General Guidelines for ICAR Extramural Research Projects

Abstract

The General Guidelines for formulation, scrutiny, processing, sanction, implementation and evaluation of Extramural Research Projects financed by the ICAR have been formulated. Highlights of these guidelines are- There will be two modes for accepting project proposals. The first mode will be by inviting proposals on critical gaps identified by the SMDs. The second mode will be voluntary proposals in relevant areas to be submitted by the investigators. Priority Areas for research will be identified for a period of five years by each Subject Matter Division and widely circulated. The Projects will be invited from not only NARS but also from other Institutions/Universities. The scheme shall also cover collaborative projects with foreign institutions also. The proposal for short term projects on critical gaps will be invited, scrutinized and processed by the SMDs. The Project Scrutiny Committee (PSC) under the chairmanship of the concerned DDG shall carry out this activity. One of the ADGs in the Division shall coordinate the work within the Division. A researcher will be eligible to operate a maximum of two Projects as Principal Investigator besides being associated as Co-Investigator in not more than one other Project. Scientists/teachers must have minimum five years of remaining service for superannuation to become Principal Investigator. Scientists/teachers with less than 5 years of service before superannuation can become Principal Investigator provided the project can be completed before his/her superannuation. Otherwise, they can work as Co-Investigators. The recurring contingencies will be at the discretion of Scientific Panels. In general cases, it would be Rs. 1,50,000/- per scientist per year. The PI will also be considered eligible for contingencies. The possibility of joint funding of projects using this scheme and some other source such as DBT, DST, CSIR, etc. as also institutions of repute, will be allowed to the extent of 50:50 between Extramural Research Projects of ICAR and funds from other donor agencies. The details of funding pattern shall be clearly defined in the project proposal. Researchers and supporting staff recruited under the Project to be treated as co-terminus on consolidated salary. The host institution to provide a certificate that the proposed project is in line with Institution's mandate, it has basic infrastructure and facilities which will be extended for the project activities, and that the full accounts and utilization certificates for all other ICAR grants received previously under other Projects, if any, have been provided to the Council. Proposals to be processed at the concerned Subject Matter Division at ICAR and they will intimate within one month if the Project does not merit consideration. If it has a merit, the Project will be sent to the referees. Final view regarding its suitability for processing for PSC/Scientific Panel consideration is to be taken by the concerned DDG Constitution of Project Screening Committee/Scientific Panel, and their working are spelt out. Presentation of a Project by the PIs before the PSC/ Scientific Panel will be decided by the concerned DDG. The PC of the concerned AICRP shall be actively involved during processing of the proposal and also during the course of pursuance of the project. The PC shall monitor the projects in his subject area and submit his comments and recommendations on six monthly basis to SMD. Honorarium for evaluation of each proposal by a referee, and for evaluation of annual/final report of a project will be Rs.1000/-. Institutional service charges is to be limited to 10% of the total "Grants-in-Aid General" components. Release of funds will not be linked with the appointment of Research Fellows/ Associates in the Project. Procurement of equipment is to be made within one year from date of start of Project. Intra-component re-appropriation of funds be permitted by the SMD, provided the same will not be utilized for purchase of equipment not originally sanctioned. The presentation of the final report by the PIs to be made in the workshops of the concerned AICRPs. In the final year of the project, the first instalment for six months is to include funds required for salary and research contingency of Research Associates/ Fellows for the entire year on receipt of a firm commitment of the host institution for final submission of the report within one month of completion of the project. Payment to RAs/Fellows is to be made on monthly basis on satisfactory performance. Proposal seeking extension of the projects must reach the concerned SMD at least three months prior to termination and those seeking extensionupto three months within the Plan period without additional grant, to be approved at the level of SMDs. In the publications arising out of the Extramural Research Projects, the ICAR should be duly acknowledged. All IPR issues including patents shall be jointly owned by the ICAR and the Implementing Agency. In case of any dispute, the ruling of ICAR shall be binding and final. There will be a Steering Committee under the chairmanship of Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR for SMD wise allocation of funds and approval of projects and acceptance of final reports. There shall be a small unit at headquarters with ADG (Coordination) for this Scheme. The responsibility of the unit shall be preparation of EFC for the scheme on Extramural Research Projects, liaison between Steering Committee and PSCs of SMDs, release of funds and financial management and maintenance of records and documents related to the Projects.