Financial Support Provided to Faculty Under Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme
Bhubaneswar, 16th January, 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening the research ecosystem in higher education, the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha and Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC), has extended financial support to faculty members under the Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme (MRIP) for the academic year 2025–2026.
Under this initiative, 60 faculty members from various higher education institutions across the state have been selected to receive financial assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh each to support their ongoing and proposed research projects. The programme aims to promote innovation and quality research, aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Out of the selected beneficiaries, 10 faculty members were formally awarded the grant today in the presence of the Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj.
Minister Shri Suraj 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 Shri Suraj 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 emphasized 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.
Director Higher Education Shri Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, Vice-Chancellor Ramadevi Women’s University Dr. Chandi Charan Ratha, Executive Member Odisha State Higher Education Council Prof. Atanu kumar Pati, were present on this occasion.
