Guidelines for the Formulation of Reseach Proposals

GUIDELINES FOR THE FORMULATION OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS

CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

A synopsis of the research proposal, in the laid down format, is to be submitted in quadruplicate to the Director USI by 31st December. In the case of serving officers, the proposal should be routed through the concerned Service Headquarters (Training Directorate). Retired officers may submit their proposals directly to the Director USI. Applicants may be called to make a presentation to the Board of Management (BOM) before a decision is taken. Decision of the BOM will be final.

The proposal should cover following details:-

(a)	The focus and scope of the project.
(b)	A framework in the form of tentative chapterisation.
(c)	A suggested bibliography.
(d)	Details of proposed field work required, if any.
(e)	The methodology of research.

The proposals should contain the following components:-

(a)

The Title of the Research Proposal.

(b)

Statement of the Problem. In the opening paragraphs of the research proposal, areas to be addressed should be stated clearly and briefly. The significance of the problem, the contribution which the proposed study is expected to make, historical facts and its academic relevance should be specifically indicated.

(c)

Overview of Existing Literature.

(d)

The Broad Framework.

(e)

Research Parameters.

(f)

Data Collection.

(g)

Time Frame. The project should be broken up in suitable phases and the time required for completion of each phase of work should be specified. The phases may cover the following aspects:-

(i)	Preparatory work
(ii)	Data collection
(iii)	Data analysis
(iv)	Report writing.

(h)

Previous Research Experience. This is also to cover the period and titles of papers published, if any. (Photocopies of the articles be attached or full references given).

(j)

Archives/Libraries/Museums/Repositories to be visited.

(k)

Bio-data including a Statement about Expertise in Handling the Subject.

     The BOM will examine the proposals for short-listing, after which it may invite potential research scholars to make brief personal presentations of the proposals to the Board members. After detailed consideration of the proposals, the BOM will decide which of the proposals are to be accepted for the year.

     All research projects under this scheme commence on 01 July every year and are to be completed within twelve months from the date of commencement. Extension of time will only be accorded in exceptional cases, as authorised by the BOM, as per research requirements. No additional grants will be provided for this extended period.

     Research scholars of each project will be encouraged to periodically discuss progress of their project with a designated member of the BOM or a guide nominated for this purpose, who in turn will apprise the Board at its periodic meetings. After four months work on the research project, an initial presentation has to be made to the BOM. This is to be followed by a detailed presentation to the members of the USI, within a further period of five months, to elicit views and opinions from experts in related disciplines before preparation of the final report. Three copies of the final project report shall be submitted within three months from the date of the talk to the USI members, thereby completing the work in 12 months. The BOM would appreciate the inclusion of the following aspects while submitting the finalised project:-

(a)	Implications for further research.
(b)	Implications for policy. These should be enunciated clearly and adequately so that the same could be brought to the notice of relevant government bodies and / or other concerned authorities.

In due course, subject to availability of funds, the BOM may invite additional research proposals directly from individuals whose experience and expertise could be gainfully exploited.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND CONTINGENCY GRANTS

Each fellowship for a research project carries a honorarium of Rs.72,000/- to be paid as per the terms and conditions laid down in the Constitution of the CAFHR. In addition, a contingency grant of Rs.12,000/- is paid to the scholar in four equal quarterly installments. Any additional funding envisaged by the scholar should be clearly stated in his research proposal.

Honorarium will be paid to scholars in the following manner:-

(a)	An initial installment equivalent to two months honorarium (proportionately) on completion of preliminary discussions with a designated member of the BOM.
(b)	A second installment equivalent to five months honorarium after presentation of the project to members of the Board and other members of the USI.
(c)	Final installment equivalent to five months honorarium on submission of the completed project report and its acceptance for publication.

These payments will be as decided periodically by the BOM USI CAFHR.

However, payment of honorarium will be based on progress made and the report submitted by designated member appointed to monitor the progress on the project.

A certified statement of contingency expenditure will be submitted quarterly, based on which the payment will be made by the USI

PUBLICATION OF THE PROJECT WORK AND COPYRIGHT

The USI reserves the right to publish the project report within a year of acceptance. The decision to do so will be communicated to the concerned research scholar within six months of the receipt of the project report. The copyright of all publications relating to the research project shall vest with the USICAFHR. No papers or articles on the subject of research may be got published elsewhere before the project report is published by the USI.