New Delhi, June 14, 2024: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, overseeing the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), announced that 300 women scientists will be awarded research grants for a period of three years under the CSIR-ASPIRE scheme. This initiative, aimed at empowering women in science, reflects the government’s commitment to promoting ease of living in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
During a review meeting, Dr. Singh praised the success of the CSIR-ASPIRE scheme, launched on International Women’s Day last year, which received approximately 3000 proposals. After rigorous screening and independent review, 301 research proposals were recommended for support across various research areas.
Dr. Singh also highlighted the importance of innovations in biomanufacturing and bio-foundry in driving India’s bioeconomy and fostering green growth. He underscored India’s significant growth in the bio-economy sector, from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, emphasizing the role of initiatives like biodegradable polymers and bio-pharmaceuticals in promoting sustainable development.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Bio-Technology, and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, focused on enhancing collaboration between research institutions, industrial R&D, and the startup ecosystem to accelerate indigenous technological advancements and empower agricultural entrepreneurs.
Dr. Singh encouraged the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare through initiatives like Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CHeCK) to advance precision medicine and healthcare solutions tailored to Indian conditions.
In conclusion, Dr. Singh emphasized the need for sustainable development encompassing bio-economy, environment, and employment, urging continuous momentum in developing indigenous technologies and products to benefit the nation’s economy and ecosystem.
This revised version condenses the original content while maintaining the key points and context of Dr. Jitendra Singh’s announcements and directives during the meeting.
