Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has extended financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh each to 60 faculty members from universities and colleges across the state under the Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme (MRIP) for the academic year 2025–26, reinforcing its push to strengthen the state’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Implemented by the Higher Education Department in collaboration with the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC), the initiative is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a focus on promoting high-quality research, innovation, and solutions to societal challenges.
Of the total beneficiaries, 10 faculty members were formally awarded the grants on Saturday at a function where Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj handed over the sanction letters. Congratulating the awardees, the Minister said sustained financial support is critical to enhancing research capacity and fostering innovation that contributes meaningfully to Odisha’s development.
“Financial assistance plays a crucial role in strengthening research capabilities and encouraging innovation that addresses real-world challenges. The state government remains committed to supporting academicians so that Odisha emerges as a hub of research, innovation, and academic excellence,” the Minister said.
Director of Higher Education Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, Vice-Chancellor of Ramadevi Women’s University Dr. Chandi Charan Ratha, and OSHEC Executive Member Prof. Atanu Kumar Pati were present at the event.
Officials said the MRIP scheme has been designed to provide researchers with the resources and institutional backing needed to pursue impactful projects, enhance academic output, and elevate Odisha’s standing in higher education and research at the national level.
-OdishaAge
