Odisha govt seeks proposals from universities for research fellowships

The Skill Development and Technical Education (SDTE) department has directed government technical universities in Odisha to submit proposals for the release of funds to support research fellowships for technical scholars under the newly launched CM Aspire scheme (Chief Minister’s Augmenting Soft Skill and Promoting Innovation, Research and Excellence).

According to sources in the department, the CM Aspire research fellowship initiative had faced delays as government technical universities sought clarifications on scheme guidelines issued last year. The issues were resolved during the first steering committee meeting, chaired by SDTE Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia on December 24.

Under the scheme, PhD candidates from Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR), and Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) will receive fellowships, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 37.5 crore.

Eligible Odisha domiciles below 35 years, who have completed pre-PhD coursework and whose parental income is under Rs 8 lakh, will get a monthly fellowship of Rs 30,000 along with contingency grants. Around 150 scholars will benefit annually and be encouraged to publish globally. Announced in 2024, CM Aspire has a Rs 120 crore outlay for five components over three years. Funds have already been released for employability training and senior secondary certification components.