National Education Policy 2020 recognises the importance of Research and knowledge creation in sustaining a vibrant economy. It underlines the significant expansion of research capabilities and output across disciplines. However, to conduct their research, funding opportunities shall be provided to the faculty members at Higher Educational Institutes.

Hence, the “GSRF Minor Grant Research Scheme” has been designed to promote research in all areas by providing financial assistance to the faculty members of Goa University and its affiliated and autonomous colleges and Goa Government-funded educational/research institutes/centres on a competitive basis to pursue research work along with their academic engagement.

This scheme aims to promote excellence in research and innovation in various disciplines at Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs). Research problems shall also consider local needs. Industries and Government Departments shall be partners, and the benefits shall ultimately reach society. The key objective of the scheme is:

The key objective of the scheme is:

1. To provide research support for the faculty members of HEIs in Goa and foster their research temper.
2. To cultivate the basic research capacity of faculty through the individual level of research support and motivate their original ideas and talent.
3. Provide grants to faculty in all disciplines and encourage interdisciplinary research work for the benefit of society.

Research and Development activities are considered essential components of the higher education system because they create new knowledge and insights and impart excitement and dynamism to the educational process. The scope of the scheme includes creating and improving the general research capabilities of the faculty members of the various Higher Educational Institutes (Goa University and its affiliated and autonomous colleges and Goa Government-funded educational/research institutes/centres).

The proposals submitted by the project investigators shall include a specific project theme with a clear statement of achievable objectives, methodology, details of equipment and other research facilities proposed to be acquired and the expected deliverables from the project.

This scheme shall be implemented and operated by the Goa State Research Foundation (GSRF).

In a given financial year, the number of new projects sanctioned under this scheme shall not exceed 30.

1. The quantum of assistance under this GSRF Minor Grant Research Scheme will be as follows:

   The maximum permissible grant in the disciplines outside STEM areas will be Rs. 3.00 lakhs in which non-recurring, if any, shall not exceed Rs. 1.00 lakh, and in STEM areas will be Rs. 4.00 lakhs in which non-recurring, if any, shall not exceed Rs. 2.00 lakhs. No project staff will be allowed under this scheme.

2. The following are the Heads under which the budget will be recognised:
   1. Non-Recurring Grants (Minor Equipment)

      The non-recurring grants may be utilised to procure the essential equipment needed for the proposed research work. Purchase of equipment such as Computer, Laptop, Printer, furniture, etc. is NOT permitted. However, Computer/Workstation (not Laptop) as an equipment on which the whole or major part of the project work is based, will be permitted based on proper justification. Works requiring high-end computing facilities can project budget for computer time under the Head Recurring, Sub-head Hiring Services.

      The Equipment acquired by the PI under this scheme must be deposited at the institution where they are employed after the completion of the project. These items will be institutional property.

2. Recurring Grants
   1. Hiring Services: This is meant for specialised technical services available on a payment basis, such as sample analysis, for which the University/ College/institution has no infrastructure.
   2. Contingency: The admissible contingency grant may be utilised on spares for apparatus, photostat copies and microfilms, typing, stationery, postage, telephone calls, internet, fax, computation, printing and other project related items. Expenditure towards the audit fee may also be claimed under the contingency head.
   3. Chemicals and Consumables: To meet expenditure on chemicals, glassware and other consumable items.
   4. Travel and/or Field Work: The amount allocated under the head travel/field work will be utilised for data collection and other information, including documents and visits to libraries within the general scope and sphere of the ongoing project. This can also be used for attending conferences, seminars, workshops, training courses, etc. However, it should be directly related to the project work and, at the most, one event in a year. The mode of travel will be as per the eligibility and institutional norms, but not above norms fixed by the Government of Goa.
   5. Special Needs: Assistance may be provided for any other specific requirement concerning the project which is not covered under any other ‘Head’ of assistance under the scheme.
   6. Overhead charges: Institutional overhead charges are NOT PERMITTED under this scheme.

   Grants will be released to the Head of the Institution.

3. Re-appropriation:

   The Principal Investigator may re-appropriate a maximum of 20 per cent of the non-recurring grant to a recurring grant and vice-versa allocated under each Head with the permission of GSRF by providing proper justification.

The tenure of the GSRF Minor Grant Research project will be two years (2 years) from the date of sanctioning the project.

1. Category certificate in applicable cases (in pdf format to upload)
2. PwD certificate in applicable cases (in pdf format to upload)
3. Certificate (Declaration) from PI (in pdf format to upload)
4. Endorsement from the Principal/HoI/Registrar (in pdf format to upload)
5. If registered for PhD a bonafide certificate (in pdf format to upload)
6. Soft copy of the publication(s) if neither PhD nor registered (in pdf format to upload)
7. Curriculum Vitae (Biodata) (in pdf format to upload)
8. Aadhar Card of the PI (Self Attested)