Bhubaneswar: In a major 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 under the Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme (MRIP) for the academic year 2025–26.
The initiative, implemented by the Higher Education Department in collaboration with the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC), aims to strengthen the research ecosystem and promote innovation in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Of the total beneficiaries, 10 faculty members were formally awarded the grants on Saturday at a function 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 added that the state government remains committed to providing sustained support to researchers and academicians to ensure that Odisha emerges as a hub of research, innovation and academic excellence.
Director of Higher Education Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, Vice-Chancellor of Ramadevi Women’s University Dr. Chandi Charan Ratha, and Executive Member of OSHEC Prof. Atanu Kumar Pati were present at the event.
