The ‘Grant for Augmenting Infrastructure in North Eastern Region (GAINER)’ is meant to upgrade the infrastructure in technical institutions situated in the North East and fixed pain points like provision of clean water supply, adequate power and internet connectivity. The initiative, which will be implemented simultaneously across 23 institutions through the Indian Institute of Technology – Guwahati is intended to boost the functional efficiency of these and cut the day-to-day hassles facing students and faculty.
Objectives
- Provide solutions for water problems by funding water harvesting and supply projects.
- Ensure continuous electricity supply through captive solar energy installations or generators.
- Facilitate the establishment of high-speed internet connectivity to improve teaching and learning resources.
- Promote sustainable development and long-term infrastructural improvements.
Benefits
- Solving Water Problems Project
- Funding Limit: ₹15,00,000
- Duration: 2 years from the receipt of the first installment
- Power/Solar Energy Project
- Funding Limit: ₹20,00,000
- Duration: 6 months from the receipt of funds
- Internet Connection Project
- Funding Limit: ₹5,00,000
- Duration: 6 months from the receipt of funds
- Disbursement of Funds
- First Installment: 80% of the sanctioned grant as an advance.
- Second Installment: Remaining 20% reimbursed upon completion of the project and submission of all required documents.
Note: Failure to initiate the project within six months requires the institute to refund the grant with accrued interest.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Institutions:
- Government/Government-aided technical/engineering colleges, university departments, and polytechnic institutes in the North Eastern Region.
- Operational Tenure:
- The institution must have been operational for the last five years.
Application Process
Mode of Application:
- Offline Submission
Steps to Apply:
- Download Application Form: Obtain the application form for the GAINER scheme.
- Fill Out the Form: Ensure all details are completed, and each page of the form is signed and stamped by the Head of the Institute.
- Attach Documents: Attach all mandatory documents, including plans, estimates, and certificates.
- Submission: Send the completed application form and documents via registered or speed post to:
Advisor, Institutional Development Cell,
All India Council for Technical Education,
Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070
Documents Required
Water Problem Projects
- Detailed project plan and estimates.
- Abstract of the project estimates.
- PWD/CPWD rate certificate.
- Certification of expenditure beyond AICTE funding by the State Government or institution.
Procurement of Solar Power/Generator/Internet Connection
- Documentary proof of procurement costs.
- Certificate confirming additional expenditure will be met by the State Government or institution.
Post-Completion Requirements
- Annual Progress Report.
- Project Completion Report.
- Audited Utilization Certificate and Statement of Accounts.
Terms and Conditions
- Progress Reports: Submission of an annual progress report for ongoing projects.
- Completion Timeline: Projects must be completed within the specified duration to avoid penalties.
- Audit Requirements: All financial documents must be audited by the institution’s Finance Officer or a certified Chartered Accountant.
- Utilization of Funds: Institutions must adhere to the General Financial Rules (GFR) for procurement and fund utilization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the funding limit for each project under the scheme?
- Water Problem Projects: ₹15,00,000
- Power/Solar Energy Projects: ₹20,00,000
- Internet Connection Projects: ₹5,00,000
- Who can apply for the scheme?
- Government and Government-aided technical institutions, engineering colleges, university departments, and polytechnic institutes in the North East with at least 5 years of operational tenure.
- What happens if the project is not initiated within six months?
- The institute must refund the grant along with accrued interest to AICTE.
- Who audits the financial documents?
- The institution’s Finance Officer or a certified Chartered Accountant.
- What documents are required for solar power equipment or generator procurement?
- Proof of cost and purchase procedure as per GFR.
Sources and References
- AICTE Official Guidelines
- Contact: AICTE Institutional Development Cell
For further assistance, institutions are advised to contact the Institutional Development Cell at AICTE or refer to the official guidelines.