GENERAL INFORMATION

(FOR SUBMISSION OF PROJECT PROPOSALS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

Under

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY BHAVAN, NEW MEHRAULI ROAD,
NEW DELHI – 110 016

Last Date and Time of Online Submission: 30.06.2023, 5.00 P.M

 GENERAL INFORMATION

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) plays a pivotal role in promotion of science &
technology in the country. The Department has wide ranging activities ranging from promoting high
end basic research and development of cutting-edge technologies on one hand to service the
technological requirements of the common man through development of appropriate skills and
technologies on the other. Through an umbrella scheme of Innovation Technology Development and
Deployment, the Department under its Technology Development Programme (TDP) has been
promoting and supporting activities related to indigenous development of innovative technologies in
identified areas. During recent past, DST has supported the development of technologies at various
R&D laboratories/ institutions. This has resulted in development and deployment of technologies.

Technology Development Programme (TDP):

One of the key objectives of the Department of Science & Technology is to promote technology
development in various fields. The Department has been supporting Technology development projects
which include materials, devices and processes. The Programme supports activities aimed at
developing technologies both in the advanced/emerging areas and in traditional sectors/areas. Under
the Programme, feasibility of fresh ideas/ concepts is also assessed for their potential conversion into
useful technology/product.

Mandate of TDP:

The mandate of Technology Development Programme is to convert proof-of-concepts for

technologies/ techniques/ processes/products into advance prototypes for validation and
demonstration in actual field settings. The commercialization of these technologies needs further
assessment/incubation, which does not fall in the scope of the Technology Development Programme.
Transfer of technology developed under the project to the industry should ideally be the onus of the
host institutions. Proposals for incremental R&D over the existing technologies are also considered for
support. Projects related to design and development of Software/IT, as required for products and
processes, as a part of technology development project shall be considered. Pure software
development does not fall in the scope of the Programme.

AIM:
 Support R&D for development of innovative technologies in identified areas.
 Promote application of advanced technology for improving the performance and value addition
to existing technology.
 Capacity building in the area of technology development. Identify and support R&D groups
which have developed depth/strength in a particular scientific domain.

IDENTIFIED AREAS FOR NEW CALL FOR PROPOSAL:-

In 2023, a New Call for Proposal is planned to invite proposals from scientists/engineers/
technologists working in academic institutions/R&D institutions/laboratories having adequate

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infrastructure/ facilities to carry out Technology Development work/prototype building. Financial
support will be provided for indigenous development of innovative technologies in identified areas.
The specific objectives of the Programme are to
 Develop and integrate technologies following a holistic approach in identified areas;
 Promote application of modern/advanced technologies to socio-economic problem solving;
 Encourage developments in application of R&D activities; and
 Promote activities aimed at improving technology, technique, material, methods and other
appropriate activities conducive for development of technology status in identified areas.

As parts of a wider set of nation-building initiatives, some of the areas (as given below) are identified
from ‘Make in India’ initiative. Also Hon’ble Prime Minister made a clarion call for an “Aatmanirbhar
Bharat” or a self-reliant India that would be a source of local ingenuity creating global impact.
1. Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT)
2. Waste Management Technologies (WMT)
3. Biomedical Device and Technology Development Programme (BDTD)
4. Technology Development Programme (TDP)
5. Therapeutic Chemicals (TC)

1. Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT)

The Department of Science & Technology has initiated a technology development program named
“Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT)” during 2015 aligned with the Make in India mission.
The scope of R & D efforts envisaged under the “Advanced Manufacturing Technologies” Program
encompass the following:
 Design and process innovations to overcome the limitations in conventional manufacturing
technology
 Improvements in materials and their processing for better properties and commercial scale
production
 Enhancement of productivity and better utilization of resources through ICT
 “Industry 4.0” enablers such as additive manufacturing, near net shape manufacturing,
assistive robotics and process automation, industrial IoT implementation, etc.
2. Waste Management Technologies (WMT)
The Department of Science & Technology has initiated a technology development program in the name
of “Waste Management Technologies (WMT)” during 2015 aligning to Swachh Bharath Abhiyan. Waste
Management encompass a variety of interventions in the generation, prevention, characterization,
monitoring, treatment, handling, reuse and ultimate residual disposal of solid wastes. The program
aims to promote the development of suitable technologies with potential to ameliorate the
environmental load from the huge amount of residuals generated by industrial development and
consumption lifestyle. The objectives of WMT includes (i) Take stock of technological development,
assess, analyse and look for material recycling systems with low environment loading and improve
upon them or find better alternatives (ii) Develop waste management technologies that can be adopted
in small & medium scale enterprises in order to improve their productivity and global competitiveness
(iii) Establish techno-economic feasibility of proposed methodologies/ technologies.
3. Biomedical Device and Technology Development Programme
(BDTD)
Department of Science and Technology has initiated a programme on Biomedical Device and
Technology Development (BDTD) during 2016. Department was earlier supporting development of
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instruments for Medical and Healthcare applications through Instrumentation Development
Programme. BDTD has been evolved considering the concern of medical device industry for R&D to
develop new innovative products as per global standards. The mandate of BDTD is to evolve and
support projects for design & development of devices for:
a. Early-Stage Prototype Development: (The integration and testing of basic components in a
laboratory environment)
b. Late-Stage Prototype Development (Fabrication of compact prototype for testing and
validation)
c. Pilot Scale Testing and validation: (Upon completion of the technology’s design, fabrication
final testing with limited number of prototypes) with mandatory manufacturer industry
participation.
The focus of DST-BDTD will be on development of devices and related technologies. The targeted
categories include screening, diagnostic, surgical and life support equipments for clinical applications
in healthcare sector.
4. Technology Development Programme (TDP)
Technology Development (TD) Programme supports activities aimed at developing and integrating
technologies to evolve materials/process/techniques both in the advanced/emerging areas and in
traditional sectors/areas. Under the Programme, feasibility of fresh ideas/ concepts is assessed for
their potential conversion into useful technology/product. Applications of R&D for socio-economic
benefits is consciously promoted under this programme. The primary objective of the Programme is
to facilitate and support development of products or techniques/technology aimed at specific end use.
The Programme stresses on clearly identifying the needs for development of the technology so that the
developmental effort could be useful to the target beneficiary. It envisages active user involvement and
association in the development effort. The intention is that the products/technologies developed
under the Programme become useful for the benefit of the people at large.
5. Therapeutic Chemicals (TC)
Through "Therapeutic Chemicals" program of Technology Development and Transfer (TDT) Division,
Department of Science and Technology (DST) is pursuing to have self-reliance on key starting
materials, intermediates and other raw materials that are required by Indian Health care sector and
also trying to develop therapeutic strategies for prevalent rare/orphan disorders as well as for
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Through this call on AMR, DST aims to address the urgent need for
innovative solutions to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. DST may support for
creation of Centers with reasonable geographical spread in the country, for up-to a period of 5 years
(3+2), to nurture an ecosystem of research, innovation and translation in AMR research. These centres
are expected to work in collaborative mode.

MODES OF PROJECTS:

Under this Call for Proposals, Department is looking for development of technologies in the following
modes of projects starting at TRL-3 [TRL 3 – Proof of Concept Demonstrated] : -
 Development of technologies in association with an industry/ user agency.
 Pilot plant demonstration for techno-economic analysis.
 Nationally coordinated project to develop a specific technology platform.
 Development of a technology of societal importance with commercialization plan.
 Field level demonstration of a developed technology for social acceptance.
 Priority will be given to the projects with industrial partners, leading to successful field
deployable prototypes. TDP support shall be more relevant, if available knowledge-base is used
to target newer applications having large market size / higher societal impact. Such Research

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 groups will be supported to take translational research projects with definitive
outcome/timelines. Research groups, which have demonstrated and transferred technologies
for certain applications, will also be given preference for diversifying the application
demonstration / transfer of technology in other high impact fields.
 Preference should be given to such project proposals having clear roadmaps for field testing in
carefully identified markets, for making a business case and for technology transfer /
commercialization.
 Projects, integrating co-arising technologies with a potential impact on improved processes /
products, should also be considered for elaborate assessment.
Basic research proposals will not be supported under this Programme.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
1. Proposals must be submitted using ONLINE portal (https://onlinedst.gov.in/) only by
Scientists/Engineers/ Technologists working in Universities and other Academic institutions;
R&D institutions/ Laboratories having adequate infrastructure and facilities to carry out R&D
work. PIs may submit the proposal under the division of “Technology Development and Transfer”
after registration on portal or using their already registered IDs.
2. The project proposal will be reviewed only if the PI has completed proof of concept. The proposals
falling under TRL 3 to 6 [TRL 3 – Experimental proof of concept, TRL 4 – Technology validation in
lab, TRL 5–Technology validation in relevant environment, TRL 6 – Technology demonstrated in
relevant environment] are only to be submitted. The fundamental R&D proposals will not be
supported under this call.
3. It is mandatory to demonstrate lab prototype to become eligible for consideration under this
call.
4. The PI or groups already having ongoing projects under any of the AMT, WMT, BDTD, TDP, and TC
programs of DST may apply only if six months or less are due for the completion of the project.
5. For submitting application under the program area of Biomedical Device and Technology
Development Programme (BDTD), a clinician should be involved with investigating team as Co-PI.

POINTS TO BE KEPT IN MIND WHILE SUBMITTING PROJECT PROPOSALS:

1. Financial support is provided only for temporary staff salaries, equipment (if necessary, and not
available with PI’s Institute, and specific to project requirement), consumables, domestic travel
and other miscellaneous items. No support is provided towards basic infrastructure,
buildings and International travel.
2. The investigators/ R&D Group must have adequate experience and expertise in the relevant area
of proposal. The proposals should be based on innovative technologies/ ideas. Proposals should
have specific, concrete, quantifiable objectives/deliverables. Results of ongoing and completed
projects of the PI must be reflected while the formulating new proposals.
3. Co-PI from host institute is mandatory.
4. The technology demonstration plan should be clearly spelled out with achievable milestones,
timelines, justifiable budget requirement, and engagement with prospective technology transfer
partners or technology transfer facilitating bodies.
5. It is envisaged that the end product of development shall be transferred to industries/suitable
stakeholders for technology implementation. Hence, project should be proposed with appropriate
industry/suitable stakeholder participation, clearly stating the technical as well as financial terms
of participation.

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6. No financial support will be provided to industry. An endorsement letter from the participating
industry/stakeholder with a detailed breakup of their contribution for the proposed project has
to be submitted.
7. Fund support under non-recurring grant for the required equipment will be given only if
the same or similar facility is not available in the PI’s institution or nearby institutions.
8. A PI can submit only one proposal against this DST-TDP Call. Submission of more than one
proposal from a PI would be liable for disqualification.
9. It is desirable to have the contribution of the host institution/grantee institution for the capital
cost of the project.
10. The quarterly deliverables should be clearly mentioned in the proposal in the form of a Gantt
chart/ matrix.
11. The projects should be time-bound normally for duration of 2-3 years depending upon the
device/technology to be developed.
12. Implementation of the projects will be monitored regularly through Progress Reports, Audited
Financial Statements and Committee of Experts in Group review meetings and onsite review as
well.
13. The CoEs will be supported for period of five years (3+2). The Centers will be evaluated after
three years for continuity and will be further extended for two years depending upon their
performance.
14. Maximum two CoEs will be established under each thrust area. CoE should be multi-
institutional and collate the strength of partner institutes. Industry(ies) participation and
contribution is mandatory for CoE applications.
15. Interested Institutes may submit the concept note/ full proposal of CoE within the duration of the
call.

PROCEDURE FOR SUBMISSION OF PROJECT PROPOSALS:

Application will be accepted only through online mode of project submission through e-Project
Management System (e-PMS Portal) (https://onlinedst.gov.in/). Applicants should register as a PI in
DST’s Online Portal. Registered PIs may get an option of “submit proposal”, under calls that are open.
Soft copy of the project proposal along with requisite/supporting documents should be submitted in
the enclosed format. Please ensure that following documents have been completed and attached in the
proposal.
i.Certificate from the investigator; and
ii.Endorsement from Head of the institution on Letter Head
Application received without compliance with eligibility criteria/above documents/with incomplete
information/ will not be entertained. PIs are advised not to send any hard copy of the project to the
DST.

NO HARD COPY REQUIRED

Any query/correspondence regarding the above Call for Proposal may be mailed to the following
address: -
Dr. Akhilesh Mishra (TDP, & BDTD)
Scientist ‘E’
Technology Development & Transfer Division
Department of Science & Technology
Ministry of Science & Technology
Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road

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 New Delhi – 110 016
(Tel: 011 -26590 254)
Email: akhilesh.mishra@nic.in

Dr. Krishna Kanth Pulicherla (AMT, WMT, & TC)

Scientist ‘E’
Technology Development & Transfer Division
Department of Science & Technology
Ministry of Science & Technology
Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi – 110 016
(Tel: 011-26590 493)
Email: kkpulicherla.dst@gov.in

Shri Pramod S
Scientist ‘C’
Technology Development & Transfer Division
Department of Science & Technology
Ministry of Science & Technology
Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi – 110 016
(Tel: 011-26590 219)
Email: pramod.snkr@nic.in,
and
Dr. Dileep Krishna Mathi
Scientist ‘C’
Technology Development & Transfer Division
Department of Science & Technology
Ministry of Science & Technology
Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi – 110 016
(Tel: 011- 29512 324)
Email: dileep.krishna@gov.in

Last Date and Time of Submission: 30.06.2023, 5.00 P.M

(Note: Please complete the online submission of proposal well in advance to avoid last day rush)

*********

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 Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Technology Development & Transfer (TDT) Division

Proposal for Centre of Excellence (CoE)

under
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (TDP)
DST/TDP/ CoE_Proposal_Format

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 Table of Contents
S.no Title Page No.
1 Section-1. Overview of Centre of Excellence (CoE)
1.1 Thrust Area
1.2 Details of the proposed CoE - Coordinator with Proposing Agency
1.3 Details of the collaborating Institutes/Industries/Laboratories
1.4 Significance of the proposed CoE
1.5 Detailed Objectives
1.6 Components of CoE
1.7 Components of Industry
1.8 What Specialised services will be offered in the proposed domain to
scientist/researcher/startup/industry through CoE
1.9 Milestones (Preferably in the form of Gantt Chart)
2 Section-2.Budget Summary (in ₹ lakhs)
2.1 Consolidated Budget
3 Section-3.Itemised Budget
3.1 Manpower
3.2 Consumables
3.3 Contingencies
3.4 Other Costs (Outsourcing/ Fabrication/ Testing/ Patenting)
3.5 Domestic Travel – from – DST Grant (in ₹ lakhs)
3.6 Equipment proposed to be procured
3.7 List of equipment/Facilities available with participating agencies,
relevant to the project
4 Section-4. Annexure: Justification for Itemized Budget
4.1 Consumables
4.2 Contingency & Travel
4.3 Other Costs
4.4 Permanent Equipment
5 Section-5. Biodata of CoE Coordinator(s)
6 Section-6. Forwarding Letters
6.1 Certificate from Coordinator
6.2 Endorsement from Head of Organisation
6.3 Undertaking from collaborating Industries/ Agencies
6.4 Conflict of Interest
Annexure-1

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Section-1. Overview of Centre of Excellence (CoE)
1.1. Thrust Area (Refer Annexure-1):
1.2. Details of the proposed CoE - Coordinator with Proposing Agency
Name of Coordinator
Designation
Agency & address
Telephones (Mobile; Landline)
E-mail
Date of Birth
1.3. Details of the collaborating Institutes/Industries/Laboratories
Name
Designation
Agency & address
Telephones (Mobile; Landline)
E-mail

Name
Designation
Agency & address
Telephones (Mobile; Landline)
E-mail

Name
Designation
Agency & address
Telephones (Mobile; Landline)
E-mail

1.4. Significance of the proposed CoE

1.4.1. Targeted Beneficiaries
1.4.2. Major Applications of the centre
1.5. Detailed Objectives

1.6. Components of CoE

S.NO. Targeted sub components Deliverables

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 1.7. Components of Industry
S.NO Targeted sub components Deliverables

1.8. What Specialised services will be offered in the proposed domain to

scientist/researcher/startup/industry through CoE:

1.9. Milestones (Preferably in the form of Gantt Chart)

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Section-2. Budget Summary (in ₹ lakhs)
2.1. Consolidated budget

Item 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Total

1. Manpower
2. Consumables
3. Contingency
4. Other Costs
5. Travel
6 Permanent Equipment
Sub Total
7 Overhead Charges
Total

Total Budget =₹ lakhs

Norms for Manpower, Travel, Contingency & Overheads Manpower

Refer the following Office Memorandums for the manpower positions suitable for R&D
1. Positions for JRF/SRF/RA - OM: SR/S9/Z-05/2019 dated 10 July 2020
2. Positions other than JRF/SRF/RA - OM: SR/S9/Z-08/2018 dated 30 January 2019
3. For HRA OM No. 2/5/2017-E. II (B) issued by Ministry of Fin. dated 07 July 2017
(HRA has been revised to 27%, 18% and 9% with respect to the cities under the category of
X, Y and Z respectively)

Travel & Contingency

₹50,000/- each per annum will be provided for Travel and Contingencies. Higher amount, based on the
recommendations of the Expert Committee, to be provided where the research work involves field work
or/and project has many investigators/institutions and larger manpower. The contingency amount may also
be used for paying Registration Fees for attending international conferences.
Overheads
Overhead amount is towards meeting the cost of academic expenses including infrastructural facilitiesat the
host institutes, and is permissible as given below:
a) For projects costing upto ₹1 crore, 10% of the total cost for educational institutions and NGOs and
8% for laboratories and institutions under Central Government Departments/Agencies;
b) For projects costing more than ₹1 crore and upto ₹5 crore, overheads of ₹15 lakh or 10% of total
cost whichever is less;
c) For projects costing more than ₹5 crore and upto ₹20 crore, ₹20 lakh will be provided as
overheads; and
d) For projects costing more than ₹20 crore, the quantum will be decided on a case to case basis.

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Section-3. Itemised Budget

3.1. Manpower
Budget for Salaries- DST Grant(in ₹ lakhs)
Designation Qualification Salary per month Number of Persons Amount Role
(in ₹ lakhs) Description

₹ lakhs

3.2. Consumables
Please provide the quantified list of consumables along with cost estimates/quotations in the Annexure (Item,
Quantity & Unit cost)

Budget for Consumable Materials – DST Grant (in ₹ lakhs)

1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Total
₹ ₹ ₹ ₹
₹ ₹ ₹ ₹
₹ ₹ ₹ ₹

3.3. Contingencies
Please provide the basis of cost estimates in the Annexure.Budget for Contingencies- DST Grant (in ₹ lakhs)
1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Total
₹ ₹ ₹ ₹
₹ ₹ ₹ ₹

3.4. Other Costs

Please provide the basis of cost estimates/quotations in the Annexure.

Budget for Other Costs-DST Grant (in ₹ lakhs)

Item 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Total
Others (Define if any) ₹ ₹ ₹ ₹

3.5. Domestic Travel – DST Grant (in ₹ lakhs)

Please provide the basis of cost estimates in the Annexure. (journeys, purpose)
1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Total
₹ ₹ ₹ ₹
₹ ₹ ₹ ₹
₹ ₹ ₹ ₹

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 3.6. Equipment proposed to be procured
Please provide justification in Annexure on the use of equipment in CoE. Provide supporting Quotation

Budget for Permanent Equipment – DST Grant

Description of Foreign/ Unit Landed Cost Number CIF, Custom Duty Total(in ₹ lakhs)
Equipment Indigenous of Items etc.)
₹ ₹
₹ ₹
₹ ₹

3.7. List of equipment/facilities available with participating agencies, relevant to the project

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Section-4. Annexure: Justification for Itemized Budget
Please provide justification against each sub-heading below, along with supporting Quotation.

4.1. Consumables

4.2. Contingency & Travel

4.3. Other Costs

4.4. Permanent Equipment

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Section-5. Biodata of CoE Coordinator(s)
5.1. Name, Designation, Agency:

5.2. Gender & Date of Birth:

5.3. Qualifications:

5.4. Employment Experience (Last 10 years):

5.5. Publications (Last 5 years):

5.6. Patents:

5.7. Research Thesis Guided:

5.8. Technologies Developed

5.9. Technologies Transferred

5.10. Centres/Facility extramural funding from industry/Government managed by co-ordinator.

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Section-6. Forwarding Letters
6.1. CERTIFICATE FROM THE INVESTIGATOR(S)

Project Title:

1. I/We agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the R&D grant.
2. I/We did not submit the Proposal elsewhere for financial support.
3. I/We have explored and ensured that equipment and basic facilities (enumerated in the proposal) will actually
be available as and when required for the purpose of the projects. I/We shall not request financial support under
this CoE, for procurement of these items.
4. I/We undertake that space time on permanent equipment (listed in the proposal) will be made available to other
users.

5. I/We hereby submitting the Proposal complete in all respect, along with (a) Endorsement from the Head of the
Organisation (on letter head), and (b) Undertakings from the Collaborating Industries/Agencies.
6. I/We shall ensure that the CoE will be executed as per the General Financial Rules of (GFR) 2017 and the project
fund will be kept only in a Zero Balance Subsidiary (ZBS) account of the Host Institute in Union Bank of India.
I/We shall also ensure that the above said account will be registered in the Public Funds Management System
(PFMS) and the EAT module has been successfully implemented before the submission of the proposal.
7. I/We shall acknowledge DST and the TDT division in all the Papers, Publications and Patents generated out of
the proposed research work in every possible platform.

Name & Designation: Date:

Signature: Place:

Stamp/ Seal:

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6.2. Endorsement from Head of Organisation (On the official letter-head)
Project Title: “________________________________________________________”

Cost: Duration:

1. Affirmed that the Organisation welcomes the participation of Dr./Mr./Ms. ………………. as the Coordinator and
Dr./Mr./Ms. ……………… as the other Coordinator(s) for the Project and that in the unforeseen and legitimate
event of discontinuation by the Coordinator, the other Coordinator(s) will assume full responsibility for the
proper functioning of Centres. Information to this effect, endorsed by me, will be promptly sent to DST
2. Affirmed that the equipment and basic as well as other administrative facilities as per the terms and conditions
of the award of the CoE, will be made available to the Coordinator(s) throughout the duration of the CoE. All the
equipment purchased under the projects will remain the administrative custody of the DST unless any order
regarding the same issue by the DST.
3. The Organisation shall ensure that as per the rule of GFR 2017, purchase of the equipments may done through
the Government e-Marketplace (GEM), to the extent available there as the CoE involves government funding.
4. The organization shall ensure that under any circumstances, parking of Government Fund will not be done. The
Fund will be utilized only for the purpose it was granted.
5. The organization/ institute shall ensure to use Expenditure Advance & Transfer (EAT) module of PFMS.
6. The Organisation shall provide timely the Audited Statement of Expenditure and the Utilization Certificate of the
Funds under the Grant as required by DST in the prescribed format and all interests and other earnings against
released Grant shall be remitted to Consolidated Fund of India (through Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP), i.e.
www.bharatkosh.gov.in), immediately after finalization of accounts, as it shall not be adjusted towards future
release of Grant.
7. The organisation will abide by all the terms and conditions mentioned in the sanction order.

(Head of Organisation)
Seal/Stamp

Date:
Place:

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6.3. Undertaking from collaborating Industries/ Agencies

1. Name of Agency: _________________________________

2. I have gone through the Proposal entitled _____________ submitted by Dr./Mr./Ms. _____________ of _____________
(Name of the Organization) for DST funding and I hereby affirm that my Organization/ Company is committed
to participate in the CoE to the full extent as indicated in the Proposal including following the technical and
financial commitments described in the proposal.

a) Technical

b) Financial

Name & Designation: Date:

Signature: Place:

Stamp/ Seal:

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 6.4 Conflict of Interest
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

POLICY ON CONFLICT OF INTEREST

FOR REVIEWER & COMMITTEE MEMBER or APPLICANT or DST OFFICER ASSOCIATED/
DEALING WITH THE SCHEME/ PROGRAM OF DST
Issues of Conflicts of Interest and ethics in scientific research and research management have assumed greater
prominence, given the larger share of Government funding in the country's R & D scenario. The following policy
pertaining to general aspects of Conflicts of Interest and code of ethics, are objective measures that is intended to
protect the integrity of the decision making processes and minimize biasness. The policy aims to sustain transparency,
increase accountability in funding mechanisms and provide assurance to the general public that processes followed in
award of grants are fair and non-discriminatory. The Policy aims to avoid all forms of bias by following a system that
is fair, transparent and free from all influence/ unprejudiced dealings, prior to, during and subsequent to the currency
of the programme to be entered into with a view to enable public to abstain from bribing or any corrupt practice in
order to secure the award by providing assurance to them that their competitors will also refrain from bribing and
other corrupt practice and the decision makers will commit to prevent corruption, in any form, by their officials by
following transparent procedures. This will also ensure a global acceptance of the decision making process adopted by
DST.

Definition of Conflict of Interest:

Conflict of Interest means "any interest which could significantly prejudice an individual's objectivity in the decision
making process, thereby creating an unfair competitive advantage for the individual or to the organization which
he/she represents". The Conflict of Interest also encompasses situations where an individual, in contravention to the
accepted norms and ethics, could exploit his/her obligatory duties for personal benefits.
1. Coverage of the Policy:
a) The provisions of the policy shall be followed by persons applying for and receiving funding from DST,
Reviewers of the proposal and Members of Expert Committees and Programme Advisory
Committees. The provisions of the policy will also be applicable on all individuals including Officers of DST
connected directly or indirectly or through intermediaries and Committees involved in evaluation of
proposals and subsequent decision making process.
b) This policy aims to minimize aspects that may constitute actual Conflict of Interests, apparent Conflict
of Interests and potential Conflict of Interests in the funding mechanisms that are presently being operated
by DST. The policy also aims to cover, although not limited to, Conflict of interests that are Financial (gains
from the outcomes of the proposal or award), Personal (association of relative / Family members) and
Institutional (Colleagues, Collaborators, Employer, persons associated in a professional career of an
individual such as Ph.D. supervisor etc.)
2. Specifications as to what constitutes Conflict of Interest.
Any of the following specifications (non-exhaustive list) imply Conflict of Interest if,

(i) Due to any reason by which the Reviewer/Committee Member cannot deliver fair and objective assessment
of the proposal.
(ii) The applicant is a directly relative# or family member (including but not limited to spouse, child, sibling,
parent) or personal friend of the individual involved in the decision making process or alternatively, if any
relative of an Officer directly involved in any decision making process / has influenced interest/ stake in the
applicant’s form etc.
(iii) The applicant for the grant/award is an employee or employer of an individual involved in the process as a
Reviewer or Committee Member; or if the applicant to the grant/award has had an employer-employee
relationship in the past three years with that individual.

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(iv) The applicant to the grant/award belongs to the same Department as that of the Reviewer/Committee
Member.
(v) The Reviewer/Committee Member is a Head of an Organization from where the applicant is employed.
(vi) The Reviewer /Committee Member is or was, associated in the professional career of the applicant (such as
Ph.D. supervisor, Mentor, present Collaborator etc.)
(vii) The Reviewer/Committee Member is involved in the preparation of the research proposal submitted by the
applicant.
(viii) The applicant has joint research publications with the Reviewer/Committee Member in the last three years.
(ix) The applicant/Reviewer/Committee Member, in contravention to the accepted norms and ethics followed in
scientific research has a direct/indirect financial interest in the outcomes of the proposal.
(x) The Reviewer/Committee Member stands to gain personally should the submitted proposal be accepted or
rejected.

# The Term “Relative” for this purpose would be referred in section 6 of Companies Act , 1956.

3. Regulation:

The DST shall strive to avoid conflict of interest in its funding mechanisms to the maximum extent possible. Self-
regulatory mode is however recommended for stake holders involved in scientific research and research
management, on issues pertaining to Conflict of Interest and scientific ethics. Any disclosure pertaining to the
same must be made voluntarily by the applicant/Reviewer/Committee Member.

4. Confidentiality:

The Reviewers and the Members of the Committee shall safeguard the confidentiality of all discussions and
decisions taken during the process and shall refrain from discussing the same with any applicant or a third party,
unless the Committee recommends otherwise and records for doing so.

5. Code of Conduct

5.1 To be followed by Reviewers/Committee Members:

(a) All reviewers shall submit a conflict of interest statement, declaring the presence or absence of any form of
conflict of interest.
(b) The reviewers shall refrain from evaluating the proposals if the conflict of interest is established or if it is
apparent.
(c) All discussions and decisions pertaining to conflict of interest shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
(d) The Chairman of the Committee shall decide on all aspects pertaining to conflict of interests.
(e) The Chairman of the Committee shall request that all members disclose if they have any conflict of interest in
the items of the agenda scheduled for discussion.
(f) The Committee Members shall refrain from participating in the decision making process and leave the room
with respect to the specific item where the conflict of interest is established or is apparent.
(g) If the Chairman himself/herself has conflict of interest, the Committee may choose a Chairman from among
the remaining members, and the decision shall be made in consultation with Member Secretary of the
Committee.
(h) It is expected that a Committee member including the Chair-person will not seek funding from a Committee
in which he/she is a member. If any member applies for grant, such proposals will be evaluated separately
outside the Committee in which he/she is a member.
5.2 To be followed by the Applicant to the Grant/Award:
(a) The applicant must refrain from suggesting referees with potential Conflict of Interest that may arise due to
the factors mentioned in the specifications described above in Point No. 2.

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 (b) The applicant may mention the names of individuals to whom the submitted proposal should not be
sent for refereeing, clearly indicating the reasons for the same.

5.3 To be followed by the Officers dealing with Programs in DST:

While it is mandatory for the program officers to maintain confidentiality as detailed in point no. 6 above, they
should declare, in advance, if they are dealing with grant applications of a relative or family member (including
but not limited to spouse, child, sibling, parent) or thesis/ post-doctoral mentor or stands to benefit financially if
the applicant proposal is funded. In such cases, DST will allot the grant applications to the other program officer.

6. Sanction for violation

6.1 For a) Reviewers / Committee Members and b) Applicant

Any breach of the code of conduct will invite action as decided by the Committee.

6.2 For Officers dealing with Program in DST

Any breach of the code of conduct will invite action under present provision of CCS (conduct Rules), 1964.

7. Final Appellate authority:

Secretary, DST shall be the appellate authority in issues pertaining to conflict of interest and issues concerning
the decision making process. The decision of Secretary, DST in these issues shall be final and binding.

8. Declaration

I have read the above “Policy on Conflict of Interest” of the DST applicable to the Reviewer/ Committee
Member/ Applicant/ DST Scheme or Program Officer # and agree to abide by provisions thereof.
I hereby declare that I have no conflict of interest of any form pertaining to the proposed grant *
I hereby declare that I have conflict of interest of any form pertaining to the proposed grant*
* & # (Tick whichever is applicable)
Name of the Reviewer/ Committee Member or Applicant or DST Officer
(Strike out whichever is not applicable)

(Signature with date)

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 Annexure-2
Proposals are invited under the following categories/Thrust areas:
Applications are invited to create CoE from Scientist/Engineers/ Technologists working in Universities, Academic
institutions, R&D institutions, laboratories in association with Other Institutes, Laboratories and with mandatory
contribution from Industry/ Industry bodies. CoE should target capacity building along with 4Ds (design,
development, demonstration, and deployment) of following technologies.
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT): -
S.NO Theme Proposals invited for
1 Creation of Centre of Sustainable Technologies for Bulk chemicals from fossil fuels including
Excellence (CoE) on petroleum. The proposed process should confine to net zero
Sustainable principles. The end deliverable should be pilot plant process.
Technologies for Bulk
Chemicals
Waste Management Technologies (WMT): -
S.NO Theme Proposals invited for
1 Creation of Centre of Technologies in the management of Agricultural waste viz., Post-
Excellence (CoE) in harvest agro residue and lignocellulosic biomass e.g. straws, stalks,
the Domain of etc., Flower waste, Fruits and vegetable waste, Primary processing
Agricultural Waste waste, Cereals, pulses, legumes and millets waste.
Management
Biomedical Device and Technology Development (BDTD): -
S.NO Theme Proposals invited for
1 Creation of Centre of Medical device development from TRL 4-6, testing & validation
Excellence (CoE) for covering 6-8 medical devices.
Medical Device
Development

Technology Development Programme (TDP): -

S.NO Theme Proposals invited for
1 Creation of Centre of Validation of agro technologies developed through DST supported
Excellence (CoE) for projects.
Validation of Agro
Technologies*

Therapeutic Chemicals (TC): -

S.NO Theme Proposals invited on AMR for

1 Creation of Centre of 1. Multipronged approaches focused on "Leads to Pre-clinical
Excellence (CoE) on studies with I.P. potential".
Antimicrobial 2. New formulations of existing antibiotics.
resistance (AMR) 3. Pathogen microbiology including focus on host derived targets
and therapies.
4. Diagnostics, devices and the scope of development of POC
devices for clinical settings.

Note: Maximum two CoEs will be established under each thrust area.

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