Finance
In a significant boost to higher education research, the Odisha government has extended financial assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh each to 60 faculty members from universities and colleges across the state through the Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme (MRIP) for the academic year 2025-26.
The program, launched by the Higher Education Department in conjunction with the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC), intends to boost the research ecosystem and foster innovation in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Ten academic members were formally handed grants on Saturday at a ceremony attended by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. The Minister handed over the sanction letters and congratulated the awardees for their academic achievements and commitment to research excellence.
Addressing the gathering, Suraj said the MRIP was designed to create a strong research culture in the state’s higher education institutions.
“Financial support plays a crucial role in enhancing research capacity and encouraging innovation that can address societal challenges and contribute to Odisha’s development,” he said.
The Minister further stated that the state government is committed to providing ongoing support to researchers and academicians to ensure that Odisha emerges as a hub of research, innovation, and academic achievement.
Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, Director of Higher Education, Dr. Chandi Charan Ratha, Vice-Chancellor of Ramadevi Women’s University, and Prof. Atanu Kumar Pati, Executive Member of OSHEC, attended the ceremony.
