Overview
The DST is intensifying grassroots innovation in Chhattisgarh through school‑level schemes, research grants, and biotechnology clusters. The focus is on nurturing scientific temperament among students, supporting institutions with research funding, and creating rural technology parks that add value to horticultural and forest produce.
Key Developments
- Implementation of the INSPIRE‑MANAK scheme with a direct cash award of ₹10,000 per student via DBT. Over 5,000 students, teachers and officials were reached through workshops and online programmes.
- Selection of 3,154 (2023‑24), 2,956 (2024‑25) and 2,165 (2025‑26) students under INSPIRE‑MANAK, showing sustained participation.
- Research grants totalling more than ₹9,000 lakh were released to 30+ institutions between 2023‑24 and 2025‑26, covering fields from climate change to biotechnology.
- Award of NIDHI programmes such as EIR, PRAYAS, TBIs and Seed Support to foster tech‑based entrepreneurship.
- Establishment of the SEED SC‑ST Cell at the Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology.
- Creation of rural biotechnology clusters such as the Rural Bioresources Complex in Western Odisha and similar projects in Arunachal Pradesh, benefitting over 600 SHGs, 350 enterprises and 5,000 rural youth.
Important Facts
• Total research grants released: ₹9,000+ lakh across 2023‑24 to 2025‑26.
• Number