Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Highlights Expansion of INSPIRE Programme Across Rural India (2026)
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined the expansion of the INSPIRE Programme (2021‑26), highlighting increased outreach, mentorship, and beneficiary numbers in rural Odisha and Rajasthan. The data underscores the government's push to nurture scientific talent nationwide, a key point for UPSC GS‑III and GS‑II preparation.
Expansion of the INSPIRE Programme (2021‑26) The Ministry of Science & Technology, through a written reply in Lok Sabha, detailed how the INSPIRE Programme has been scaled up in the last five years, especially in rural and aspirational districts such as Nabarangpur (Odisha) and several districts of Rajasthan. The focus is on widening access, improving outreach, and strengthening the innovation ecosystem. Key Developments (2021‑26) Extensive dissemination of programme information via State Education Departments, District Education Officers, schools and digital platforms. Organisation of awareness campaigns, webinars, orientation programmes and capacity‑building workshops for teachers. National, State and District level exhibitions and project competitions ( DLEPCs, SLEPCs, NLEPCs ) to identify and nurture ideas. Mentorship programmes with IITs, NITs, IISERs and other premier institutions for prototype development and research guidance. Important Facts and Figures Overall beneficiaries (India) – The programme supports four components: INSPIRE-MANAK : 52,720 (2021‑22) to 49,805 (2025‑26). INSPIRE-SHE : 18,039 (2021‑22) to 24,276 (2025‑26). INSPIRE Fellowship : 2,768 (2021‑22) to 3,364 (2025‑26). INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship : 474 (2021‑22) to 477 (2025‑26). Odisha – Total beneficiaries grew modestly; INSPIRE-MANAK beneficiaries ranged from 3,659 (2021‑22) to 3,755 (2025‑26). Nabarangpur constituency saw <span class="key-term" d
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Key Insight
INSPIRE Programme now reaches rural India, boosting scientific temper and equity.
Key Facts
- INSPIRE (2021‑26) ने ग्रामीण जिलों जैसे Nabarangpur (Odisha) और राजस्थान के कई जिलों में विस्तार किया।
- देशव्यापी लाभार्थियों की संख्या बढ़ी: MANAK 52,720 → 49,805; SHE 18,039 → 24,276; Fellowship 2,768 → 3,364; Faculty Fellowship 474 → 477 (2021‑22 से 2025‑26)।
- Odisha के MANAK प्रतिभागियों की संख्या 3,659 से बढ़कर 3,755 हुई; Nabarangpur निर्वाचन क्षेत्र में MANAK छात्रों की संख्या 56 से 72 तक बढ़ी।
- Rajasthan के MANAK में 10,019 से घटकर 5,720 हो गया, जबकि SHE की संख्या 936 से 2,464 के बीच बदलती रही।
- यह योजना DLEPC, SLEPC और NLEPC प्रदर्शनों का आयोजन करती है और छात्रों को IITs, NITs और IISERs के साथ मेंटरशिप के लिए जोड़ती है।
- केंद्रीय मंत्री Dr. Jitendra Singh ने लोकसभा में इस कार्यक्रम को उजागर किया, यह बताते हुए कि यह अनुच्छेद 51A(k) – वैज्ञानिक भावना विकसित करने के कर्तव्य को पूरा करता है।
- प्रस्तावित अगले कदम: रीयल‑टाइम मॉनिटरिंग डैशबोर्ड, निजी‑क्षेत्र R&D मेंटरशिप, कम‑प्रदर्शन वाले स्कूलों के लिए अतिरिक्त प्रोत्साहन, और NEP 2020 के अनुभवात्मक शिक्षण के साथ संरेखण।
Background
The INSPIRE Programme is a flagship science‑education scheme of the Ministry of Science & Technology. It aligns with GS‑3 (Science & Technology) by fostering innovation, and with GS‑2 (Polity) through central‑state coordination and parliamentary oversight. The expansion reflects the government's push for inclusive development and the constitutional mandate to nurture scientific temper.
UPSC Syllabus
- Essay — Science, Technology and Society
- Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
- GS3 — Developments in science and technology and their applications
- Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
- GS2 — Functions and responsibilities of Union and States
- Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System
- Prelims_CSAT — Analytical Ability
- GS1 — Poverty and Developmental Issues
- GS4 — Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values
Mains Angle
In a Mains answer, discuss how INSPIRE addresses the science‑technology gap in rural India and evaluate its effectiveness. (GS‑2/GS‑3 – policy implementation and impact assessment).