RASTA Competitive Grants Programme (CGP) 6.0 – Pakistan

The ‘Research for Social Transformation and Advancement’ (RASTA) is the largest economics and public policy research grants programme in Pakistan. RASTA’s mission is to develop an extensive research network of academia and think tanks across Pakistan producing high-quality, evidence-based policy research to inform Pakistan’s public policy process.

The objectives of RASTA programme are to:

• Reduce research-policy gap by stimulating economic and social science research and debate across Pakistan.
• Provide a knowledge-sharing/generating platform where different actors can present and share evidence-based research to inform decision-making in the government.

With these objectives, the programme seeks to develop local thought communities and generate knowledge. Substantial outputs will be completed in critical areas of public policy that will produce insightful research and facilitate goals that the Government wants to achieve according to its vision.

Research proposals are invited on five broad themes around “Islaah” (means reform, correction). It is an intellectual drive by PIDE that encapsulates the ideals of “Rethink, Reform, and Revive”. It is a conscious effort and rigorous drive to engage in critical reflection, share insights, and propose pragmatic recommendations for fixing socio-economic and public policy problems the country is facing, leading it to the path of progress and prosperity.

Themes

• RASTA Competitive Grants Programme (CGP) 6.0 invites research proposals on the following themes/topics
  • Fiscal Management
    • Public Expenditure Review & Rationalization
    • Debt Management: Immediate Interventions
    • Circular Debt Management: Immediate Reforms
    • Fiscal Decentralisation: Strengthening the 18th Constitutional Amendment Agenda
  • Public Sector Management
    • Governance Reform – Permission Economy
    • Restructuring State-owned Enterprises
    • Public Private Partnerships
    • Government Footprint
  • Business, Investment and Exports
    • Domestic Commerce
    • Investment Opportunities
    • Compliance & Regulations
    • Tech for Competition and Growth
  • Institutions
    • Elections and Democracy: National, Provincial, and Local
    • Making Parliament Relevant
    • Higher Education: Expansion, Technology, Training, and Quality
    • Local Social Safety Networks
  • Gig Economy
    • Online Freelancing: Experience and Potential
    • Internet for All
    • Tech Skills for Freelancing Opportunities
    • Policy Communication and Influence through Social Media

Funding Information

• Budget Guidelines: The maximum grant available for a project is 5.0 million. Remuneration of maximum Rs. 150,000 per month for each member of the research team; a maximum of 70% of the total announced grant, i.e., Rs. 3.5 million can be availed under RASTA CGP. A research team can be comprised of a maximum of four members, including the PI. The Co-PIs may not be paid more than the PI. Income tax on remuneration will be deducted at source as per FBR rules. For field visits/ data collection, TADA/accommodation costs can be included as per the Federal Govt rules. A maximum of 03% contingency and 10% institutional overhead of the calculated budget are permissible; to be included within the upper limit of the grant.
• Disbursement of Funds: The disbursement of award money will occur in three tranches linked to the deliverables:
  • 30% upon selection of the proposal for an award and submission of the Inception Report
  • 30% upon satisfactory acceptance by the review panel of an Interim Report & presentation at the Mid-Term Review Workshop; and finally
  • 40% upon satisfactory acceptance by the review panel of the project’s final Research Paper & presentation at the RASTA Conference.
  • NOTE: There is No provision for any hardware/software purchases including data, books, laptops, software, equipment etc. Publishing, printing and dissemination of the study is the responsibility of RASTA. All CGP Awardees (RASTA Fellows) shall provide duly verified receipts of all expenses. If there is any unspent balance, it will be adjusted in the 3rd instalment. Detailed accounting procedures of RASTA will be shared afterwards.

Grant Description

• This is the RASTA Competitive Grants Programme’s (CGP) sixth call for research proposals. Submissions will be thoroughly reviewed, and the progress of award studies will be closely monitored by the ‘Research Advisory Committee’ (RAC) of RASTA. The following are the broad principles of the programme:
  • The maximum duration to complete a project will be 12 months. Shorter duration studies are encouraged.
  • Proposals will be evaluated by the choice of the problem and expected knowledge outcomes for countrywide or local development.
  • Applications will be thoroughly reviewed and discussed by the members of the RAC and the Review Panel before reaching the Award decision.
  • Reviewers’ comments on the research proposals will be shared with all applicants regardless of the outcome.
  • Mentor(s) will be assigned to provide technical assistance on each award study and M&E Desk at RASTA will facilitate the research process.
  • All data collected and work produced under RASTA will have to be submitted for authenticity checks.
  • Multiple conferences/workshops/webinars will be organized allowing all reviewers, award winners and sector specialists to see progress and develop network learning.
  • Evaluation of government initiatives, policies and processes, and assessment of institutions and their performance in broader socio-economic and development contexts are encouraged.
  • Female applicants, postgraduate university students, and researchers from less developed areas of Pakistan are encouraged to participate in the RASTA programme.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants’ Qualification: Research proposals are solicited from qualified individuals (and/or groups of individuals) interested in the economic development and public policy issues of Pakistan, including faculty members and staff at international and local universities and research institutes within and outside Pakistan. Freelancers, policy specialists and/or practitioners may also submit proposals to win the CGP Awards. Research proposals are encouraged from Pakistani university students enrolled in PhD and thesis-based MS/MPhil degree programmes at Pakistani and foreign universities, and/or from faculty members to support the research of these students.

For more information, visit RASTA.