PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INNOVATION PURSUIT FOR INSPIRED RESEARCH (INSPIRE)

The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme, run by the Department of Science & Technology, aims to nurture scientific talent across various academic and research stages. It comprises four main components: INSPIRE MANAK (for school students aged 10-17), INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) (for UG/PG students in natural/basic sciences), INSPIRE Fellowship (for PhD research), and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship (for postdoctoral researchers). The article details the financial support and target groups for each component, provides data on beneficiaries over the last five years, and highlights government efforts to expand the program's outreach and inclusivity, particularly in rural and remote areas, through awareness campaigns, competitions, and mentorship programs with premier institutions.