Question : INSPIRE AWARD TO STUDENTS

(a) whether there is a provision to give Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) award to talented students of various States inc- luding Rajasthan;

(b) if so, the number of such scholarships given in various States including Rajasthan during each of the last three years, State-wise;

(c) whether applications for INSPIRE award from various States including Rajasthan for the year 2014-15 have been received; and

(d) if so, the number of applications received during the current year and the time by which amount under INSPIRE is likely to be released, State-wise?

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) & (b): Yes Madam. Under the INSPIRE Award Scheme, there is a provision to give an award of Rs. 5000/- to students studying in classes 6th to 10th for preparing a science project/model. The number of such awards given to various States/UTs, including Rajasthan, during the last three years is enclosed (Annexure-I).

(c) &(d): Yes Madam. Nominations for INSPIRE Awards are received by the Department from States/UTs online all the year round and are processed by the Department from time to time for sanction. The State/UT wise details of nominations received during 2014-15, are enclosed (Annexure-II).