Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is set to significantly bolster social science research in India through expanded funding and inclusivity. With a projected budget of Rs 235 crore for the current financial year (excluding UG and PG research projects), ICSSR plans to support studies focused on vulnerable indigenous tribes, women-led research initiatives, and college and university student-led projects. The selected projects are expected to be announced by Jan next year.
Under Centre’s new directive, ICSSR will take a multi-pronged approach, including research on particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in India, longitudinal studies, and projects specifically for women scholars. PVTG studies, scheduled to begin early next year, aim to create a detailed database to inform research and policy and to document social, cultural, and environmental practices unique to these communities. This initiative will also investigate economic and social vulnerabilities faced by PVTGs.
ICSSR member secretary Prof Dhananjay Singh said, research will prioritise understanding cultural practices, sustainable living techniques, & climate adaptation strategies of these communities, which hold insights relevant to modern challenges of equity, social harmony, & environmental sustainability.
ICSSR’s focus on PVTGs reflects a growing governmental interest in data collection on marginalised groups. The research, open to faculty and researchers across India, especially those near tribal populations, will include surveys, interviews, & case studies to develop comprehensive datasets, which are lacking.
In addition to PVTG studies, ICSSR will introduce a research initiative for UG and PG students, aligning with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on early-stage research. Expected to launch in Feb 2025, this programme will allow up to 500 students to conduct independent research on topics like development, health, agriculture, technology, and culture, supported by ICSSR funding.
Another key initiative is ICSSR’s women-specific research project, which aims to increase women’s participation in India’s research ecosystem, particularly for those from marginalised backgrounds. With a funding range of up to Rs 30 lakh for major projects and Rs 15 lakh for minor projects, the council plans to support 150–200 women-led research projects, in alignment with PM Modi’s vision of an inclusive India.
Finally, it will expand its longitudinal studies programme, following success of its initial round earlier this year. These studies, spanning five years with funding up to Rs 3 crore per project, address critical policy and development areas like disaster management, climate change, agri-tech, and social health.
