INSPIRE Scheme (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)
- Context: Over the past five years, more than 3.75 lakh students and researchers have benefited from the ‘Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research’ (INSPIRE) scheme.
About the Scheme
- INSPIRE is a flagship scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
- Year of Launch: 2008.
- Objective: To strengthen India’s Science and Technology (S&T) and Research and Development (R&D) sectors by encouraging talented students to choose careers in science and research.
- Selection Process: No entrance examination is conducted; students are selected based on their academic performance.
Key Features
- Implementing Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- Financial Allocation:
- 11th Five-Year Plan: ₹1,979 crore.
- 12th Five-Year Plan: ₹2,200 crore.
- Goal: To build a pool of talented human resources in the fields of basic and natural sciences.
Components of the INSPIRE Scheme
- SEATS (Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent) – Encourages the cultivation of interest in science among school students.
- SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education) – Provides scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate science students.
- AORC (Assured Opportunity for Research Careers) – Supports research through INSPIRE Fellowships and faculty awards.
Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP)
- Background: By June 2026, the scheme has supported 4.32 lakh rural entrepreneurial ventures across India by providing training, financial assistance, and mentoring for non-farm enterprises.
About the Scheme
- Year of Launch: 2016.
- Part of: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).
- Objective: To foster rural entrepreneurship by promoting non-farm enterprises in villages, create employment opportunities, and reduce poverty and unemployment.
Key Features
- Assists Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their family members in starting small-scale non-farm enterprises.
- Provides financial assistance, institutional support, business training, skill development, and business advisory services.
- Helps entrepreneurs secure bank loans and access benefits from other government schemes.
- Promotes a community-based decision-making approach in selecting and supporting local enterprises.
- Focuses specifically on women, vulnerable sections, marginalized communities, and individuals with low educational qualifications.
Implementation Mechanism
- Implementing Agencies: State Rural Livelihood Missions.
- At the block level, ‘Block Resource Centres – Enterprise Promotion’ manage and coordinate the scheme.
- ‘Community Resource Persons – Enterprise Promotion’ provide technical guidance and support to promote rural enterprises.
Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (VVVP)
- Background: The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the participants in the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (2026).
About the Programme
- An initiative led by youth to foster development in border villages, strengthen national integration, and encourage community participation.
- Implementers: In collaboration with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Key Features
- 500 ‘Mai Bharat’ volunteers from across India will work with communities in border villages across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh.
- Selection: Volunteers are selected through a nationwide online quiz.
- The programme is conducted in two phases:
- Phase I: 250 volunteers will visit 43 border villages.
- Phase II: Another 250 volunteers will work in an additional 50 villages.
- It is a 7-day residential programme where volunteers stay in border villages and interact with:
- Local communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), district administration, and security forces.
- The programme helps volunteers understand:
- Socio-economic conditions
- Local culture and heritage
- Developmental needs
- Strategic importance of border areas
‘Nation First’ Challenge
- The ‘Nation First’ Challenge, which promotes responsible citizenship and sustainable living, is a key component of this programme.
- Volunteers spread awareness on five key themes:
- Use of Swadeshi (Made-in-India) products
- Healthy cooking methods
- Use of public transport and fuel conservation
- Promoting organic farming
- Support for local tourism.
DISHA – Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justic
- Context: The Central Government has launched the ‘DISHA 2.0’ scheme with an allocation of ₹255 crore to expand technology-enabled access to justice across India.
About the DISHA Scheme (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice)
- DISHA is a government initiative aimed at providing easy access to justice and early-stage support to children with developmental disabilities.
- It operates across India and integrates legal empowerment with child development services.
- The scheme is grounded in the values of the Indian Constitution; some of these include:
- Article 14 – Equality before the law.
- Article 21 – Right to life and dignity.
- Article 39A – Free legal aid for the weaker sections.
- Under the ‘National Trust’ Act, DISHA assists children with disabilities through programs such as early intervention, skill development, and school readiness.
Objectives of the DISHA Scheme
- Providing free legal aid and pre-litigation support to citizens in need.
- Raising awareness about legal rights and access to justice.
- Early detection of developmental disabilities in children.
- Providing timely treatment, training, and support to children with disabilities.
- Preparing children for inclusive education.
- Providing training and guidance to parents and caregivers to support child development.
- Promoting physical, mental, emotional, and social development.
- Bridging the gap between marginalized populations/children with disabilities and the community.
- Improving the quality of life and promoting independent living and social integration. Key Features of the DISHA Scheme
Target Groups
- Focus areas:
- Children aged 0 to 10 with developmental disabilities.
- Citizens requiring legal assistance.
Tele-Law Services
- Providing free legal advice prior to the initiation of court cases:
- Via video calls at Common Service Centres (CSCs).
- Via the Tele-Law mobile app.
Nyaya Bandhu Scheme
- Providing free legal support to marginalized sections through registered volunteer lawyers.
Early Intervention Services
- Providing the following therapies:
- Physiotherapy.
- Occupational therapy.
- Speech therapy.
- Behavioral therapy.
School Readiness Support
- Helping children develop the following skills:
- Communication skills, social skills, and learning skills.
- Cognitive skills for inclusive education.
Support for Parents and Caregivers
- Providing counseling and training to families to support children at home.
Personalized Care
- Creating personalized intervention plans tailored to each child’s specific needs.
Skill Development
- Enhancing the following in children: self-reliance, adaptability to the environment, and the ability to participate in society.
Legal Awareness Programs
- Creating awareness among the public regarding their rights, duties, and legal services.
Community-based Implementation
- Implemented through:
- Common Service Centres (CSCs).
- Registered DISHA centers.
- National Trust organizations.
Use of Technology
- Utilizing the following to provide faster and better services:
- Mobile applications.
- e-Courts.
- Digital tools.
