What is the main purpose of the ‘INSPIRE’ programme by the Government of India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Promote science education
Explanation
The main purpose of the INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) programme is to attract talented young minds toward the study of science and promote science education across India. Launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), this flagship scheme aims to build the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the science and technology system and research and development (R&D) base of the country. It does not look at conventional talent identification via competitive exams, but instead relies on the existing educational structure to identify and nurture talent from an early stage.
Key Points
The INSPIRE scheme is uniquely designed with three main components targeting different age groups: Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS) for school students, Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) for undergraduate and postgraduate science students, and Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC) for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
Under the MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) initiative within SEATS, school students are given monetary awards to execute original, innovative scientific ideas.
The overarching goal is to seed a passion for creative experimentation and research early in life, ensuring a steady growth of scientific minds rather than steering youth away to non-science career paths.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which ministry or department administers the INSPIRE programme in India?
Answer: It is administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Question: What does the acronym 'INSPIRE' stand for in the context of this government scheme?
Answer: It stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research.