Haryana to get major boost in research and innovation; CM approves Rs 20 crore State Research Fund

File Photo: IANS


Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to transform the state’s higher education system through research, innovation and emerging technologies, which will play a vital role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Haryana by 2047.

Chairing a review meeting of the Higher Education Department and Vice-Chancellors on Vision 2047 at the Civil Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of the Haryana State Research Fund with an allocation of Rs 20 crore to accelerate innovation-led transformation in the state.

Under this initiative, financial assistance has been approved for 90 research projects from 27 higher education institutions across Haryana.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has fulfilled its commitment by establishing colleges for girls within a 20-kilometre radius, making higher education more accessible for female students.

Saini said that the Haryana State Research Fund will transform universities and colleges from centres of academic learning into institutions that develop practical solutions to the state’s 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 that 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 the quality of life of the people of Haryana.

To ensure effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in higher education, the Chief Minister 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 that 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.

The Chief Minister said that a Higher Education Quality and Research Excellence Fund of Rs 10 crore has also been created. In addition, a single-window digital platform has been developed to connect students with internships, apprenticeships and direct placement opportunities.

Chairman of the Haryana State Higher Education Council, Prof. Kailash Chandra Sharma, presented a detailed overview of the proposed Model Sanskriti Colleges.

Saini said these visionary initiatives are laying the foundation for a research-driven, technology-enabled and employment-oriented higher education ecosystem, which will establish Haryana as one of India’s leading centres for innovation, skill development and entrepreneurship in the years ahead.

Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said that the government’s goal is to establish Haryana among India’s leading centres of quality higher education, research, innovation, skill development, employment and entrepreneurship by the year 2047.