Vadodara’s M. S. University witnesses 231 students benefitting from the state’s research-oriented initiative over the past three years.
In a bid to encourage research and foster career development among the youth of Gujarat, the state government has implemented a research scheme that provides financial support to students. Over the last three years, 231 students from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara have received assistance through the Scheme for Developing High-Quality Research, administered by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat.
The scheme, known as “Search in Mitakshara,” has brought about a significant shift in the research landscape at M. S. University, with students now able to pursue socially relevant and high-quality research projects with financial backing. Dr. Prashant Murumkar, the nodal officer for the research scheme, highlights the benefits offered to young researchers. Students pursuing Ph.D. degrees are eligible for a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000, a provision that was previously absent in state government scholarship programs.
Additionally, researchers are granted a contingency allowance of Rs. 20,000 per year for the purchase of books and equipment required for their studies. This financial aid package alleviates the financial burden on aspiring researchers and allows them to focus on their projects.
The application process for the scheme is conducted online, where students are required to submit a brief outline of their research along with their academic certificates. The outline is then verified by subject matter experts to determine the applicant’s eligibility based on criteria set by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat. Following selection at the university level, the synopsis undergoes further scrutiny by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat before final recipients are chosen. It is important to note that the scholarship is awarded exclusively for full-time research endeavors.
The impact of the research scheme is evident in the numbers. In 2019, out of 68 applicants, 49 students received the benefits of the scheme. Similarly, in 2020, 132 out of 176 students were selected, and in 2021, 50 out of 76 students were awarded the research scholarship. In 2022, 38 talented individuals were chosen by the university. As a result of this initiative, a total sum of Rs. 45 lakhs has been disbursed to young researchers across the mentioned years.
Promising research is being conducted in various departments of M. S. University, including Biochemistry, Zoology, Pharmacy, and Applied Chemistry. For instance, the Department of Pharmacy is engaged in exploring new molecules for the treatment of amnesia. These research efforts are contributing to scientific knowledge and societal advancements in their respective fields.
The Gujarat government’s research scheme has not only motivated young researchers but has also paved the way for a research-oriented mindset among the state’s youth. By providing financial support and resources, the scheme has created an environment conducive to quality research and has empowered students to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge and societal welfare. With a focus on research excellence, Gujarat is nurturing a new generation of scholars and innovators who will shape the future of the state and beyond.
