaigns, orientation programs, webinars, and capacity-building workshops are organized for teachers and school authorities to improve program reach.
• District, State, and National Level Exhibition and Project Competitions (DLEPCs, SLEPCs, NLEPCs) identify and nurture innovative ideas among school students.
• Mentorship programs with institutions like IITs, NITs, and IISERs guide selected students in prototype development and scientific research.
• These efforts have led to inclusive participation, strengthening scientific temper, fostering grassroots innovation, and expanding equitable access to science education and research opportunities.

Key Concepts Involved:

• INSPIRE Programme: A flagship scheme by the Department of Science & Technology to attract talent to science and research.
• Scientific Temper: A way of life that uses the scientific method, including logic, rationality, and objectivity.
• Grassroots Innovation: New ideas or solutions developed by individuals or communities at the local level, often with limited resources.