Port Blair, Dec 22: The INSPIRE Awards Programme has been renamed as INSPIRE Awards-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) to align it with the Action Plan for “Start-up India” initiative launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. Some procedural changes have been held by DST in co-ordination with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) to sensitize all stakeholders in this regard.
The programme shall target school kids with an outreach to 10 lakh innovations (2-3 best ideas from each school) from 5 lakh schools across the country for the students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in classes 6-10 of all recognized schools, whether Government or Private Aided or Unaided, run by Central Govt., State Govt., or Local Bodies viz. District Boards, etc.
The scheme will be fully implemented w.e.f. 1st April, 2017. The current financial year 2016-17 is termed as ‘transition phase’ under which students awardees who have already been given award money during the financial year 2015-16 and those students who are likely to be given award money under the modified programme both groups shall participate.
Opening of online system for nomination under revamped inspire award scheme for the year 2016-17 become open to all the schools w.e.f. 01st December, 2016. The nomination will remain open till 28.02.2017and the submission of the project synopsis has now been made mandatory along with submission of online nomination. For any queries of E-MIAS, contact at website (www.inspireawards-dst.gov.in) or Zonal Officer of the respective Educational Zones or State Nodal Officer(INSPIRE)(DDE(Science))
