Lok Sabha Question No. 427 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Implementation of STRIDE Scheme
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Smt. Smita Uday Wagh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.427

ANSWERED ON 23/03/2026

## Implementation of STRIDE Scheme

*427. Shri Bibhu Prasad Tarai: Smt. Smita Uday Wagh:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  present  status  of  implementation  of  the  Scheme  for  Trans-disciplinary  Research for India's Developing Economy (STRIDE), including its objectives and components, State/UTwise and institution-wise;
- (b)  the  number  of  higher  educational  institutions  currently  supported  under  the  Scheme along with  the  amount  of  funds  allocated  and  released  during  the  last  three  financial  years, State/UT-wise, especially in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh;
- (c)  whether  the  initial  three-years  cycle  for  institutions  selected  under  Component-1  has been completed and evaluation reports received;
- (d) if so, the details thereof, including the key outcomes in terms of research capacity enhancement, innovation, patents, start-ups, collaborative outputs, State/UT-wise;
- (e) whether any expansion, restructuring or additional components have been introduced under STRIDE to further strengthen trans-disciplinary research in higher educational institutions, particularly benefiting institutions in Maharashtra, especially in Jalgaon region and Andhra Pradesh; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

- (a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the table of the House.
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## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY OF PARTS (A) TO (F) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.427 ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026 ASKED BY HON'BLE MPs SHRI BIBHU PRASAD  TARAI  AND  SMT.  SMITA  UDAY  WAGH  REGARDING  IMPLEMENTATION  OF STRIDE SCHEME.

(a) to (f): The University Grants Commission (UGC) launched the Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India's Developing Economy (STRIDE) in 2019 for strengthening research culture, innovation  and  supporting  trans-disciplinary  research.  This  scheme  had  the  following  3 components:

1.  Component-1: Research Capacity Building and Human Resource Development focused on colleges and Universities [All disciplines] (Duration - up to 3 Years).
2.  Component-2:  Trans-Disciplinary Research  and Inclusive Innovation for National Development [All disciplines] (Duration - up to 3 Years).
3.  Component-3:  High  Impact  Trans-disciplinary  Research  in  Humanities  and  Human Sciences [Including thrust areas in the subjects of (not limited to) - Philosophy, History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Psychology, Liberal Arts, Linguistics, Indian Languages and Culture, Indian Knowledge Systems, Law, Education, Journalism, Mass Communication, Commerce, Management, Environment and Sustainable Development] (Duration - up to 5 Years).

The UGC has informed that the proposals under the scheme were invited during 2019 and after a thorough review of the proposals, 35 institutions were finally selected for Component-1 under  STRIDE. Total  funds  amounting  to  Rs.  16.28  cr.  have  been  released  by  UGC  under Component I of this scheme. Funds amounting to Rs. 31.75 lakhs and Rs. 3.41 crores have been  released  under  the  scheme  to  the  Institutions  in  the  states  of  Andhra  Pradesh  and Maharashtra respectively. The 3-year cycle for all the institutions selected under Component I has been completed, and 27 HEIs have submitted the evaluation report. The scheme is presently not in operation.

Further,  the  Anusandhan  National  Research  Foundation  (ANRF)  has  been  established through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023 in February, 2024 to provide high level strategic direction for research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of natural sciences  including  mathematical  sciences,  engineering  and  technology,  environmental  and earth sciences, health and agriculture, and scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences, to promote, monitor and provide support as required for such research. The ANRF supports interdisciplinary research that brings together the depth of the core sciences with  the  contextual  insight  of  the  social  sciences  and  humanities  through  its  Convergence Research Centres of Excellence program launched in July, 2025. The program aims to address contemporary societal challenges that require integrated, trans-disciplinary solutions. The total outlay of the program is Rs. 375 crores for 5 years.

The Government of India has also established the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) as the apex body for research in the social and human sciences. ICSSR, through its various research schemes promotes, supports, and funds transdisciplinary research. During the last  three  years  ICSSR  has  awarded  2156  transdisciplinary  research  projects  to  6468 beneficiaries with a sanctioned budget amounting to ₹3,55.94 crores.

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