How will Research Fund scheme benefit students, faculty in higher edu institutions?

Ravinder Saini

The state government has introduced the Haryana State Research Fund (HSRF) scheme to encourage research and innovation in the Higher Education Institutions. The guidelines for its execution have also been issued to Vice-Chancellors of all state universities and principals of all government, aided and self-financed degree colleges for necessary action.

n What is the aim and objective of the scheme?

The primary aim of the HSRF is to promote high-quality, locally relevant and multidisciplinary research by teachers and students in colleges and universities of Haryana. The initiative will encourage the development of practical, scalable solutions to identified regional issues, supporting the broader objectives of state development, sustainability and knowledge economy. The scheme aims at fostering a robust research and innovation culture in higher educational institutions (HEIs) and develop research infrastructure and faculty competencies in priority sectors. It also aims at motivating students to pursue research-oriented careers, aligned with national and global challenges. The scheme is designed to enable HEIs to engage with local communities, industries and government to co-create practical solutions. Furthermore, it seeks to connect faculty and students with interdisciplinary and emerging research domains. The scheme also supports data-driven policymaking and addresses specific challenges pertinent to Haryana. Another important objective is to facilitate the translation of research outcomes into tangible societal and economic benefits.

n What are the priority research areas of the scheme?

The HSRF will support research projects in the following identified priority sectors. These include agriculture and rural development, industrial innovation and entrepreneurship, emerging areas in science and technology, AYUSH, yoga, and preventive health, skill development and employability, digital education and EdTech are considered priority areas, climate change, sustainability and water management, and inclusive and value-based education. The final themes and sub-areas for each annual cycle will be decided by a duly constituted committee.

n What is the total budget allocation for the scheme?

The state government had allocated Rs 20 crores for academic year 2025-26 and directed the universities to make optimum use of the fund, particularly focusing on research that addressed pressing social issues and challenges faced by villages in the state. As per the guidelines, the HSRF will offer research grants under two primary categories, along with a provision for administrative expenses. Teachers will be eligible for a maximum grant of up to Rs 50 lakh per project, while students can receive up to Rs 5 lakh per project. The total number of projects approved each year will be determined based on the annual budget allocation for both categories.

n What mechanisms have been put in place to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the scheme?

As per guidelines, the Haryana State Higher Education Council will act as the nodal agency for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the HSRF scheme. The council will ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process through an annual call for proposals, an online application portal, initial screening, presentations, and final selection. The scheme will include phased funding, rigorous monitoring, and outcome-based evaluation to maintain accountability and ensure effective utilisation of resources. A dedicated Research Monitoring Cell will be established under the council to oversee the implementation of the HSRF. The monitoring and evaluation process will be comprehensive, encompassing progress reports, field visits, mid-term reviews, final outcome assessment, mentorship and linkages and utilisation certificates.

n What are the eligibility criteria for teachers and students to apply for the research projects?

The guidelines, specific eligibility criteria have been defined for both teachers and students to ensure transparency and clarity. For teachers, the applicant must be a regular faculty member at a UGC-recognised university or college located in Haryana and must hold a PhD degree. A faculty member can apply as the principal investigator for only one project at a time. To encourage multidisciplinary collaboration, the co-investigator may belong to other departments, institutions, or even industry.