The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, raising concerns regarding various issues related to the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (INSPIRE SHE) scheme administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Expressing concern over the delay in issuing the notification for the academic year 2025-26 and the continued delay in the disbursement of scholarship and fellowship funds, ABVP has urged the Government to take immediate measures in the interest of students and research scholars.
INSPIRE SHE is one of the Government of India’s flagship initiatives aimed at encouraging meritorious students to pursue higher education in science and natural sciences. Traditionally, the notification for the scheme is released during September-October each year, enabling eligible students to receive timely financial support for higher education and research. However, the notification for the academic year 2025-26 has not yet been released, leaving thousands of students across the country uncertain about their scholarships. Furthermore, persistent delays in the release of scholarship and fellowship amounts have adversely affected the academic progress of students and research scholars, disrupting research activities, laboratory-based studies, and other academic requirements, thereby impacting the quality of scientific research. Through the memorandum, ABVP has demanded the immediate release of the INSPIRE SHE notification for the academic year 2025-26, timely disbursement of all pending scholarship and fellowship installments, the introduction of a transparent and fixed timeline for future notifications and fund releases, and the establishment of an effective grievance redressal mechanism to address students’ concerns.
ABVP National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki said, “A strong education system, scientific temperament, and quality research will play a crucial role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat. Schemes such as INSPIRE SHE are instrumental in nurturing the country’s future scientific talent. However, the continued delay in issuing the notification and disbursing scholarship and fellowship amounts since the last academic year has adversely affected thousands of students. The disruption of research activities is also impacting the quality of scientific research. Through this memorandum, ABVP has demanded the immediate release of the INSPIRE SHE notification, prompt disbursal of all pending scholarship and fellowship funds, a transparent and time-bound framework for future implementation, and an effective grievance redressal mechanism. If India aspires to emerge as a global leader in science and innovation, it is imperative to provide timely institutional support and financial assistance to meritorious students and young researchers. We hope the Government will take prompt cognizance of these concerns and take necessary decisions in the interest of students.”
The ABVP delegation held a positive discussion with Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on issues related to the INSPIRE SHE scheme. The Minister assured the delegation that the notification for the scheme and the disbursal of pending scholarships and fellowships would be taken up at the earliest. The delegation comprised ABVP National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki, National Secretary Shravan B. Raj, Kshama Sharma, Aditya Takiyar, Central Executive Council Member Gunjan Kumar, Delhi University Students’ Union President Aryan Mann, Neha Yadav and Gargi Joshi.