Haryana CM announces Rs 20-crore fund to boost research, innovation

Chandigarh, Jul 14 (PTI) Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced the establishment of the Haryana State Research Fund, with Rs 20-crore earmarked to accelerate innovation-led development in the state. According to an official statement issued Tuesday, Saini has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to transform the state's higher education system through research, innovation and emerging technologies, with the aim of achieving the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Viksit Haryana' by 2047. Chairing a review meeting with officials of the higher education department and vice-chancellors on Monday evening, the chief minister announced establishment of the Haryana State Research Fund, allocating Rs 20 crore. Under this initiative, financial assistance has been approved for 90 research projects at 27 higher education institutions across Haryana. Saini said the research fund will transform universities and colleges from centres of academic learning into institutions that develop practical solutions to real-life challenges. The 90 research projects focus on key areas such as agriculture, groundwater conservation, water management, climate change, healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), rural development, industrial innovation and inclusive education. The chief minister said research should not remain confined to publications and laboratories. Its direct benefits must reach farmers, industries and local communities. Academic knowledge must be translated into practical technologies, patents, startups and improved public services to enhance quality of life of the people of Haryana. To ensure effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in higher education, Saini also reviewed the NEEV portal, which will provide live tracking of research, patents, placements, startups and student outcomes across all higher education institutions in the state. The chief minister highlighted several major initiatives undertaken by the state government to connect higher education with employment and entrepreneurship. He said 'Model Sanskriti' colleges will be established in every district of Haryana, while autonomous AI digital colleges will be set up to promote education in emerging technologies. On the occasion, Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said the government's goal is to establish the state among India's leading centres of quality higher education, research, innovation, skill development, employment and entrepreneurship by 2047. PTI SUN ARB ARB