Odisha Extends Research Grants to 60 Faculty Members Under MRIP for 2025–26

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at deepening the research culture in higher education, the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha, along with the 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 2025–26.

As part of the initiative, 60 faculty members from universities and colleges across the state have been selected to receive research grants of up to ₹10 lakh each for their ongoing and proposed projects. The programme seeks to promote innovation, strengthen academic research, and align institutional research outcomes with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Of the selected beneficiaries, 10 faculty members were formally awarded the fellowship grants on Saturday in the presence of Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. The Minister handed over the sanction letters and congratulated the awardees for their academic contributions and dedication to research excellence.

Addressing the gathering, Suraj said the Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme reflects the state government’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable research ecosystem in Odisha’s higher education institutions. He noted that targeted financial support plays a crucial role in enhancing research capacity and encouraging innovation that can respond to societal needs and development challenges.