Overview
The INSPIRE–SHE programme, administered by the Ministry of Science & Technology, has achieved its annual scholarship targets for the period 2019‑20 to 2024‑25. The scheme awards scholarships to eligible female candidates in both Direct and Institution modes. Data were presented in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Key Developments
- All yearly targets for scholarship awards have been met from 2019‑20 to 2024‑25.
- Total applications received over six years: 167,82, 24,467, 20,087, 16,979, 18,443, 21,392 (year‑wise).
- Scholarships awarded increased from 10,764 in 2019‑20 to a peak of 11,705 in 2023‑24.
- Funds allocated each year ranged between ₹212.19 cr and ₹238.64 cr, with a projected allocation of ₹232.17 cr for 2025‑26.
- Gender‑wise distribution shows a steady rise in female beneficiaries, reaching 6,495 in 2024‑25.
- Rural‑urban split indicates expanding outreach to urban areas, with urban beneficiaries rising to 5,290 in 2024‑25.
Important Facts
Applications & Selections: The scheme received a total of 167,82 applications in 2019‑20, climbing to 24,467 in 2020‑21, and stabilising around 20,087‑21,392 thereafter. Selections varied by state, with Rajasthan alone accounting for over 2,937 scholarships in 2019‑20.
Financial Outlay: Annual allocations were: ₹228.12 cr (2019‑20), ₹238.64 cr (2020‑21), ₹220.63 cr (2021‑22), ₹233.02 cr (2022‑23), ₹212.19 cr (2023‑24), and ₹213.86 cr (2024‑25). The next year’s estimate is ₹232.17 cr.
Gender‑wise data: Male beneficiaries fell from 5,885 in 2019‑20 to 4,799 in 2024‑25, while female beneficiaries rose from 4,879 to 6,495 in the same period. This reflects the scheme’s focus on women’s participation in science.
Rural‑urban data: Rural scholars decreased from 7,400 (2019‑20) to 6,004 (2024‑25), whereas urban scholars increased from 3,364 to 5,290, indicating growing urban outreach.
Exam Relevance
The scholarship data illustrate how the government uses targeted financial instruments to promote gender equity in STEM (GS3: Science & Technology). Understanding the scheme’s funding pattern helps answer questions on budgetary allocations and monitoring (GS3: Economy). The state‑wise distribution provides insight into regional disparities, useful for questions on federal‑state coordination (GS2: Polity). Gender‑wise and rural‑urban breakdowns are directly relevant to social equity and inclusive development topics (GS3: Social Issues).
Way Forward
- Strengthen outreach in under‑represented states such as Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram where selections remain low.
- Maintain or increase urban‑rural balance to ensure rural women continue to benefit.
- Introduce a monitoring dashboard for real‑time tracking of applications, selections, and fund utilisation.
- Link scholarships with industry‑academia collaborations to improve employability of women scientists.
Continued review by the Ministry will ensure the scheme meets its objective of fostering a robust pipeline of women researchers for India’s scientific future.