Lok Sabha Question No. 2630 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: PMECRG
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Shri Raju Bista

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

## DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2630

## ANSWERED ON 11/12/2024

## PMECRG

2630.   Shri Raju Bista:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the  objectives  of  the  Prime  Minister  Early  Career  Research  Grant (PMECRG) and the manner in which it aims to support emerging researchers in India;
- (b) the significance of the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas - Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) in promoting electric vehicle technology and its expected impact on India's sustainability goals;
- (c) the  specific  criteria  for  selection  and  funding  under  the  PMECRG initiative;
- (d) the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  effective implementation and monitoring of the MAHA-EV Mission; and
- (e) the manner in which these initiatives align with the broader vision of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and contribute to India's scientific and technological advancements?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी तथा पृ थ्िी विज्ञान मंत्रालय क े राज्य मंत्री ( स्ितंत्र प्रभार) ( डॉ. जितेंद्र स ंह )

- (a) & (c): The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) Scheme of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) aims to empower and  support  the  early  career  researchers  in  their  pursuit  of  research excellence,  providing  them  with  an  enabling  environment  to  effectively conduct research with ease and flexibility. It supports researchers to initiate their research with a support of up to Rs. 60 lakh along with overhead charges for a period of three years. Selection of researchers is based on recommendation of the subject specific expert committees. The Committees select the applicants primarily based on the quality of the research proposal, and the research accomplishment and track record of the applicant in relevant
- fields.
- (b) The Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas - Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) of ANRF addresses priority-driven, solution-focused research that would  catalyse  multi-institutional,  multi-disciplinary  and  multi-investigator

collaboration to address scientific challenges and advance the frontiers of technology in Electric Vehicle (EV) mobility. The Mission enables research & development  (R&D)  in  some  of  the  key  EV  components  such  as  batteries, motors and controllers, power electronics, and related subsystems, chargers, grid interface to meet the current technological requirements on one side as well  as  doing  cutting  edge  research  to  attain  future  global  leadership, enhance  domestic  R&D  capabilities,  and  position  India  as  a  hub  for development of EV components thereby promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat. The EV Mission is one of the significant steps in achieving India's commitment towards net-zero  emission  target  by  2070  and  positively  impact  on  India's sustainability goals. These targets necessitate India to develop indigenous, innovative, technically advanced, and economically viable components/systems for EVs that are also going to perform at optimal levels in the context of the Indian weather and traffic conditions.

- (d) The MAHA-EV Mission envisages creation of Electric Mobility Nodes (eNodes) in consortia mode for effective and impactful implementation. Each eNode  in  a  specific  technology  vertical  consists  of  about  3-4  academic institutions/R&D laboratories with provision for inclusion of startups/PSU/industry partners working in the respective domain. Selection of e-Nodes is based on recommendation of specific expert committees. ANRF will  monitor  the  progress  of  e-Nodes  periodically  in  terms  of  their  target achievements and impact. These measures ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the MAHA-EV Mission.
- (e) By supporting early-career scientists, the PMECRG will play a pivotal role in advancing scientific research, enabling recipients to undertake independent and impactful research. It also promotes knowledge creation and strengthens  the  research  ecosystem  by  fostering  fresh  perspectives  and innovative outcomes. The MAHA-EV Mission initiative focuses on developing indigenous  capabilities  in  the  Indian  eco-system  to  meet  the  current technological requirements and doing cutting edge advanced research. These schemes help researchers establish and advance their research careers, and their contributions are likely to impact India's position in global science and technology. These initiatives are also aligned with the broader vision of Azadi Ka  Amrit  Mahotsav  and  contribute  to  India's  scientific  and  technological advancements.

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