Union Minister launches first-ever Mentorship Programme for Young Innovators to mark the 75th Year of India’s Independence

What is the News?

​​The Union minister has launched the first-ever DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme.

What is DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme?

The programme aims to have a ‘Star College’ in every district of the country supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Under the programme, the Star Status Colleges will mentor the newer colleges through hand-holding and peer learning and bringing them under the aegis of Star College Scheme.

What is the Star College Scheme?

The Star College Scheme was initiated by the Department of Biotechnology(DBT) in 2008 to support colleges and universities offering undergraduate education to improve science teaching across the country. 

Aim: To improve critical thinking and encourage ‘hands on’ experimental science at undergraduate level in basic science subjects.It also aims to encourage more students to take up higher education in science. 

Support under the scheme: Through this scheme the DBT identifies colleges with potential for excellence and provides support for developing infrastructure for academics and laboratory activities.This support is in turn expected to invigorate teaching and provide unique exposure of students to experimental science. 

Source: This post is based on the article “Union Minister launches first-ever Mentorship Programme for Young Innovators to mark the 75th Year of India’s Independence” published in PIB on 9th November 2021.