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This scheme by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) offers financial aid and data support Read More... to promote research studies and seminars in official statistics. Read less
Details
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) has introduced the 'Research Study/Seminar (Grant-in-Aid Scheme)' to boost research and discussions in official statistics. Implemented by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), this scheme provides financial help and data support to eligible individuals and institutions. The goal is to identify and address data gaps through focused research and knowledge sharing.
What Is This Scheme?
The Research Study/Seminar (Grant-in-Aid Scheme) is designed to encourage advancements in official statistics. It provides financial assistance for conducting research studies, organizing seminars, workshops, and conferences, and also offers travel grants for presenting papers at international events. The scheme aims to foster a culture of robust statistical research and development in the country.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
The scheme caters to two main groups: professional and research institutions/organizations working in official statistics, and officials from Central Government departments, Central autonomous institutions, and universities. These beneficiaries can receive grants for research projects, seminars, or for presenting their work at international conferences.
Why This Scheme Is Important
By supporting research and academic exchange, this scheme plays a vital role in improving the quality and scope of official statistics in India. It helps bridge data gaps, disseminates new findings, and facilitates collaboration among statisticians and researchers. The financial assistance provided is crucial for undertaking in-depth studies and for ensuring that India's statistical practices are aligned with global standards.
Objective
Benefits
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
For Research Institutions/Organizations (Grant-in-Aid):
- Must be a professional or research institution/organization.
- Must have been active in official statistics for at least three (3) years.
- Must have qualified statisticians, economists, and social scientists on staff.
- Applicant must be one of the following:
- Government institutions, including State/UT Directorates of Economics and Statistics.
- Institutions receiving regular grants from Central/State Government agencies (e.g., ISI, CSIR, UGC).
- Organizations registered under the Societies Registration Act.
- Institutions registered as 'Trusts' under the Trusteeship Act.
- Organizations incorporated under the Companies Act.
- For National/International Seminars/Conferences/Workshops on official statistics, the institution/organization must be 'not-for-profit'.
For Officials (Travel Grants Assistance - TGA):
- Must be an official of the Central Government, Central autonomous institutions, or a university.
- The international visit must be directly related to the officer's work area.
- The technical paper must be submitted through proper official channels, not on personal initiative.
- Must have an official invitation from the host organization, addressed to the administrative Ministry/Department/Organization.
- Must have documentary proof of acceptance of the paper for presentation by the organizing agency.
- Must have obtained all necessary clearances, including political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and FCRA clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) (if applicable).
- Should not have had more than one proposal recommended for travel grants in the current financial year for presenting a paper abroad.
How To Apply
Applications for the Research Study/Seminar (Grant-in-Aid Scheme) are submitted to the Additional Director General, Training Division, Central Statistical Organisation, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Specific application forms and detailed guidelines for each category (Research Study/Project, Seminar/Conference/Workshop, and Travel Grants Assistance) are provided by the Ministry. Ensure all required documents are attached as per the prescribed formats.
For any further queries or to submit an application, please refer to the official website of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI).
Documents Required
The documents needed vary depending on whether you are applying for a research study, seminar, or travel grant assistance. Broadly, these include:
- For Research Study/Project: Forwarding letter with undertaking, institutional profile, technical and financial proposal details, registration certificate (if applicable), past project reports, audited annual reports (for certain institutions), staff and infrastructure details, CVs of experts, and bank account details.
- For Seminar/Conference/Workshop: Forwarding letter with undertaking, application form, institutional profile, confirmation of participation by key speakers, and approval from MEA/MHA for international events.
- For Travel Grants Assistance (TGA): Application form, certificate from Head of Institution regarding financial inability, proof of academic qualifications, official invitation, evidence of paper acceptance, proof of submission through official channel, necessary clearances (MEA, MHA), and a full copy of the paper to be presented.
- For Benefit Disbursal/Claims: Progress reports, utilization certificates, audit certificates (for NGOs), bonds or MOUs, bank guarantees (if applicable), statement of expenditure, proceedings/reports of the event, proof of foreign delegate participation, receipts, and a detailed report on paper presentation.
FAQ’s
Can the salary of permanent employees like the Project Director be claimed from this grant?
No, if the Project Director or other experts are already regular, salaried employees of the applicant institution, their salaries cannot be charged to the project cost during the project period.
If I'm an official and my research paper has been accepted for an international conference, what official proof is needed to show it was submitted properly?
You need to provide proof that the technical paper was submitted through the proper official channel for the event. It cannot be something you did solely on your own initiative.
What is the minimum duration of experience required for an institution to be considered for grant funding?
The institution must have been actively involved in the field of official statistics for at least three (3) years to be eligible.
Are there any types of statistical research or academic activities that are specifically excluded from receiving funding under this scheme?
Yes, proposals that are strictly about pure theoretical research in statistics, or proposals for holding annual meetings of statistical associations or societies, are not eligible for financial assistance.
What official clearances, like from the MEA and MHA, are mandatory for an official applying for travel grants?
All necessary clearances must be secured. This includes political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), wherever these are required.
If I have already received travel grant assistance this financial year for presenting a paper abroad, can I apply again?
No, an individual official will not be recommended for more than one proposal for Travel Grant Assistance during the same financial year if the purpose is to present their paper abroad.
For an organization seeking grant money for a seminar, what kind of non-profit status is required?
To receive Grant-in-Aid for National and International Seminars, Conferences, or Workshops on official statistics, the institution or organization must be registered as 'not-for-profit'.
Must the topic of the paper I intend to present internationally be directly related to my job responsibilities?
Yes, the visit's purpose must be directly related to the area of work of the concerned officer. The technical paper should also have been submitted through proper official channels.
What specific qualifications must the staff of an applicant institution possess for grant consideration?
The applicant institution must have qualified statisticians, economists, and social scientists on its staff.
Is financial help available to purchase new equipment or build facilities for the research project?
No, the scheme does not provide financial assistance for any capital expenditure, meaning for acquiring new infrastructure or permanent assets.
Who exactly is eligible to apply for the Travel Grants Assistance (TGA) part of this scheme?
Travel Grants Assistance is exclusively available for officials serving in the Central Government, Central autonomous institutions, or universities.
When I receive an invitation to an international event, should it be addressed only to me personally, or to my department?
You need an official invitation from the host organization that is addressed to your administrative Ministry, Department, or Organization, not just to you personally.
What proof do I need to show that my paper has been accepted for presentation at an international conference?
You must provide appropriate documentary evidence that confirms the acceptance of your paper by the agencies organizing the international statistical conference, seminar, or workshop.
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