Did Haryana Just Launch a Rs 20 Crore Research Fund?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking initiative, Haryana's state government is set to transform its research and innovation landscape with the introduction of the Haryana State Research and Innovation Fund. This move, backed by a substantial Rs 20 crore budget, aims to make research more applicable to governance and public service delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Haryana government launches HSRF with Rs 20 crore budget.
- Focus on practical research addressing real-world issues.
- Administrative Secretaries tasked with identifying relevant research topics.
- Grants available for faculty and students under the scheme.
- HSHEC to oversee the fund's management and project evaluation.
Chandigarh, July 23 (NationPress) In a significant initiative aimed at bolstering the research and innovation landscape in Haryana, the state government has launched the Haryana State Research and Innovation Fund (HSRF), allocating a budget of Rs 20 crore for the current fiscal year.
On Wednesday, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi presided over a high-level meeting to finalize an extensive list of research projects to be implemented by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) under this fund.
He stressed that research efforts should extend beyond academic discussions and must cater to the actual needs of governance, service delivery, and regional development.
"Departments are encouraged to seize this opportunity to pinpoint practical and scalable challenges, whether in education, health, agriculture, environment, industry, or urban services, and transform them into research inquiries that can be explored in partnership with universities. Our goal is to generate research that leads to improved outcomes for the public," he stated.
The Chief Secretary further mentioned that, following the direction of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Administrative Secretaries are tasked with identifying research topics pertinent to their departments, concentrating on areas where research could enhance public services and overall quality of life.
He instructed departments to forward their research topics to the Higher Education Department by August 15.
During the meeting, it was announced that the Haryana State Higher Education Council (HSHEC) will serve as the nodal agency to oversee the entire process, from soliciting proposals to evaluating them, monitoring project progress, and assessing the results.
According to Additional Chief Secretary (Higher Education) Vineet Garg, under this scheme, faculty members are eligible for grants of up to Rs 50 lakh per project, while students—encompassing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral scholars—can receive up to Rs 5 lakh, provided they are mentored by an eligible supervisor.
The number of projects funded each year will depend on the annual budget allocation.
Point of View
Our commitment to impactful journalism remains steadfast. The introduction of the Haryana State Research and Innovation Fund reflects a proactive approach to addressing societal needs through research. This initiative not only enhances the state's academic framework but also fosters collaboration between government and educational institutions, ensuring that research leads to tangible benefits for the public.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Haryana State Research and Innovation Fund?
The Haryana State Research and Innovation Fund (HSRF) is a newly established fund by the Haryana government with a budget of Rs 20 crore, aimed at promoting research and innovation in the state.
Who will manage the HSRF?
The Haryana State Higher Education Council (HSHEC) has been designated as the nodal agency to manage the HSRF, overseeing proposal invitations, evaluations, and project monitoring.
What are the eligibility criteria for funding?
Faculty members can apply for grants up to Rs 50 lakh per project, while students can receive up to Rs 5 lakh, provided they work under an eligible supervisor.
What is the deadline for submitting research topics?
Departments must submit their research topics to the Higher Education Department by August 15.
How will the projects be selected?
The number of projects funded each year will be determined by the annual budget allocation.
