Mode of proposal submission

• The Call for applications will be notified through the online portal of ANRF www.anrfonline.in.
• The proposals under the MAHA Water mission should be submitted in online mode only through the website www.anrfonline.in.
• Proposals submitted in any mode or platform other than the designated one will not be considered by ANRF.

For successful online submission of the application, the following points may be noted:

• Lead PI and PI(s) should first register on the official website,click here to register www.anrfonline.in www.anrfonline.in.
• After logging in, applicant(s) are required to fill all the mandatory fields in the Profile Detail section.
• Some of the key elements of the proposal should be defined clearly, such as Project Title (max 500 characters), Project summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 10), Objectives of the project (max 1500 characters), Target values being set for the project, Expected output and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters).
• Other Technical Details (OTD) of the proposal must be uploaded as a single file in PDF format.
• Plagiarism Policy:
  All proposals submitted under the MAHA Water program must be entirely original in both concept and content, reflecting the applicantand his/her team’sown research ideas, methodologies, and planned activities. Proposals found to contain any uncredited or unattributed copied content, whether from published literature, online sources, or previously submitted work, will be summarily rejected without further review. It will be reported tothe lead institution.

Document Checklist

• Document 1: Endorsement letter from Lead PI and PI from the same Institution. (Download Template)
• Document 2: Endorsement letter from PI(s) from collaborative Institution. (Download Template)
• Document 3: Certificate from Lead Principal Investigator and Principal Investigators (Download Template)
• Document 4: Plagiarism Declaration.  (Download Template)
• Document 5: Other Technical Details. (Download Template)
• Document 6: Undertaking for Ethical / other permission(s) from the relevant agencies related to the approved work at preproposal stage. (Download Template)
• Document related to the status of TRL level of the proposed work.

Under the Mission, a lead PI is eligible to submit only one proposal during a given call.

• Information to be provided for pre-proposal in the prescribed format via online. No offline proposal will be entertained.

Section A: Objectives, Technical efficacy benchmarks including TRLs, planned science contributions Lead PIs & PIs, deliverables, impacts, and milestones with a clear deployment pathway (maximum 15 pages). The status of the current TRL (with justification) related to the proposed work, along with support documents may also be submitted.

Section B: Budget Requirements
Details of non-recurring (equipment) and recurring heads (research personnel, consumables, travel and field work, contingency, other costs and overheads; maximum 1 page).

• Full proposals will be invited by ANRF, based on the selection of the pre-proposals.
• The proposals will be evaluated by a domain-specific Mission Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC), and applicants may be invited for presentations or discussions as part of the selection process, if required.

The industries/MSME/Start-up must contribute not less than 10% of the total budget (in cash or kind) of the project to the institute(s) and inform ANRF about the same.

Implementation of the project

• Approval of the research proposal and the grant release are contingent upon the specific project being sanctioned and should be exclusively spent on project-related activities within the stipulated timeframe. The contribution (in cash/kind) from the relevant industries/MSME/Startups (Government, Semi-Government, Autonomous, and Private) for the research project must be there with the lead/collaborative institutes (Institute/University).


• The Lead Institute/Lead Principal Investigator (LPI)/PI will furnish a Progress Report of the work on the project after attaining the following benchmark in the first six (6) months of project implementation:
  • Appointment of manpower, providing date of appointment & qualifications.
  • Status regarding acquisition of assets sanctioned under the project.
  • Status regarding procurement of sanctioned equipment under the capital head.


• The Institute will not entrust the implementation of the work for which the grant is being sanctioned to another institution, nor will it divert the grant receipts to another Institute as assistance. If the Institute is unable to implement or complete the project, it shall refund to ANRF the entire grant received or the balance of the grant, with interest.


• All the personnel, including research personnel appointed under the project, for the full/ part duration of the project, are to be treated as temporary employees and will be governed by the administrative rules/ service conditions (for leave, TA/DA, etc) of the implementing Institute.They are not to be treated as employees of the ANRF or the Government of India, nor as permanent employees of the Institute. The ANRF will have no liability whatsoever for the project staff after the project duration is completed. The institute must follow the norms of DST/ANRF for fellowship / emoluments.


• For the expeditious implementation of the research project,the PI will seek the assistance of the Institute in the process of selecting and appointing sanctioned research personnel/staff, as well as in making payments to them. Scale and emoluments for posts not covered under the ANRF order are governed by the norms prevalent in the implementing Institution or as decided in consultation with ANRF.The institute must follow the norms of DST/ANRF for fellowship / emoluments.


• The project becomes operative on the date of the issuance of assignment to the Lead Institute.


• If the results of research are to be legally protected, they should not be published without action being taken to secure legal protection for the research findings.


• Any Intellectual Property (IP) generated under the program shall be governed by a joint IP policy developed between ANRF, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and the concerned Institute, ensuring fair benefit sharing between academia and industry/MSME/Startups partner(s).

Utilization of the Funds

• The Lead institute and the Lead Principal Investigator (LPI) must ensure that the funds are used exclusively for the approved research project.


• The Lead institutemust maintain separate audited accounts for the project. The Statement of Expenditure (SE) or Utilization Certificate (UC)must be furnished each financial year during the project for issuing further assignment.


• The lead institute will take the responsibilities of submission of all Financial Documents for further assignment and settlement of accounts in time as required.


• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is implementing the new TSA hybrid model for fund flow in respect of ANRF Schemes (Scheme Code - 4211). The lead institute(University/ Institute/Organization) should follow the TSA-SOP available at (www.anrfonline.in)


• The fund shall not be utilized for the construction of any building unless a specific provision is made for that purpose by ANRF. The host institute is responsible for providing essential infrastructure (accommodation, space, water, electricity, communication, etc.) for the project.


• Any expenditure incurred prior to the issue of the financial assignment and after the expiry of the assigned duration of the project will not be admissible.

Monitoring the Progress of Project

• Lead PIs should submit annual progress reports in the prescribed format through the ANRF online portal.


• In addition to annual reviews, mid-term evaluation may be conducted by the ANRF and evaluated by Mission Technical Program Committee (MTPC) to assess translational progress and technological readiness level.


• ANRF and MoJS will periodically monitor the project. The Lead PI along with team must attend the monitoring meetings/workshops to present the progress/outcome of the research project, as and when organized.


• ANRF/ MoJS may designate a specialist or an Expert Panel for on-site inspection(laboratory and field set-up)to review the progress of the work being carried out and to suggest suitable measures to ensure the realization of the objectives of the project. During the implementation of the project, the Institute will provide all necessary facilities to visiting scientists, specialists, or the Expert Panel, including accommodation, during their visit.


• Proposals should outline expected TRL advancement at the end of each year to demonstrate technology maturity.


• All projects must comply with applicable environmental/bioethical/ forest/ biodiversity / other safety, and statutory regulations during implementation.

Release of Next Instalment of Funds

• At the end of each financial year (FY) and at the time of seeking further assignment(s), Lead Institute/Lead PI has to furnish the following documents strictly as per ANRF formats, and upload the same through the ANRF online portal:
  
  • Audited Utilization Certificate (UC), and up-to-date Statement of Expenditure (SE) for the financial year in the correct format.
  • Annual/interim progress report, as per approved format.
  • List of publications/patents/technology/prototype developed, if any, from the project.
  • List of Assets acquired till that Financial Year.


• The assignment of the next instalment of the grant will be contingent upon the submission of financial statements and their acceptance by ANRF.
• Next assignment to the ongoing projects will be performance-based on the review of project milestones and deliverables.

Transfer, Extension, and Termination of the Project

• If the PI of the lead institution wishes to terminate the project, they must inform ANRF immediately, providing proper justification. The lead institute should not incur any expenditure from the date of termination of the project or the date of resignation of the Lead PI, whichever is earlier.


• The PI of institution must seek the consent of ANRF if they intend to be away from the implementing Institute continuously for a period of more than eight weeks after submitting a proper supportive plan, without disturbing the interest/progress of the project.


• Funding agency reserves the right to terminate the project at any stage if it is convinced that (i) appropriate progress is not being made, (ii) the grant has not been utilized properly, or (iii) furnishing of false information or suppression of factual information.


• Transfer of the project from one Institution to another is not allowed. Transfer of the project is allowed from the Lead PI to PI from the lead institute with appropriate justification & submission of mandatory documents. Inclusion of a new PI is not allowed during the project.


• The duration of the project will be initially for three (3) years, extendable to five (5) years (3+1+1) subject to intensive milestones evaluation and demonstrated impact.

Settlement of Accounts of the Project

• The following documents must be uploaded to the ANRF online portal within three months after the completion of the project duration:
  • Final Consolidated Statement of Expenditure (SE), giving expenditure financial year-wise (FY) from the date of start till the date of completion.
  
  
  • Utilization Certificates (FY-wise), matching with Statement of Expenditure figures.
  
  
  • Project Completion Report (PCR) with a list of publications, patents filed/granted, and prototype/technology etc. developed.
  
  
  • Participatory report on the utility of developed technology, if any.


• The PI of lead institution, with the coordination of the Principal Investigator (PI) of collaborative institute, is primarily responsible for the timely submission of utilization certificates, statements of expenditure, progress/monitoring reports, the project closure report (PCR), and the refund of any unspent balance at the end or in the event of early closure of the project. If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the lead PI is unable to settle the project's accounts, the host institution must submit the above documents to ANRF for the proper closure and settlement of the project's accounts.

Maintenance of Assets Procured Under the Project

• The lead institute must maintain an audited register of permanent or semi-permanent assets acquired primarily with capital funds, including immovable property and movable capital assets listed in the sanction order. The institute may be required to send a list of these assets to ANRF.


• Assets acquired with project funds are considered part of the Institutional Inventory, gifted by the ANRF & MoJS. They cannot be disposed of or encumbered without prior approval from the funding agency. ANRF & MoJS have the discretion to allow other investigators to utilize the assets for projects sanctioned by ANRF or advise the host institute to transfer them to any other institute if deemed appropriate.


• The Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG), at its discretion, shall have the right of access to the books and accounts of the Institute maintained in respect of the fund received from the ANRF.


• If any kind of process/product is developed in the field, it must be informed/handed over to the relevant authority with approval of MoJS & ANRF.

Eligibility

Q1: Who can apply as a Lead Principal Investigator (LPI)?

A1: Applicants must be Indian citizens or OCI holders. The Lead PI must hold a regular position in an Indian academic institution or national research laboratory, with a Ph.D. in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Social Sciences, or equivalent medical degrees (M.D./M.S./M.D.S./M.V.Sc.).

Q2: Can a Lead PI or PI nearing retirement apply?

A2: Yes, but only if supported by a PI from the same institution who has at least 5+1 years of service remaining.

Q3: Can startups and industry partners apply?

A3: Yes, but only as collaborators with academic or R&D institutions (they must contribute not less than 10% of the total budget). They cannot receive direct funding but may leverage open-source outputs of the mission.

Q4: Can a Lead PI submit a proposal individually?

A4: No, the lead PI has to submit a proposal in collaboration with other PIs and institutions.

Q5: Will international collaborators be encouraged to contribute without any financial obligations from either end?

A5: Certainly. If accomplished international researchers wish to collaborate with the Lead PI/ PIs to contribute to the project, they are welcome, without any financial obligation from ANRF.  

Q6: Is a prior clearance (Ethical, biosafety, animal, humans,and other Biosafety etc) required at the time of submission of proposals?

A6: The clearances may be submitted after approval of the proposal for funding.

Q7: Who can serve as a PI(s) in a consortium proposal?

A7: Faculty/scientists from institutions/laboratories from academia, research organizations, DSIR-SIRO registered research organizations and Section 8 companies with relevant expertise/complementary expertise can serve as PIs.

Q8: What is the eligibility of PI?

A8: The PI must hold a regular position in an Indian academic institution or national research laboratory, DSIR-SIRO registered research organizations, or Section 8 companies, with a Ph.D. in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Social Sciences (quantitative AI), or equivalent medical degrees (M.D./M.S./M.D.S./M.V.Sc.).

Q9: Can a PI submit more than one proposal under the same call?

A9: PI cannot submit more than one proposal as lead PI and may be a part of other proposals as a PI.

Q10: Are ad-hoc, contractual, or temporary faculty eligible to apply/part of the proposal?

A10: No, ad-hoc, contractual or temporary faculty can apply/part in a project as honorary investigator not as Lead PI & PI.

Q11: Can Superannuated person be a part of project?

A11:Yes, as honorary investigator.

Q12: Can applicants without institutional affiliation apply?

A12: No. applicant should be affiliated with a recognized institute/University.

Q13: Can multiple proposals be submitted from the same institution?

A13: Yes. Institutions can submit multiple proposals from different PIs/departments/domains.

Q14: Is there a limit on the number of PIs in a consortium?

A14: Yes. up to six PIs are allowed.

Q15: Is an endorsement letter required for each participating PI?

A15: Yes, , it is required.

Q16: Can a PI change their host institution after submission?

A16: This is permitted only after formal approval of ANRF.

Q17: Can Lead two PIs from the same institution submit separate proposals?

A17: Yes, if they are distinct and unrelated proposals.

Q18: Are autonomous institutes under central/state governments eligible?

A18: Yes, fully eligible.

Q19: Are private universities eligible to apply?

A19: Yes, if they are UGC/AICTE-recognized.

Q20: Are R&D labs under ministries eligible to participate?

A20: Yes, they are eligible.

Q21: Are foreign nationals working in Indian institutions eligible to apply?

A21: Yes, if they hold full-time appointments and residence permits with a PI of Indian nationality who has a regular position having six (6) years (5+1) service remaining from the same institution.

Q22: Is MSME/Startup/Industry mandatory?

A22: Yes, they can collaborate and must contribute not less than 10% of the total budget of the project.

Proposal Submission Process

Q23: Is the call structured as pre-proposal followed by full proposal?

A23: Yes, it is a two-stage process. First proposals will be evaluated and only shortlisted pre-proposal will be invited for full proposal submission.

Q24: What are the mandatory documents required at the pre-proposal stage?

A24: Other Technical Details (OTD) and other relevant documents as mentioned in the ANRF online portal as per format only.

Q25: What file formats are accepted by the portal?

A25: Mostly PDF as specified on the portal.

Q26: Is a detailed budget required in the pre-proposal?

A26: No, only a high-level budget summary is needed as per the OTD format during pre-proposal submission. However detailed budget with bifurcation to each participating institution should be proposed at full proposal submission.

Q27: Can applicants edit or revise the proposal after submission?

A27: No, Once submitted, it cannot be edited at pre-proposal stage. At the full proposal stage only, suggestions of experts may be incorporated, if any.

Q28: Can proposals be jointly submitted by two or more institutions?

A28: Yes, through the consortium model.

Q29: What is the maximum size allowed for uploads on the portal?

A29: As specified on the portal (max size 20 MB).

Q30: Can the Lead PI add or replace PIs after submission?

A30: Not at pre-proposal stage. Allowed only at full proposal stage with appropriate justification & consent of PI will be required.

Q31: Is it mandatory to submit a Gantt chart at the pre-proposal stage?

A31: Not mandatory but recommended.

Q32: Is a Letter of Intent (LoI) required from industry/MSME/Startups partners?

A32: Yes, at the time of submission of full proposal.

Q33: Can international collaborators be included?

A33: Yes, they can participate as honorary investigators. However, the proposal does not entail any funding to international collaborators/investigators.

Q34: Can a proposal be withdrawn after submission?

A34: Yes, with a written request through online portal.

Q35: Is it mandatory for all consortium partners to register on the portal?

A35: Yes, all participating institutions must register on the ANRF portal.

Q36: Can a PI change the thematic vertical after submission?

A36: No, it cannot be changed.

Q37: Is plagiarism checked during proposal evaluation?

A37: Yes, high similarity index may lead to rejection.

Themes & Scope (Research Areas)

Q38: What thematic verticals are included under MAHA Water?

A38: Verticals are as follows:

• Water Resource Assessment and Sustainable Management: Hydrogeological mapping, aquifer recharge and forecasting of aquifer response, and precision modelling, integrated surface-groundwater systems and forecasting of their interdependency, snow and glacier monitoring for groundwater recharge zones, submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), sea water intrusion and its solutions.
• Drinking water: Low cost solutions for potable water to households through piped water supply systems across country.
• Water Quality, Human and Ecological Health: Water-food-energy nexus, treatment technologies for water, social hydrology, gender equity, and community-led innovation.
• Water Use Efficiency and Circular Economy: Water reuse & Circularity, new technologies for grey water management (industrial waste, fecal waste), agriculture & ET-based water management, potential usage of water in allied sectors of agriculture, mining, industry etc.
• Climate Resilience & Adaptation: Climate change impact on water resources, AI/ML-enabled decision support system, digitization of information and environmental surveillance.
• Any other: topic mutually decided to replace or be added.

Funding & Budget

Q39: Who will fund the projects under the MAHA Water?

A39: The funds for projects under the MAHA Water will be provided jointly by ANRF & MoJS via single window by ANRF.

Q40: What is the maximum funding available?

A40: Up to Rs 20 Crore.

Q41: What costs are covered under the grant?

A41: The funding covers:

• Non-Recurring head: Equipment’s
• Recurring head: research personal (JRFs/ SRFs/ RAs/other than JRF (As per ANRF norms)/ NPDFs, Project Scientists), Consumables, travel, field expenses, Contingency and other cost
• Overhead (As per ANRF norms)

Q42: Are high-capital projects supported?

A42: No, proposals with heavy capital expenditure will not be supported.

Q43: Can manpower be hired under the project?

A43: Yes as per ANRF norms.

Q44: Are travel expenses supported?

A44: Yes, for project-related travel.

Q45: Are international visits allowed?

A45: Yes, as per ANRF norms related to project work.

Q46: Is contingency allowed?

A46: Yes, as per ANRF norms.

Q47: Are overhead charges applicable?

A47: Yes, as per ANRF norms.

Q48: Are industry partners required to invest financially?

A48: Yes, 10% of the total cost of the project.

Q49: Are consultancy or honorarium charges allowed?

A49: No.

Industry, MSME& Startup Participation

Q50: Is an industry partner mandatory?

A50: Yes, participate with clear objectives.

Q51: What types of industries are eligible?

A51: Startups, MSMEs, large firms, and domain-relevant companies.

Q52: Can startups join a consortium?

A52: Yes. Startups can participate as collaborators/ Honorary investigators but no financial support and have to contribute 10% of the total budget cost.

Q53: Can startups apply directly as PI?

A53: No, only faculty/ scientists from academia/ research labs can apply as Lead PI/ PI (refer eligibility).

Q54: Are industry partners eligible for funding?

A54: The program does not entail funding to Industry Partners/Startups/ MSME.

Q55: What documents are needed from industry?

A55: LoI/Support Letter/MoU at the time of submission of full proposal.

Q56: Can multiple industry partners be included?

A56: Yes.

Q57: Can industry provide datasets or infrastructure?

A57: Yes, this will be encouraged.

Proposals & Deliverables

Q58: What must each funded project deliver?

A58: Each project is expected to deliver:

• Scalable and localized R&D & nature/ technological based solutions
• Clear Technology Readiness (TRL) milestones
• Strong public-private-academic linkages and enhanced water security

Q59: What is the format for a pre-proposal?

A59: Available on ANRF online portal.

Q60: When to submit a full proposal?

A60: A full proposal should be submitted only if the pre-proposal is selected.

Policies & Compliance

Q61: Under what IP policy must be followed?

A61: All funded projects must follow ANRF IP policy.