The government of Haryana has launched the Haryana State Research Fund (HSRF) to foster research and innovation within higher education institutions. Guidelines for the scheme have been distributed to Vice-Chancellors of all state universities and the heads of government, aided, and self-financed colleges for prompt implementation.
The primary objective of the HSRF is to support high-quality, locally relevant, and multidisciplinary research conducted by faculty and students in Haryana”s colleges and universities. This initiative aims to develop practical and scalable solutions to regional challenges, aligning with the state”s development goals, sustainability efforts, and the promotion of a knowledge-based economy. Additionally, the scheme seeks to cultivate a vibrant culture of research and innovation within higher education institutions (HEIs), enhance research infrastructure, and build faculty expertise in priority sectors. It is also geared towards inspiring students to consider research-oriented careers that address both national and global issues.
The HSRF encourages collaboration between HEIs and local communities, industries, and government entities to co-create meaningful solutions. It aims to connect faculty and students with interdisciplinary and emerging research fields while supporting data-driven policymaking that tackles specific challenges faced by the state. A significant goal of the initiative is to translate research findings into real societal and economic advantages.
The scheme identifies several priority areas for research funding. These include agriculture and rural development, industrial innovation and entrepreneurship, advancements in science and technology, as well as health-related topics such as AYUSH, yoga, and preventive health. Other focus areas are skill development, digital education, climate change, sustainability, water management, and inclusive education. The final selection of themes and sub-areas for each annual funding cycle will be determined by an appointed committee.
For the academic year 2025-26, the state government has allocated a budget of Rs 20 crores for the HSRF, urging universities to utilize these funds effectively, especially for research that addresses critical social issues in rural areas. The HSRF will provide grants in two main categories, alongside funds for administrative expenses. Faculty members can apply for grants up to Rs 50 lakh per project, while students may seek funding of up to Rs 5 lakh per project. The number of projects awarded funding each year will depend on the annual budget allocated for these categories.
To ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the HSRF, the Haryana State Higher Education Council will serve as the nodal agency. The council will facilitate a transparent and merit-based selection process through an annual proposal call, an online application portal, initial screenings, presentations, and final selections. The scheme will also incorporate phased funding, comprehensive monitoring, and outcome-based evaluations to guarantee accountability and efficient resource use. A dedicated Research Monitoring Cell will be established to oversee the HSRF”s implementation, which will include regular progress reports, field visits, mid-term reviews, final assessments, mentorship, and utilization certificates.
Eligibility criteria for teachers and students applying for research projects have been clearly outlined in the guidelines. Teachers must be regular faculty members at UGC-recognized institutions in Haryana and hold a PhD. Faculty can serve as principal investigators for only one project at a time, while co-investigators may come from different departments, institutions, or even industries to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
