HPU VC seeks R&D funding at NITI Aayog’s mission meet

Vice-Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University, Prof Mahavir Singh, took part in a regional consultation meeting on Research and Development (R&D) under the State Support Mission—an initiative led by NITI Aayog. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who holds independent charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

The State Support Mission aims to assist states and union territories in strengthening R&D infrastructure, fostering innovation, and establishing State Institutes of Transformation (SITs) to help achieve socio-economic goals by 2047.

Prof Singh sought financial support for R&D initiatives in Himachal Pradesh and presented a detailed roadmap for disaster-related research tailored to the region’s unique vulnerabilities. He also highlighted specific challenges faced by the state in advancing scientific research and innovation.

A major focus of his presentation was the untapped potential of solar energy in Himachal Pradesh, where he emphasised the need for collaborative efforts and investments to harness renewable resources effectively. The meeting also facilitated detailed discussions on state-specific development models.