BANGALORE: In what could be a major push towards research activity among newly-appointed teaching faculty in universities, the University Grants Commission and Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) have introduced a new scheme of providing research grants to the tune of `6 lakh.The scheme is open to teachers hired at the level of assistant professor in basic science, engineering and technology departments. The eligibility criteria include a PhD degree and at least two published research papers in approved/cited journals. “This is a very encouraging move. As far as I see, it is the only way left to get funds and infrastructure towards research. This is where this move becomes important, in that it will promote research,” said Dr M S Thimmappa, noted academician and former VC of Bangalore University. The assistant professor will have to apply for the grant within a period of six months. The proposal must include details of the origin of the research problem, its significance and potential to contribute in the field of social relevance or national importance and a year-wise plan and targets to be achieved. An empowered committee of the UGC will select the candidates.“The eligibility criteria that have been set are reasonable. An average PhD degree is not at all enough. A candidate will get practical exposure of applying his methodology and also his presentation skills by publishing papers,” said Dr Thimmappa. UGC notification says the grant has to be utilised within two years. Some are expressing reservations about this stipulation, stating that it may reduce the quality of research work. “For social science research `6 lakh is not a small amount. Quality of the work is be more important. Researchers must undertake studies in niche areas,” said Dr M K Sridhar member-secretary and executive director of Karnataka Knowledge Commission.
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