The universities have been the centres of research. Although, the Government has a ne twork of science and technology laboratories for research and development, the major base of researchers in science and technolog y remains with t he univ ersities and colleges. Hence, university and college teachers need to be supported to meet their requir ements for individual research in specialized areas. To promot e excellence in research in higher edu cation by supporting rese arch programmes of University and College teachers in various disciplines.