A total of 3,407 students were selected from Bihar under the INSPIRE - Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge (MANAK) program for the year 2022–23. To showcase their models/prototypes, 28 District Level Exhibitions were organized, in which 2,648 students (77.72%) participated. From these, approximately 210 students were selected to compete at the State Level Exhibition. Subsequently, 16 students' models/prototypes were selected at the state level, and all the selected students participated in the 11^th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) held from 17^th to 19^th September 2024 in New Delhi.

The Department has reviewed the concern, and all selected students are directed through their schools, as well as District and State Nodal Officers to participate in the District and State Level Exhibitions and showcase their models/prototypes. Students who could not participate in the initial District Level Exhibitions are encouraged to take part in subsequent exhibitions to exhibit their models/prototypes, as they are eligible to participate at any time during their academic course from Class 6 to 12.

The Department is disbursing financial assistance of ₹10,000/- directly to students' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) portal in a timely manner. Beneficiaries whose payments are unsuccessful due to incorrect bank account details are informed through the concerned school authorities to update their bank information. Once updated, the financial assistance is disbursed accordingly to ensure their active participation.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2147744)