Bhubaneswar, January 18: As many as 60 faculty members of various colleges and universities in the State have been selected to selected to receive financial assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh each to support their ongoing and proposed research projects, under the Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme (MRIP) for the academic year 2025-2026.

Out of the selected beneficiaries, 10 faculty members were formally awarded the grant in the presence of the Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj yesterday.

The objective of the initiative is to strengthen the research ecosystem in higher education. The initiative has been launched by Higher Education Department and Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC).

The programme aims to promote innovation and quality research, aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The Minister handed over the sanction letters and congratulated the awardees for their scholarly contributions and commitment to research excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, the Higher Education Minister said that the Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme is an initiative of the Government of Odisha to create a robust research culture in the State’s universities and colleges.

He emphasised that such financial support not only enhances research capacity but also encourages innovation that can address societal challenges and contribute to the state’s overall development.

The Minister further added that the Government is committed to providing sustained support to researchers and academicians, ensuring that Odisha emerges as a hub of research, innovation and academic excellence.

Higher Education Director Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, Ramadevi Women's University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Chandi Charan Ratha, Executive Member Odisha State Higher Education Council Prof. Atanu kumar Pati, were present on this occasion.