Union Minister launches Common Fellowship Portal

In a pioneering effort aimed at enhancing innovation and streamlining research activities, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, inaugurated the “Common Fellowship Portal” at the National Media Centre, New Delhi. This revolutionary initiative serves as a unified platform for individuals seeking various fellowship schemes offered by the Department of Biotechnology.

The introduction of the Common Fellowship Portal marks a significant advancement in efficiency and accessibility, providing a single interface to simplify the application process for students and startups. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that this portal aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ease of Doing Science” to foster intellectual growth in ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

Speaking after the launch, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the portal’s role in facilitating a seamless application experience, from submission to selection. Applicants can create personalized profiles, making it easier to fill out multiple applications. This user-friendly interface is designed to save time and effort, ensuring comprehensive information and easy submission.

Dr. Singh reiterated that this initiative reflects the government’s comprehensive approach, with plans to integrate all research applications into a centralized portal. Currently, departments under the Ministry of Science & Technology (DST, DBT, CSIR) have collaborated for application submission, with future plans to include other departments such as ICMR, UGC, and AICTE. A notable feature of the Common Fellowship Portal is the “Eligibility Calculator,” providing applicants with a thorough assessment of their suitability for various fellowship schemes. Dr. Singh emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for students and scholars across India, including those in remote areas.

Dr. Singh praised the Department of Biotechnology, under the leadership of Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, for spearheading this transformative initiative and setting a benchmark for technological innovation. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various divisions and working groups within the ministry, recognizing the challenges of coordinating information from different departments to develop a unified portal. The launch event was attended by prominent figures including Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology; Dr. Sanjay Mishra, Senior Advisor; Dr. Pragya Palliwal Gaur, Director General of the Press Information Bureau; and Ms. Namita Gupta, Head of INSPIRE.

The Common Fellowship Portal signifies a significant shift in research application processes, embodying the government’s dedication to innovation, accessibility, and inclusive growth.