University Grants Commission (UGC)
HRD Ministry and UGC have launched a scheme to give start-up grant for newly-hired faculty to boost research development among young faculty in India. A grant of Rs 6 lakh will be given by the UGC under this initiative.
“The MHRD/UGC empowered committee, spearheading to strengthen basic scientific research in universities and colleges, has found it desirable to launch a scheme on research start-up grant for newly-recruited faculty at the assistant professor level,” reads the notification issued by the UGC.
The eligibility criterion includes a PhD degree and at least two published research papers in approved/cited journals. The scheme applies to all teachers hired at the level of assistant professor against the permanent post, in basic science, engineering and technology departments.
“The grant has to be utilised within two years of approval. The assistant professor will send the utilisation certificate along with statement of expenditure through the university/college,” reads the notification.
The assistant professor will have to apply within a period of six months from the date of joining.The proposal must include details of origin of the research problem, its significance and potential to contribute in the field of social relevance or national importance, year-wise plan and targets to be achieved. The empowered committee of the MHRD/UGC will select the candidates on the basis of ‘expert appraisal’.
“This is an important step to boost research. There’s an urgent need in our country to identify young talent and encourage them and this financial incentive for research work is a step in that direction. However, while grants are necessary, it is equally important to create a culture of curiosity and research across educational institutes. We should also allow exchange of ideas and equipment between institutions to enable maximum utilisation of resources,” said Snehalata Deshmukh, eminent academician and former vice chancellor of Mumbai University while talking to Indian Express.
Dear concerned sir/madam,
Firstly I would like to congratulate MHRD/UGC for motivating young researchers for doing research. But I have some queries like Young Researcher means, Is there any age limit? and you mentioned that this research project should be submitted by (specific) Asst. Professor means who are Associate Professor or Professor are not eligible for doing this research. Yes or No. And very important Indian education system follows to ways means under UGC Pattern and AICTE Pattern. Then Researcher who are under AICTE education Pattern, Are they eligible?
Regards,
Dr. A.B. Dabas
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